Job Overview

Job Overview

As a Quality Specialist within the Loading Business Unit at  Komatsu, you will play a crucial role in upholding and advancing our commitment to excellence and operational efficiency. This role is embedded in our Longview, Texas operations, where proactive quality assurance and continuous improvement contribute directly to our success and reputation in the industry.

The specialist will actively collaborate with various teams, including performance leaders, human resources, and quality management, to develop, implement, and support learning and development initiatives tailored to enhance individual, departmental, and organizational competencies. Your proactive involvement in quality initiatives will focus on minimizing quality-associated costs such as scrap, rework, and warranty expenses, thereby fostering sustainable manufacturing practices.

In addition to providing direct operational support for investigating manufacturing issues identified during production or post-sale, you will also be responsible for maintaining, updating, and ensuring compliance with Quality Management System (QMS) documentation. This includes procedures, work instructions, quality plans, manufacturing process plans, and inspection and test plans that collectively uphold the integrity of our processes and products.

Safety is paramount in all activities, and this position requires a dedicated commitment to consistently advocate for and practice safe working environments. Your role will be integral in promoting a culture of safety and quality awareness across all levels of manufacturing operations.

Key Job Responsibilities

Key Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with performance leaders and human resources to identify, plan, and execute targeted learning and development programs that meet specific individual, departmental, and location needs, thereby enhancing overall workforce capability.
• Partner with the Quality Manager and quality personnel to actively participate in initiatives designed to reduce the cost of quality, including strategies to minimize scrap, rework, and warranty claims, supporting our financial goals and product excellence.
• Provide expert support to manufacturing operations by investigating and resolving quality problems detected during production or following product release, utilizing root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies to ensure lasting resolutions.
• Maintain and support documentation aligned with the Quality Management System, including but not limited to quality procedures, work instructions, quality plans, manufacturing process plans, and inspection and test plans, ensuring that all materials are up-to-date and compliant with regulatory and internal standards.
• Champion a culture of safety by modeling and enforcing safe work practices, and advocating for comprehensive safety standards in every aspect of manufacturing and quality assurance activities.
• Assist and contribute to continuous improvement projects and quality audits, supporting the achievement of operational excellence and compliance with industry regulations.

Qualifications/Requirements

Qualifications/Requirements

• Education and Experience: Associate's degree in a relevant technical field with a minimum of two years of applied experience in quality assurance or manufacturing environments. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree should have at least one year of relevant experience. Certification as a Certified Quality Technician (CQT) from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) is highly desirable.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex documents such as safety regulations, maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals. Effective communication skills are essential for preparing reports, writing correspondence, and presenting information clearly to diverse audiences including teams and management.
• Mathematical and Analytical Skills: Ability to perform accurate calculations related to discounts, proportions, percentages, area, volume, and other measurements. Strong analytical skills to interpret data and utilize quality tools effectively.
• Quality Knowledge: Solid understanding of quality concepts and methodologies including Six Sigma principles, cost of quality, and quality process applications. Capable of applying quality tools and participating in team-based problem-solving activities both as a contributor and as a leader.
• Statistical Techniques: Competence in applying statistical methods such as design of experiments (DOE), reliability analysis, and data collection strategies tailored to specific quality challenges.
• Measurement and Inspection Expertise: Knowledgeable in selecting appropriate measurement and test equipment, assessing tool accuracy and precision, and understanding standards traceability. Skilled in interpreting blueprints and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Corrective and Preventive Actions: Experienced in executing root cause analyses and controlling nonconforming materials through effective corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence of quality issues.

Additional Information

Surface is an inclusive and forward-thinking company committed to providing equal opportunities for all team members. We offer a supportive environment where innovation, integrity, and continuous improvement are valued. Join us to contribute to impactful projects, advance your career through ongoing development opportunities, and help us deliver superior quality products to our customers.