Quality Technician

DescriptionWhisker is redefining what it means to live with cats—designing intelligent systems that remove friction, elevate the everyday, and celebrate the quiet brilliance of feline companionship. Today, Litter-Robot leads the category. Tomorrow, an entire ecosystem that expands what’s possible for cats and the people who love them. We believe the future is feline. And we’re imagining that future today.We work onsite with our team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Juneau, Wisconsin. Our team of 700+ passionate pet people thrives on collaboration, innovation, and the occasional office cameo from a four-legged friend.What You'll Do:The Reconditioned (Recon) Quality Technician provides frontline support for quality-related issues across all reconditioning processes. This role is responsible for identifying, investigating, and helping resolve product and process concerns as they arise. Key responsibilities include performing routine audits throughout the recon facility to ensure compliance with quality standards and conducting detailed teardown analyses to determine root causes of defective returned units.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.Monitors products and manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with established quality standards, specifications, and customer requirementsPerforms detailed teardown analyses on defective reconditioned products, documenting findings and identifying root causes to support corrective and preventive actionsResponds promptly to radio calls from production teams to identify, quarantine, and document non-conforming materials or products, ensuring accurate tracking and resolutionConducts routine and targeted floor audits to verify incoming part quality, in-process controls, and finished product integrity; provide feedback and recommendations for process improvementsTroubleshoots complex and recurring production issues, including process variation, equipment inconsistencies, and material defects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement effective solutionsOversees the proper identification, segregation, documentation, and disposal of scrap materials in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirementsCollects, analyzes, and maintains key performance data, including efficiency metrics, scrap rates, and test results, to support operational reviews and continuous improvement initiativesAssists Quality Engineers with the introduction of new or revised reconditioned products, including validation activities, documentation updates, and process readinessActively supports and participates in continuous improvement efforts such as root cause analysis, corrective actions, and lean manufacturing initiativesServes as a communication link between departments and across shifts, ensuring critical quality and production information is effectively shared to drive consistent plant performancePerforms all duties in accordance with safety policies and procedures, promoting a safe and constructive work environment at all timesDemonstrates flexibility by taking on additional tasks and responsibilities as required to support business needs and operational goalsWill perform additional responsibilities when requiredRequirementsRequirements & QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience requiredStrong attendance and reliability are essential due to the critical nature of this role within a small teamProficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and/or Google Workspace toolsDemonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a positive, team-oriented mindsetHighly organized and detail-oriented, with a focus on efficiency and accuracyAbility to perform effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environmentStrong time management skills with the ability to work independently and with minimal supervisionReceptive to coaching, direction, and feedback, and able to provide the same in a constructive mannerCommitted to accountability, upholding personal and team standards and expectationsCapable of following instructions and safely using hand and power tools as requiredMaintains confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary informationAble to remain professional and composed in a dynamic environment with frequent interactions and interruptionsDemonstrates initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to positively influence othersBuilds and maintains strong, cooperative working relationships with team members and cross-functional partnersComfortable working in an environment with office pets (cats and dogs)Not Required but Nice to Have!Associate degree or two-year technical certification in Quality, Manufacturing, or a related fieldExperience as a Quality Technician in a high-volume production environment; consumer electronics experience preferredWorking knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologiesLean Six Sigma (LSS) and/or American Society for Quality (ASQ) certification preferredFamiliarity with ISO 9001 standards and quality management systemsAbility to read and interpret engineered drawings and technical specificationsBilingual in Spanish preferredPrevious experience with plastic injection molding and printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing is a plusPhysical Demands and Work EnvironmentThe physical demands outlined below represent those that a Team Member must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The Team Member frequently uses their hands to handle or feel objects and occasionally stands, walks, and reaches with their hands and arms. The Team Member must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 75 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.The work environment characteristics described here represent those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.Benefits & Purrks: Join a tenacious, inventive company that empowers team members to chart their own path, lead by grounding decisions in the “why”, and has a strong sense of empathy and openness to new perspectives. Be a part of exciting growth, work with incredible people, and create tomorrow’s pet products—plus a whole lot of extras. You will also be provided with:Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurancePaid parental leaveWhisker Parents Program1 day "pawternity" leave for new pet adoptionPet Insurance Discount401K matchFlexible spending accountsCompany-paid short-term disability and life insuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Generous paid time off14 Paid HolidaysTop of the line equipmentPet-friendly officeWhisker products and swagContinuing education SupportOn-site gym with PelotonReferral programStatement of Inclusivity:We believe different perspectives make Whisker better and strive to create a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.Please ensure to regularly check your email spam folder for any communication from Whisker to avoid missing important updates regarding your application status. Whisker will not ask you to interview with an AI chat bot. We ask that all interviewees refrain from using any AI tools during interviews with Whisker team members.