The Laboratory & Process Quality Technician is responsible for performing laboratory testing, monitoring foundry process controls, and analyzing quality data to ensure raw materials, molding sand, molten metal, and finished castings meet established standards. This position plays a critical role in preventing defects by identifying process trends, monitoring scrap performance, and providing timely feedback to production and engineering teams. The technician will support continuous improvement initiatives through data-driven analysis, laboratory testing, and proactive quality reporting. Key Responsibilities Perform routine laboratory testing on molding sand, raw materials, molten metal, and finished castings.
Perform metallurgical evaluations including:
Reduced Pressure Testing (RPT) Thermal Analysis Density/Specific Gravity verification Hardness testing Metallographic sample preparation and evaluation (when required) Monitor and record molding sand properties including: Moisture Permeability Compactability Green Compression Strength Clay Content Methylene Blue (when applicable) Verify molten metal chemistry and quality using laboratory equipment and established procedures. Collect production samples and accurately document laboratory results. Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly foundry scrap trends by department, machine, part number, customer, alloy, defect type, mold line, and shift. Maintain scrap dashboards and communicate emerging quality trends before they become significant production issues. Work with production, engineering, and quality teams to identify root causes of recurring defects and verify corrective actions. Assist in investigations involving customer returns, internal scrap, and process deviations. Issue quality alerts when abnormal trends are identified. Support Statistical Process Control (SPC) by monitoring key process variables and notifying production when control limits are exceeded. Calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment and testing instruments. Maintain laboratory records and prepare daily and weekly quality reports. Participate in process improvement projects focused on reducing scrap, improving yield, and increasing process capability. Ensure compliance with company quality standards, safety procedures, and environmental requirements. Qualifications Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Quality Technology, or related field preferred. Laboratory or foundry experience preferred. Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications. Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, and quality reporting software. Experience with ERP systems and production reporting is a plus. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent organizational and communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with production, engineering, and management. Preferred Skills Understanding of aluminum metallurgy and casting processes. Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC). Experience with Pareto analysis, trend analysis, and root cause methodologies. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
Experience using quality tools including:
Pareto Charts Control Charts Fishbone Diagrams 5 Why Analysis Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Experience developing quality dashboards and KPI reporting. Familiarity with
ISO 9001
quality systems. Physical Requirements Ability to stand and walk throughout the workday. Comfortable working in both laboratory and foundry production environments. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally. Ability to wear required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, respirators (when required), and heat-resistant PPE. Ability to work in elevated temperatures and industrial manufacturing environments.
Pay:
$18.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance
