Collation QC Associate

Fanatics Collectibles•Sunnyvale, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Collation Quality Control Associate is responsible for ensuring that every product moving through the manufacturing process meets Fanatics Collectibles' quality standards. This role conducts hands-on inspections of raw materials, in-process production, and finished goods; identifies defects and non-conforming material before it ships; investigates root causes when quality issues arise; and partners closely with Manufacturing Operators, Leads, Engineering, and Maintenance to drive corrective actions and continuous improvement. The Quality Control Specialist is the on-floor advocate for product quality and the bridge between Production and the broader Quality organization.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
2+ years of hands-on quality control or quality assurance experience in a manufacturing environment — print, finishing, or card production strongly preferred.
Proficiency with inspection tools and measurement equipment (calipers, micrometers, color/density meters, vision systems).
Strong analytical and root-cause problem-solving skills; structured approach to investigating issues.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills — able to explain quality issues clearly to operators, leads, and management, and present findings to a range of audiences from hourly workforce to executive leadership.
Ability to manage multiple cross-functional projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to read and interpret technical documents, specifications, drawings, and procedures a plus.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and quality management or ERP systems.
Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience in print, finishing, or card production environments.
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement certifications.
Experience with ERP or manufacturing tracking systems.

Responsibilities

Conduct routine inspections of raw materials, in-process production, and finished products to verify conformance to specifications and customer requirements.
Perform visual, functional, dimensional, and measurement-based inspections using calibrated tools and testing equipment (calipers, micrometers, color/density meters, vision systems).
Pull samples per inspection plans and conduct first-piece, in-process, and final inspections across production runs.
Verify production setups before runs begin; release the line to production only when setup meets quality standards.
Audit operator self-checks and ensure inspection plans are being followed across shifts and machines.
Identify defects, inconsistencies, and non-conforming materials at the earliest point in the process; isolate suspect material to prevent it moving downstream.
Document defects with clear descriptions, photos where appropriate, and full traceability — machine, operator, shift, material lot, and time.
Investigate root causes of recurring quality issues using structured problem-solving (5 Whys, fishbone, Pareto analysis) and drive corrective and preventive actions through to closure.
Escalate persistent or systemic issues to the Quality Supervisor and Manufacturing leadership; partner on containment when needed.
Monitor manufacturing processes to ensure adherence to documented procedures, quality standards, and customer specifications.
Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to detect drift and identify process improvement opportunities before defects occur.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, scrap, and rework — propose changes and pilot improvements with Manufacturing.
Assist in developing, updating, and validating quality control procedures, work instructions, and inspection checklists.
Maintain accurate, complete records of inspections, test results, defect reports, and corrective actions.
Generate clear, timely quality reports for Production leadership, Engineering, and the broader Quality organization.
Track quality metrics — defect rate, first-pass yield, scrap, customer complaints, audit findings — and surface trends with actionable recommendations.
Ensure quality documentation is organized and retrievable in accordance with company and customer requirements.
Ensure compliance with company quality policies, safety standards, and applicable regulatory and customer requirements.
Participate in internal audits; support external customer, supplier, and certification audits as needed.
Maintain calibration records for inspection equipment and verify gauge accuracy on schedule.
Partner with Manufacturing Operators, Leads, Operator Trainers, Engineering, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to resolve quality issues quickly and durably.
Provide actionable, constructive feedback to production teams when quality issues arise — frame issues as problems to solve together, not as enforcement.
Support Operator Trainers and Manufacturing leadership when new SOPs, materials, equipment, or customer specifications are introduced.
Reinforce the “every operator is a quality checker” mindset by coaching operators on quality standards and helping them self-correct.
Adhere to all safety, PPE, and lockout/tagout policies at all times.
Report hazards, near-misses, and unsafe conditions immediately.
Verify operators are following safety protocols during inspections and call out gaps constructively.