A quality specialist, also known as a quality assurance specialist, is an engineer who helps an entire organization improve the quality of a specific product. Because these specialists work in almost every industry, job descriptions for this position will differ significantly. A quality specialist, in general, has a wealth of knowledge about specific machinery, equipment, technology, or manufacturing processes and applies that knowledge to products or processes at all stages of development, from conception to completion. This specialist may only require a high school diploma, but an advanced engineering degree may be required, depending on the industry and product.
The specialist may become an expert in a particular industry area as a result of their experience and time spent in the manufacturing process. This breadth of experience, when combined with strong analytical skills, quality awareness, and a systematic approach to the tasks of this type of job, enables the specialist to keep track of all products or processes in his domain. Working knowledge of a variety of data analysis computer programs is also required for this position.
Quality control specialists may inspect materials before they are sent to the production line or inspect finished components as they exit the assembly line. The amount of training required for the job is determined by the type of work. In most cases, the job only requires a high school diploma or some experience in a specific field. A quality specialist, for example, can inspect the seams in various types of clothing without specialized training or an advanced degree. Working for a company that designs and manufactures complex machinery, such as wind turbines or automobiles, may necessitate a college degree in a related engineering field.
In order to carry out the responsibilities of this job, teamwork, collaboration, and excellent interpersonal communication skills are required. Most quality specialists will be part of a team or will be in charge of a team of quality specialists. In order to meet certain goals or specifications, this may necessitate a strong sense of leadership and the ability to work closely with a wide range of people. This job also requires the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other departments, vendors, outside companies, executives, and managers.