Product Quality Evaluator in Louisiana Career Overview

As a Product Quality Evaluator, your primary role involves assessing products to ensure they meet established quality standards and specifications. You play a vital part in maintaining the integrity of products before they reach consumers. Your evaluations help in identifying any defects or weaknesses, ensuring that only high-quality items are delivered to the market.

Key responsibilities in this role typically include:

  • Conducting inspections and tests on products at various stages of the manufacturing process.
  • Analyzing data and providing feedback to production teams to facilitate improvements.
  • Documenting findings and maintaining records of quality assessments.
  • Collaborating closely with different departments, including manufacturing and product development, to address quality-related issues.

The significance of your position is evident in how it impacts consumer safety and satisfaction. By ensuring products meet safety and performance standards, you help build trust in the brand and contribute to the overall success of the company. Your work can directly influence product recalls, customer complaints, and even brand reputation within the marketplace.

In industries ranging from consumer goods to industrial manufacturing, the role of a Product Quality Evaluator is integral. An unwavering focus on quality control not only safeguards the company’s reputation but also drives continuous improvement efforts across the board.

Product Quality Evaluator Salary in Louisiana

Annual Median: $46,720
Hourly Median: $22.46

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Product Quality Evaluator in Louisiana

To become a Product Quality Evaluator, you will need to pursue specific educational qualifications and training. The following degree programs can help prepare you for this career path:

  • Quality Control and Safety Technology: This program focuses on the principles of quality assurance, safety standards, and regulatory compliance. Coursework typically includes quality systems, measurement techniques, and statistical process control.

  • Quality Control Technology: A degree in Quality Control Technology provides knowledge in quality assurance methodologies, inspection processes, and testing procedures. You will learn to apply various tools and techniques to evaluate product quality effectively.

  • Agricultural Business and Management: This program is relevant for evaluating products within the agricultural sector. You'll study business principles as they apply to agriculture, including quality management practices specific to food products and safety.

  • Chemical Process Technology: This degree emphasizes the principles of chemical production and quality evaluation within chemical processes. You'll gain an understanding of how to assess the quality of chemical products and ensure safety protocols are followed.

In addition to these degree programs, you may benefit from hands-on training through internships, co-op programs, or industry-specific certifications that emphasize quality evaluation processes.

Best Schools to become a Product Quality Evaluator in Louisiana 2024

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

In-State Tuition:$5,417
Out-of-State Tuition:$20,937
Admission Rate:71%
Graduation Rate:65%
Total Enrollment:25,372

Central Community College

Grand Island, NE

In-State Tuition:$2,820
Out-of-State Tuition:$4,230
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:43%
Total Enrollment:6,519

Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SD

In-State Tuition:$3,720
Out-of-State Tuition:$3,720
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:2,238

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

In-State Tuition:$9,718
Out-of-State Tuition:$28,520
Admission Rate:53%
Graduation Rate:83%
Total Enrollment:51,528

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

In-State Tuition:$9,489
Out-of-State Tuition:$25,560
Admission Rate:95%
Graduation Rate:69%
Total Enrollment:19,722

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

Tulsa, OK

In-State Tuition:$19,591
Out-of-State Tuition:$19,591
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:65%
Total Enrollment:639
Product Quality Evaluator Job Description:
  • Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products.
  • May conduct stability sample tests.

Product Quality Evaluator Required Skills and Competencies in Louisiana

  • Attention to Detail: You must possess a keen eye for detail to identify imperfections and inconsistencies in products, ensuring they meet quality standards.

  • Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical skills are necessary to assess product specifications, analyze data, and interpret results effectively.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: You should be capable of identifying issues and developing practical solutions to enhance product quality and performance.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with quality evaluation tools and software, as well as an understanding of manufacturing processes, is important for effective assessment.

  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities are essential for documenting findings and collaborating with team members and stakeholders.

  • Organizational Skills: You need to manage multiple evaluations and deadlines, requiring you to be well-organized and efficient in your work processes.

  • Critical Thinking: The ability to apply logical reasoning and critical thinking to assess product quality and make informed decisions is vital.

  • Adaptability: You should be open to feedback and capable of adjusting methods and approaches based on changing quality standards or product designs.

  • Technical Writing Skills: Proficiency in writing clear and concise reports on quality assessments and improvement recommendations is required.

  • Teamwork: You must work effectively within a team, collaborating on quality assurance processes and contributing to a shared understanding of quality objectives.

  • Customer Focus: Understanding customer expectations and quality standards helps you strive for continuous improvement in product offerings.

  • Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant industry regulations and standards ensures that quality assessments adhere to legal and safety requirements.

Job Duties for Product Quality Evaluators

  • Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.

  • Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.

  • Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.

Technologies and Skills Used by Product Quality Evaluators

Data base user interface and query software

  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Structured query language SQL

Desktop communications software

  • Eko

Program testing software

  • Hewlett Packard LoadRunner
  • Selenium

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Reading work related information

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Product Quality Evaluator in Louisiana

The job market for Product Quality Evaluators in Louisiana reflects a steady demand, driven by the growth of various industries that rely on high-quality standards to remain competitive. Here are some key insights:

  • Demand for Product Quality Evaluators: As companies increasingly prioritize quality assurance in their products, the need for skilled Product Quality Evaluators continues to rise. Industries such as manufacturing, food production, and pharmaceuticals are particularly keen on hiring professionals who can assess and ensure product quality effectively.

  • Growth Potential: The growth potential for Product Quality Evaluators in Louisiana is promising. Many companies are expanding their operations or investing in advanced quality control technologies, creating a greater need for evaluators who can adapt to new methodologies and standards. Additionally, as businesses seek to enhance their reputation through quality assurance, the role of the Product Quality Evaluator is becoming more significant.

  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • New Orleans: This region is home to numerous manufacturing and food production companies, making it a vital area for career opportunities in quality evaluation.
    • Baton Rouge: With a growing industrial base, including chemical manufacturing and energy production, Baton Rouge offers a range of positions for Product Quality Evaluators.
    • Shreveport: As industries such as aerospace and healthcare continue to develop in Shreveport, the demand for quality evaluators is expected to rise in alignment with these sectors.
    • Lafayette: The burgeoning technology and energy sectors in Lafayette are generating new job opportunities, particularly in quality assurance roles.
  • Industry Trends: An increased emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices is impacting the quality evaluation landscape. Organizations are seeking evaluators who can implement and monitor quality control measures that align with environmental standards.

In summary, the job market for Product Quality Evaluators in Louisiana is characterized by strong demand, significant growth potential across various sectors, and key geographical hotspots that provide ample career opportunities in this field.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Product Quality Evaluator in Louisiana

  • American Society for Quality (ASQ)

    • Website: asq.org
    • Description: ASQ offers a wealth of resources for quality professionals, including certification programs, training opportunities, and a library of publications related to quality management and evaluation.
  • Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)

    • Website: iise.org
    • Description: IISE provides access to research articles, professional development resources, and networking opportunities that can be beneficial for individuals in product quality evaluation.
  • Quality Assurance Resources (QAR)

    • Website: qualityassuranceresources.com
    • Description: QAR offers training materials, articles, and tools specifically focused on quality assurance practices in various industries.
  • ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

    • Website: iso.org
    • Description: The ISO establishes international standards that are essential for product quality. Their resources include guidelines on quality management systems (ISO 9001) and sector-specific standards.
  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

    • Website: ansi.org
    • Description: ANSI oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, and systems in the U.S., providing materials that can enhance understanding of quality standards.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Guidance Documents

    • Website: fda.gov
    • Description: For those evaluating product quality within the food, drug, and medical device industries, the FDA provides guidelines and regulations that are critical for compliance and quality assurance.
  • Project Management Institute (PMI)

    • Website: pmi.org
    • Description: PMI offers resources related to project management which is closely related to product quality evaluation. Access to publications, tools, and certification options is available.
  • Quality Digest

    • Website: qualitydigest.com
    • Description: This publication covers current trends and methodologies in quality assurance and product evaluation, featuring articles from industry experts.
  • LinkedIn Learning

    • Website: linkedin.com/learning
    • Description: LinkedIn Learning provides online courses covering various aspects of quality evaluation, including statistical process control, quality management systems, and problem-solving techniques.
  • Books on Product Quality Evaluation

    • "The Six Sigma Handbook" by Thomas Pyzdek and Paul Keller
    • "Quality Control for Dummies" by Larry Webber and Michael Wallace
    • These texts are available for purchase or at local libraries and offer foundational knowledge and practical advice in quality management and evaluation techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Product Quality Evaluator in Louisiana

  • What is a Product Quality Evaluator?
    A Product Quality Evaluator assesses products for quality and performance standards. This role involves testing, inspecting, and analyzing products to ensure they meet predefined specifications.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Product Quality Evaluator?
    A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as quality assurance, engineering, or a related discipline is often required. Additionally, obtaining certifications related to quality control can improve your credentials.

  • What skills are important for a Product Quality Evaluator?
    Key skills include attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving, strong communication abilities, and proficiency with quality management systems.

  • What industries employ Product Quality Evaluators?
    Product Quality Evaluators are needed in various industries, including manufacturing, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

  • What is the work environment like for Product Quality Evaluators?
    You will typically work in laboratories or manufacturing facilities where you will execute testing protocols. The work may require standing for long periods and occasionally using specialized testing equipment.

  • What does a typical day look like for a Product Quality Evaluator?
    Your day may involve conducting tests on products, documenting results, analyzing data, collaborating with production teams, and providing feedback for product improvements.

  • How can I advance my career as a Product Quality Evaluator?
    Gaining additional certifications, pursuing further education, or taking on more responsibilities within your organization can help you advance. Networking with professionals in the field can also open up new opportunities.

  • What are the job prospects for Product Quality Evaluators in Louisiana?
    Job prospects can vary based on industry growth and regional demand. Louisiana's manufacturing sector and other industries offer opportunities for Product Quality Evaluators, particularly in urban areas.

  • What salary can I expect as a Product Quality Evaluator?
    Salaries vary based on experience, industry, and location, but on average, Product Quality Evaluators in Louisiana can expect to earn a competitive wage. Researching local job postings can provide more specific data.

  • Are there professional organizations for Product Quality Evaluators?
    Yes, organizations such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) offer resources, networking opportunities, and certification programs beneficial for Product Quality Evaluators.