Quality Assurance Supervisor (1st Shift)

Job Title: Supervisor

Company: Aisin Automotive Casting Tennessee Inc.

Department: Quality Assurance

Location: Clinton, TN

Position Summary

The QA Supervisor provides leadership and technical oversight of laboratory and advanced metrology operations. The Supervisor is responsible for calibration systems, measurement system analysis, advanced inspection technologies, receiving inspection, durability testing, laboratory development, and technical competency of quality personnel. This position serves as the organization's primary technical resource for measurement systems while supporting manufacturing and quality objectives through accurate and reliable inspection methods.

Position Responsibilities

The incumbent is expected to perform the following functions that the company has determined are essential to this position:

Technical Laboratory Leadership

• Direct and coordinate advanced metrology and laboratory activities.
• Establish testing priorities and allocate laboratory resources to support production and customer requirements.
• Provide technical guidance regarding measurement systems, inspection methods, and data interpretation.
• Support plant quality initiatives through application of metrology and testing expertise.
• Escalate significant technical, quality, or laboratory capability concerns to management.

Advanced Metrology and Laboratory Management

• Supervise operation of specialized laboratory functions including:
• CMM inspection
• 3D scanning and digital measurement technologies
• Receiving inspection
• Calibration and Measurement System Analysis (MAS)
• Durability and warranty testing
• Ensure inspection methods and measurement systems are properly developed, validated, and maintained.
• Review laboratory results and provide technical guidance regarding measurement-related concerns.
• Promote continuous improvement of laboratory capabilities and measurement accuracy.

Calibration and Measurement System Management

• Maintain the company calibration system and associated records.
• Ensure measuring and test equipment remains calibrated and compliant.
• Ensure production gages and measurement devices are available and suitable for use.
• Monitor overdue, damaged, or out-of-tolerance equipment and ensure appropriate actions are taken.

• Ensure MSA studies and measurement capability evaluations are completed and escalated when necessary.
• Coordinate response to damaged, missing, or suspect measurement equipment identified in production areas.

• Support gage selection, measurement strategy development, and equipment replacement planning.
• Ensure traceability and compliance with applicable quality system requirements.

Receiving Inspection and Testing

• Oversee receiving inspection processes and laboratory testing activities.
• Establish inspection methods and acceptance criteria for incoming materials when required.
• Support supplier quality activities through inspection data and technical evaluation.
• Monitor testing effectiveness and laboratory turnaround performance.

Quality System Management

• Ensure laboratory activities comply with company procedures, ISO:9001 / IATF 16949, and customer requirements.
• Support internal audits, customer audits, certification audits, and corrective action activities.
• Maintain laboratory documentation and technical records.
• Provide technical support during root cause investigations and problem-solving activities.

Technical Development and Training

• Develop metrology knowledge and technical competency of lab personnel.
• Establish training programs for advanced measurement technologies and quality tools.
• Ensure personnel maintain proficiency in measurement techniques and lab procedures.
• Mentor Team Leaders, and Specialists in metrology-related disciplines.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive improvements in lab capability, measurement accuracy, testing efficiency, and response time.
• Identify and implement new metrology technologies and best practices.

• Lead technical improvement projects supporting product and process quality.
• Maintain 3 Pillar system in assigned areas of the Quality Lab.

Safety and Workplace Organization

• Ensure safe work practices and compliance with company safety requirements.
• Verify completion of safety inspections and 5S activities.
• Address unsafe conditions and behaviors promptly.
• Promote accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises QA Specialists.
• Provides coaching, technical development, and performance management.
• Monitor staffing levels, attendance, and training requirements.
• Responsible for staffing recommendations, competency development, and employee performance oversight.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the QC Supervisor to ensure effective coordination of quality activities.
• Communicate containment needs, laboratory priorities, resource constraints, and quality risks in a timely manner.
• Support one another's teams during abnormal conditions, customer concerns, production disruptions, and major quality investigations.
• Collaborate on root cause investigations, corrective actions, escalation decisions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain alignment between operational quality requirements and technical laboratory capabilities.
• Communicate escalated metrology concerns with appropriate manufacturing personnel.
• Work with appropriate engineering personnel to develop and maintain metrology systems.

Required Skills and Abilities

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Microsoft Office Suites

Beneficial Skills and Experience

• Metrology principles
• Metrology systems analysis