Quality Assurance Specialist I

Job Title: Quality Assurance Specialist I
Duration: 6 months
Location: Lanham, MD 20706
Worksite: Onsite | Monday - Friday | 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM Position Summary
The Quality Assurance Specialist I is responsible for performing quality control inspections, RF performance testing, visual and mechanical verification, and administrative tracking for land mobile radio units serviced at the technical facility. This role ensures all serviced units meet performance standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications prior to shipment.
Training & Supervision

• Comprehensive onboarding and hands-on training provided for quality control procedures, electronic test equipment, software verification tools, and service tracking systems.
• Must follow direction from Group Leads and Managers and adhere to all established work instructions, safety requirements, and technical procedures.

Key Responsibilities
Initial Inspection & Documentation Verification

• Inspect incoming and serviced units to verify serial numbers, model numbers, and radio features match service documentation and software verification tools.
• Verify encryption algorithms, radio flashcodes, and model types align with customer documentation and return material forms.
• Ensure required safety and compliance labels are correctly applied to unit housings and chassis.

Radio Performance & Functional Testing

• Perform cryptographic keyload testing to verify units accept hardware encryption.
• Verify customer configuration settings, including Owner System IDs, using specialized software tools and master specification documents.
• Connect units to power supplies and RF service monitors to perform transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) performance testing.
• Validate technical specifications including standby current drain, transmit power, transmit current drain, modulation fidelity, and frequency error.
• Test audio functionality through microphones, speakers, and remote speaker microphones (RSMs).

Visual & Mechanical Inspection

• Conduct visual and mechanical inspections for physical defects, missing components, damage, or cleanliness concerns.
• Capture and archive digital photos of identified defects within designated tracking systems.

Software Verification & Specialized Checklists

• Execute specialized inspection checklists for advanced communication devices.
• Verify firmware, feature versions, and CPS configurations.
• Validate cellular module connections and hardware identifiers following service or board replacement activities.
• Compare software reports to identify and resolve feature, algorithm, or codeplug discrepancies.

Defect Resolution & Documentation

• Correct minor issues including label replacement, knob replacement, vacuum plug installation, cleaning, and software configuration updates.
• Document all quality control findings in the centralized tracking database according to defined severity levels (Critical, Major, Minor, Cosmetic).

Team Support & Operational Flexibility

• Participate in process audits to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures.
• Support team members and assist across multiple work areas as needed.
• Adapt to changing priorities, multitask effectively, and accept daily assignment changes based on operational needs.

Qualifications
Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate data entry skills.
• Ability to learn and operate electronic testing equipment, including RF service monitors, power supplies, and keyloaders.
• Ability to follow verbal instructions and written work procedures accurately.
• Excellent adaptability, multitasking skills, and willingness to support team initiatives.

Preferred

• Technical coursework or experience in electronics, communications, or a related field.
• Experience working with electronic test equipment, quality inspections, radio communications equipment, or related technologies.

Key Skills

• Quality Control Inspection
• RF Performance Testing
• Radio Configuration Verification
• Electronic Test Equipment Operation
• Troubleshooting and Root Cause Identification
• Data Entry and Documentation
• Visual and Mechanical Inspection
• Process Compliance and Auditing
• Team Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support
• Adaptability and Multitasking

Work Environment

• Fast-paced technical environment supporting land mobile radio repair and testing operations.
• Requires attention to detail, flexibility, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining quality and accuracy standards.
• Regular interaction with technical teams, quality personnel, and operational leadership.