Quality Assurance Associate (Operations)

Position Title: Quality Assurance Associate (Operations)

Location: Onsite at Warehouse – Fontana, CA

Department: Operations

Seniority: Entry to Mid-Level (depending on experience)

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Quality Assurance Associate to join our Operations team. This role is responsible for performing detailed inspections to ensure SONANCE and IPORT products meet internal quality standards before final clearance as open stock. The QA Associate will perform visual, dimensional, and functional checks, document outcomes, and work cross-functionally with Operations and Quality teams to support issue resolution, Material Review Board (MRB) efforts, and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Incoming QC Inspections

• Perform detailed pre-release inspections on incoming SONANCE and IPORT products upon receipt at the warehouse.
• When necessary, perform Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) based pre-release inspections on SONANCE and IPORT products offsite at local partners and manufacturers.
• Utilize inspection instruments such as calipers, gauges, multimeters, and functional test setups.
• Document findings with exceptional accuracy; provide go/no-go determinations and escalate nonconformances.
• Generate and maintain Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) when required.
• Deliver clear, concise, and detailed inspection reports to Operations and Quality teams.
• Assist in developing QC procedures based on review of technical drawings/specifications.
• Drive continuous improvements in inspection processes.

RMA Operations Support

• Conduct QC inspection and functional testing of incoming RMA items.
• Document findings and provide go/no-go determinations for return-to-stock.
• Produce inspection/test reports and NCRs as appropriate, ensuring traceability.
• Support development of RMA QC procedures and contribute to process-improvement initiatives.

Rework Operations Support

• Perform QC inspection and functional testing of rework items.
• Document findings and provide go/no-go determinations for return-to-stock.
• Collaborate with Operations and Quality teams on inspection/test reporting and NCRs.
• Support development of rework instructions, tests, and QC procedures to enhance efficiency.
• Train, monitor, and assist rework team in performing of rework operations based on developed instructions.

Material Review Board (MRB) Support

• Identify, segregate, and document nonconforming materials.
• Provide detailed inspection data, including measurements, defect categorization, and reports, to assist MRB disposition decisions.
• Maintain quarantine of suspect materials until MRB outcomes are finalized.
• Support root cause analysis by supplying inspection results, NCRs, and observations.

Ideal Team Member

• Hungry, Humble, and Smart – embodies the Sonance team culture
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactically
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a competitive drive to win
• High integrity, trustworthiness, and a commitment to doing the right thing
• Resilient and composed under pressure
• Inspiring leader who motivates others through action & vision

Sonance is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where innovation thrives through authentic partnerships

Required Qualifications:

• Prior QA/operations experience
• Familiarity with inspection best practices, tools, and procedures
• Ability to interpret and work with technical drawings/specifications
• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in incoming inspection
• 5+ years of experience in operations and logistics
• 5+ years working with audio or consumer electronics products
• ERP systems and Quality Management Systems (QMS) experience

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail and precision in documentation
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Team-oriented mindset and collaborative working style
• Problem-solving ability and flexibility to pivot quickly
• Process-oriented approach with continuous improvement mindset
• Familiarity with audio and/or consumer electronics functions and design