The Career:
Are you ready to make an impact in the world of motorsports and automotive innovation? At QA1, we are seeking an Engineering Technician to help shape the future of performance shocks, suspension components, and other aftermarket automotive products at our Lakeville, Minnesota location. In this role, you'll work closely with Designers and Engineers to launch new products that are functional, durable, manufacturable, and cost-effective. You’ll be involved in the fabrication, testing, and optimization of sheet metal parts, ensuring they meet design specifications, quality standards, and production timelines. You will use state-of-the-art fabrication equipment, including lasers, press brakes, and tube benders. If you're a team player with a passion for manufacturing, hands-on experience in fabrication equipment setup or operation, and a drive to work in a fast-paced industry, this is the perfect opportunity to grow your career. Experience as a Press Brake Operator, Set-Up Technician, or Production Lead would be a great fit for this role. We’re open to providing training for the right candidate!
What You Will Do:
- Machine Programming and Nesting: Program and nest components for sheet laser, tube bender, and press brake machines to support production and engineering needs.
- Tooling and Setup: Recommend appropriate tooling and perform machine setups for fabrication processes. Ensure repeatability and troubleshoot as needed.
- New Product Release: Assist in producing prototypes for design validation and support the release-to-manufacturing process for new products.
- Process Optimization: Support direct labor studies to establish cycle times and collaborate with QC and Operations teams to improve product quality.
- Training & Documentation: Provide technical training to operations team members; develop/maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
- Maintenance Support: Collaborate with Engineering team on preventive maintenance programs and support the purchase and upgrade of equipment.
- Work Instructions & Estimation: Create detailed work instructions and assist in estimating setup and run times to optimize processes.
- Fixture & Tooling Maintenance: Maintain and repair fixtures and tooling to ensure consistent production quality.
- Other duties as beneficial to the success of QA1.
The Critical Skills and Experience You’ll Need:
- High school diploma or equivalent; advanced education including in technical specialty preferred.
- Positive attitude with a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
- Strong mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and listening) with the ability to build strong relationships across teams.
- Proficient in Microsoft Outlook; knowledge of 3D modeling, nesting, and press brake programming is a plus.
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse team and align with QA1’s values.
The Company
QA1 is a privately held industry leader in performance shocks, suspension components, composite driveshafts, rod ends, spherical bearings and related accessories for the motorsports and industrial markets. With multiple U.S.-based manufacturing facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology, we’re proud to offer high-quality products that meet the rigorous demands of our customers.
What sets QA1 apart is our unique, cohesive culture built on our core values: Create Solutions, Earn It, People Centric, Do the Right Thing. These guiding principles shape everything we do, from the products we build to the way we collaborate. Many of our 200+ team members are passionate racers or automotive enthusiasts, while others bring expertise from various industrial sectors, creating a rich and dynamic workforce. Our work environment is not just about getting the job done; it’s about having fun, feeling supported, and knowing that every individual’s contributions are crucial to our collective success. We’re more than just a company—we’re a tight-knit, high-performing team driven to deliver exceptional experiences to our customers and one another every day.
The Rewards:
At QA1, we understand that high-performance teams deserve high-performance rewards. That's why we offer a comprehensive set of benefits designed to keep our team members fueled, motivated, and achieving their career goals. We support our team, ensuring they have the resources to perform at their best, achieve financial success, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Our rewards include:
- Competitive Pay – $55,000 to $65,000 based on experience
- Flexible Shift – With both 1st and 2nd shift operations, you can choose a start time that works best for you
- Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, life, disability, vision insurance and more
- 401(k) with Company Contribution – Helping you plan for a secure future
- Paid Time Off – Company-paid days off for holidays and taking time to recharge
- Wellness Programs & Perks – Programs to keep you in top shape—physically, socially, and financially
- Development Opportunities – Personal and professional growth opportunities, including education reimbursement, to keep you improving your skills and advancing your career
- Community Engagement – Opportunities to give back through local and national charity efforts, strengthening the community around us
- Exclusive Product Discounts – Enjoy discounts on company products so you can experience our incredible solutions firsthand
- And more perks: Enjoy a climate-controlled manufacturing floor, a new breakroom, onsite canteen offerings, and a relaxed and casual dress code
Interested or Know Someone Who Is?
If this sounds like the role and team-driven culture for you, visit www.QA1.net for more information and to apply. We personally review every application received.
Not sure you meet all the qualifications? Let us decide! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply. We also encourage applications from candidates committed to multicultural understanding and the enrichment of our diverse community. To provide a safe and secure work environment, QA1 conducts a criminal background check and drug screen on all new hires.