Quality Technician (New Ulm)

Description:

If you’re interested in becoming an Employee-Owner, read on…

Windings, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company, meaning every employee-owner shares in our success. Since becoming an ESOP in 1998, we’ve contributed 10–12% of annual pay toward retirement at no cost to employees, helping build long-term financial security through shared ownership.

For over 60 years, Windings has designed and manufactured custom motors and components for some of the most demanding environments on Earth—and beyond—including aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, motorsports, and deep drilling applications. If you enjoy tackling the “tough stuff,” you’ll feel right at home here as we live our purpose:

“Making our Customer’s Critical Mission Possible.”

We’re currently seeking a Quality Technician who is detail-driven, collaborative, and passionate about maintaining high standards in a precision manufacturing environment. This role plays a vital part in ensuring compliance with AS9100, conducting inspections, supporting audits, analyzing quality data, and partnering cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement.

What you will be responsible for:

- Analyze quality data, identify trends, and support corrective actions to improve product quality and process efficiency

- Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and other teams to resolve quality issues and implement improvements

- Maintain accurate documentation of inspections, tests, and findings in compliance with internal requirements, AS9100, and regulatory standards

- Assist with developing and implementing quality assurance procedures, protocols, and best practices aligned with AS9100

- Conduct internal audits and participate in external audits as required

- Provide training and support to production teams on quality standards, procedures, and AS9100 compliance

- Present quality data and metrics to management in a clear, meaningful way

- Support, review, and maintain LCR documentation

- Participate in First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation review and generation

- Track, monitor, and report non-conformances, including control and disposition of non-conforming products

- Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

What you need…

Education

- High School Diploma or equivalent (required)

- Two-year degree and/or equivalent quality-related training (preferred)

- Quality-related certification (a plus)

Experience

- Experience working in a manufacturing quality environment

- Experience conducting internal audits and supporting external audits (preferred)

Knowledge / Skills

- Strong understanding of AS9100 quality management systems

- Proficiency with quality inspections, measurements, and testing tools

- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and GD&T

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis

- Experience with continuous improvement methodologies

- Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate cross-functionally

- Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, ERP systems, and QMS software

- Leadership presence with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization

What you will get...

- An awesome employee-ownership culture

- Full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, disability, life and more)

- Paid time off

- 401k match and ESOP contributions

- Flexible work environment

- Education reimbursement

$20 - $24 per hour / annual DOQ

We are committed to providing pay ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations. The listed pay range is provided in good faith and is subject to adjustments in accordance with company policies and market conditions.

This position is eligible to participate in a performance-based bonus program based on company performance goals. Bonus payouts are not guaranteed and are determined at the company's discretion.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. Specific vision ability by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Other Requirements:

Because employees in this position must handle information covered by the International Trade and Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), successful applicants will be: (1) required to verify their identity and their status as a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or person granted refugee or asylee status (or equivalent) in the U.S.; OR (2) undergo additional steps, including but not limited to licensure from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and/or the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Windings is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected Veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

No Soliciting

Windings will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to Windings job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Windings Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Windings Talent Acquisition team.