A quality control analyst’s job responsibilities vary depending on the products that are produced.
Quality control refers to the process of checking and examining specific products to make sure that they meet the required quality standards. Its main objective is to ensure that the organization is able to meet its set standards.
Quality control process includes providing specific standards about how much product variation is acceptable. More so, making sure that all manufactured products as well as provided services are able to meet the customers needs and expectations.
What is a quality control analyst?
The people who are responsible for this type of job are called quality control analysts. Aside from the title quality control analyst, other companies also name this role as:
- Quality control associate
- Quality control technician
- Quality control specialist
These people tests, examines and evaluates the overall quality of raw materials and finished products to make sure they all meet the predefined standards.
Roles and responsibilities of a quality control analyst
A quality control analyst’s job responsibilities vary depending on the products that are produced.
In general, these people conduct stability tests, routine and non-routine analysis of finished goods, raw materials, in-process materials and more.
Other roles and responsibilities of a quality control analyst may include the following:
- Provide assistance to production staff in terms of quality control procedures.
- Documentation and record keeping to show that tests have been completed and whether the products have met the standards or not.
- Analyze defective products and ensure proper documentation.
- Work with other quality control teams to create solutions and implement new procedures and protocols for discrepancies.
- Test and measure products, and compare the measurements to the predefined standard specifications.
- Compile all test outcomes for senior management.
Skills required to become a quality control analyst
To become a qualified quality control analyst, one must possess the following skills:
- Strong attention to detail – they must be able to quickly spot inconsistencies and take immediate effective corrective actions. Being able to determine errors and problems early will reduce wasted time and products.
- Good communication skills – part of the job as a quality control analyst is to work collaboratively with people from across the manufacturing process. Oftentimes, they will also have to work with production teams to discuss specific matters like defects, procedures, and implementation of new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Written communication skills – documentation is one of the roles of a quality control analyst. It is an important requirement for industry compliance.
- Can work effectively with a team – as mentioned above, this type of job role will mostly include having to work with different teams to gather and record information.
As for the educational background, people with high school level education are qualified to become a quality control analyst. Other companies require industry experience to qualify for an entry-level position. Most companies provide a series of training for the right candidates.
