Quality Lead Technician at USA 3M Company in Brookings, South Dakota

Job Description:

Job Description:

Quality Lead Technician

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World

Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a diversity of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with 96,000 other curious, creative 3Mers.

“3M’s culture is driven by curious, spirited and collaborative people who are constantly asking ‘What if?’ And the many talents of 3Mers around the globe have me incredibly excited about what’s to come next.” – Kristen Ludgate, senior vice president of Human Resources at 3M

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military environments to a 3M career.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

The person hired for the position of Quality Lead Technician will coordinate quality testing and provide training in the Coating Laboratory.

As a Quality Lead Technician, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people around the world.  Here, you will be making an impact by:

• Working a flexible shift that would provide some coverage over both day and night to support 4-crew operations.


• Performing complex tests, and/or experiments and analyses of materials and product samples in the Coating Laboratory to ensure product quality, using various testing methodologies and equipment.


• Providing analyses based on a complete understanding of quality procedures, basic statistics, techniques, products, and equipment and on knowledge of the production operation. Recommending changes in procedures and standards as required.


• Conducting training for QC technicians when issued on-the-job (OTJ) checklists and ensuring competency and timely completion of OTJs.


• Performing calibration and preventive maintenance of test equipment and standardization procedures prior to equipment use. Operating test equipment.


• Documenting test results, maintaining records, and preparing summary reports that may be used by other departments. Communicating results to appropriate staff. Setting priorities within the framework of requests or production needs.


• Assisting and training in basic quality principles and procedures. Participating as a team member on problem solving teams or test method development teams.


• Completing or coordinating special requests from engineers and/or supervisor.  Making testing plans for scheduled experimental runs and ensuring requested testing can be accommodated.


• Providing training in quality practices and procedures such as test methods, quality systems, equipment and computer operations.  May coordinate and review work for other technicians.


• Maintaining assigned SOPs.


• Performing audits of products and processes.

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED or higher (completed and verified prior to start) from an accredited institution


• Two (2) years quality technician experience


• Three (3) years regulated manufacturing facility experience

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

• Brookings Coating QC Technician experience


• Must have the ability to read and understand written and oral instructions accurately


• Must have demonstrated organization skills and the ability to multi-task


• Communication skills- both written and verbal


• Proficient use of computer programs for material disposition and analysis


• Able to work within a close team environment, which includes co-workers, supervisors, engineers and production personnel


• ASQ Certification

Travel:  May include up to 5% domestic/international

Relocation Assistance:  Is not authorized

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Supporting Your Well-being 

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life – both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope. 

Resources for You 

For more details on what happens before, during and after the interview process, check out the Insights for Candidates page at 3M.com/careers. 

Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M.

Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.

3M is an equal opportunity employer.  3M  will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.

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