Mechanical Quality Operations Lead (Manufacturing)

Join a Mission that Champions Makers

For over a century, AMACO has enabled artists, students, and educators with category-defining clays, lead-free glazes, kilns, and potter’s wheels. We believe creating art fuels learning, self-expression, craftsmanship, and community. As our Mechanical Quality Operations Lead, you’ll safeguard the standard of excellence our customers expect—while helping the team continuously improve how we work.

Your Mission

Lead a small mechanical QA team to deliver defect prevention, rapid detection, and disciplined problem solving—so safe, reliable products reach our customers on time.

Core Responsibilities

• Set daily priorities, distribute work, and provide guidance to the Mechanical QA team.
• Identify and place suspect material on hold; complete NAV actions and manage physical disposition.
• Ensure adherence to safety and quality procedures in all tasks.
• Support new product runoffs, process changes, and validations.
• Perform dock audits and incoming inspections on mechanical components and materials.
• Own monthly QC Hold inventory reconciliation.
• Contribute in QA/Mechanical meetings and maintain a safe, orderly area.
• Create and present virtual and live Gemba reports highlighting risks and improvements.
• Drive Kaizen initiatives and continuous improvement culture.
• Execute root cause investigations using A3, fishbone diagrams, and 5 Whys.
• Generate and interpret inspection reports; apply SPC and statistical analysis.
• Train team members on hand gages (height gages, micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, bore gages, etc.).
• Improve work instructions and TWI standards.
• Assist Shipping with QA documentation and reporting.
• Conduct MSA studies including Gage R&R and capability analyses.
• Develop data-driven insights and presentations with Excel and PowerPoint.
• Encourage cross-training across departments to build resilience.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years in quality or formal quality training.
• 4+ years of relevant manufacturing experience.
• Preferred: Measurement analysis, paint defect expertise, and familiarity with electrical motors.
• Preferred: End-user experience with pottery wheels and slab rollers.
• Leadership that blends delegation with hands-on support.
• Working knowledge of quality systems and precision measurement equipment.
• SPC/statistical literacy and a passion for best practices.
• Fluency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Excellent organization, documentation, and attention to detail.
• Clear, respectful communicator; strong customer focus.
• Independent and collaborative decision-maker; adept at time management and multitasking.

Work Environment

Mechanical setting with frequent exposure to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration. Noise levels can be loud.

Physical Demands

Regularly required to talk/hear. Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands for simple grasping/fine manipulation, handle/feel, and reach. Frequently required to sit, climb/balance, bend or squat, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must frequently carry, push, or pull medium weights, and lift and/or move up to 75+ pounds. Specific vision abilities include close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Schedule & Reporting

• Full-time; Monday–Thursday; 40+ hours per week.
• Occasional overtime based on business needs.
• No travel expected.
• Reports to: In-Process Supervisor

Legal

**Classification: **

Salary Non-Exempt

***Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities. *

EEO Statement:

AMACO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: AMACO is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at AMACO are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the location where we operate. AMACO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Notes

Job responsibilities and activities may evolve at any time with or without notice.