Quality Assurance Lab Operator

Company Background

Del Conca USA is a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial porcelain tiles and outdoor pavers, proudly producing our products in the USA at our state-of-the-art factory. The Del Conca Group is one of the most significant industrial entities in the Italian ceramic tile industry, comprising four manufacturing companies – Ceramica Faetano, Ceramica del Conca, Pastorelli, and Del Conca USA Inc. – a business corporation – Produco – and the Cino Mularoni Foundation, which is dedicated to social and cultural initiatives. Today, the Del Conca Group is recognized internationally for the superior quality of its products, the excellence of its service, its innovative capabilities, and the distinguished design it offers. After years of substantial investments in production capacity and global sales growth, the Del Conca Group has established itself as one of the leading and most important ceramic tile groups in Europe.

The planning and design of each collection is conceived and carried out in Italy, in the Group’s own research facility. An across-the-board creative process, the fruit of intensive teamwork involving designers, laboratory, and quality technicians to ensure uniquely distinctive products; all made in the USA at the high-tech facility in Loudon, TN, the latest proud achievement of the Del Conca Group.

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Operator is responsible for performing in-process inspections, testing, and product audits to ensure all raw materials and finished product meet established specifications and quality standards. This position collects samples throughout production areas, performs laboratory and line testing, documents results, and communicates quality concerns promptly. The role requires working around large machinery, on elevated platforms, and in active production areas while maintaining strict adherence to OSHA and company safety procedures. Strong attention to detail, data accuracy, and independent problem-solving are essential to success in this role.

This position will train for 1 month 7am - 3:30pm M-F then move to 10:30pm - 7am shift M-F plus 1 Saturday per month 8am - 2:30.pm

Training pay= $17/hr. On-shift pay= $18.60/hr.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collect material and product samples from raw material and production areas, including around large machinery and elevated platforms.
• Perform in-process quality checks and testing in all production areas and in the Quality Control Lab to ensure processes are within specification.
• Operate laboratory instruments and test equipment to conduct quality tests as required.
• Audit product being selected and packaged on selection lines to verify labeling, selection, and packaging meet established specifications.
• Continually perform visual inspections to ensure product quality standards are achieved.
• Maintain quality control logs in accordance with established procedures.
• Input test results into quality computer systems and Excel spreadsheets and verify accuracy of data.
• Identify and flag any quality problems and promptly notify the Quality Control Supervisor and/or Production Supervisor.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and problem solving when quality issues arise.
• Ensure adequate levels of operating supplies such as glue sticks, tape, and other materials are maintained.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, team leaders, and operators regarding concerns or issues.
• Maintain an organized work area and prioritize tasks to ensure daily responsibilities are completed.
• Comply with OSHA and company safety regulations and maintain clean and orderly work areas.
• Lift and move completed product weighing up to approximately 60 pounds as required.
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support product quality and production operations.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• One (1) or more years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Must be highly detail oriented and able to perform duties independently.
• Must possess basic computer skills necessary to operate lab equipment, Excel spreadsheets, and quality software systems.
• Must be highly motivated and able to work independently.
• Must be able to lift and move objects up to 60 pounds consistently, with heavier weights as necessary at times.

Competency

• Communication Skills – Clear verbal and written communication; active listening.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Works effectively with others across departments to achieve quality and production goals.
• Safety Awareness – Demonstrated commitment to OSHA and company safety procedures, PPE use, and hazard recognition when working around machinery and elevated platforms.
• Problem-Solving – Identifies issues, evaluates options, and implements appropriate corrective actions.
• Attention to Detail – Accurately performs inspections, testing, and documentation.
• Adaptability – Able to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and adjust to changing priorities or production demands.
• Dependability – Demonstrates reliable attendance, accountability, and completion of assigned tasks safely and efficiently.

Physical Demands

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The requirements listed in this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).

• Frequently required to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift while working in production and laboratory areas.
• Regularly use hands to handle, grasp, and feel tiles, samples, containers, labels, and testing equipment.
• Reach with hands and arms to retrieve samples, operate testing devices, and access materials on racks or platforms.
• Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or climb stairs and platforms to collect samples or conduct inspections.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and move boxes, tiles, or materials weighing up to 60 pounds regularly.
• Must have sufficient manual dexterity to operate testing equipment, computer keyboards, and measurement tools.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision for inspection and testing, distance vision for line observation, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to hear alarms, warning signals, radio communication, and verbal instructions in a production environment.

Work Environment

The Quality Assurance Operator works in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, heat, and moving machinery. Temperatures may vary depending on production processes and seasonal conditions. The position requires regular work around conveyors, forklifts, and other powered equipment, as well as periodic work on elevated platforms. While performing duties, the employee is frequently exposed to moderate to loud noise levels and must remain alert to surrounding activity. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) — including safety glasses, gloves, cut-resistant sleeves, hearing protection, and steel toe boots — must be worn at all times.