Quality Controller

Job Description: Quality Control (QC) Inspector / Executive – Rubber Manufacturing

Department: Quality Control / Quality Assurance
Reports To: QC Manager / Quality Head
Location: Coimbatore
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Purpose

To ensure all raw materials, in-process rubber compounds, and finished rubber products meet customer specifications, applicable standards, and internal quality requirements through systematic inspection, testing, and documentation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Incoming Material Inspection

• Inspect and test raw materials (natural rubber, synthetic rubber, carbon black, fillers, oils, curatives, chemicals) against specifications
• Verify supplier Certificates of Analysis (COA) and approve or reject lots
• Maintain material traceability and batch records

2. In-Process Quality Control

• Test rubber compounds for Mooney viscosity, specific gravity, hardness, and cure characteristics using the rheometer (MDR/ODR)
• Monitor mixing, calendering, moulding, and curing parameters
• Conduct first-piece and periodic inspections during production
• Identify deviations and stop or hold non-conforming material

3. Finished Product Inspection

• Check dimensions, appearance, and tolerances using vernier, micrometer, gauges, and measuring equipment
• Test physical properties: tensile strength, elongation, tear strength, hardness (Shore A), compression set, and ageing resistance
• Perform final inspection before dispatch and approve release

4. Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare and maintain inspection reports, test certificates, and quality records
• Maintain batch cards, control plans, and checklists
• Support ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 audits and customer audits
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards (ASTM, ISO, IS, customer specs)

5. Non-Conformance & Corrective Action

• Record and investigate rejections and customer complaints
• Conduct root cause analysis (5 Why, Fishbone)
• Implement and follow up on corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)

6. Calibration & Equipment

• Ensure testing instruments and gauges are calibrated on schedule
• Maintain lab equipment and keep the testing area clean and organized

7. Continuous Improvement

• Analyze rejection and defect data to reduce scrap and rework
• Support SPC, Kaizen, 5S, and quality improvement initiatives
• Coordinate with production, maintenance, purchase, and R&D teams

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Diploma / B.Sc. / B.E. / B.Tech in Rubber Technology, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Mechanical, or related field
• Experience: 1–5 years in a rubber or polymer manufacturing QC role (freshers with relevant training may be considered for inspector level)

Skills & Competencies

Technical

• Knowledge of rubber compounding, processing, and testing methods
• Hands-on experience with rheometer, Mooney viscometer, tensile testing machine, hardness tester, and measuring instruments
• Understanding of ASTM/ISO test standards and drawing reading
• Familiarity with SPC, MSA, FMEA, and control plans

Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Good record-keeping and report-writing ability
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
• Effective communication and teamwork
• Basic computer skills (MS Excel, Word)

Working Conditions

• Shop floor and laboratory environment
• Exposure to rubber fumes, heat, and moving machinery; PPE required
• Shift work may be required

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Customer complaint rate and PPM
• In-process and final rejection percentage
• On-time inspection and report completion
• Audit findings closure rate
• Calibration compliance

Pay: ₹18,000.00 - ₹40,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person