Working for Amazon offers many benefits, from higher than average pay to ample opportunities for advancement. With facilities across the country, Amazon hires for a wide variety of roles. One position you may come across in your job search is ICQA.
If you‘ve browsed job listings on Amazon‘s website, you may be wondering – what exactly is ICQA?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explain everything you need to know about landing an ICQA job at Amazon in 2024.
What Is ICQA at Amazon?
ICQA stands for Inventory Control and Quality Assurance.
The ICQA department is responsible for ensuring accuracy of inventory and quality of products in Amazon‘s vast network of fulfillment centers and delivery stations.
ICQA associates analyze inventory counts, inspect products, identify defects, and implement solutions for inventory discrepancies. Their work is vital to Amazon‘s operations and customer satisfaction.
The 4 main processes that make up Amazon‘s ICQA program are:
- Count – Scanning and manually counting items in storage bins to verify inventory system accuracy.
- Amnesty – Working with warehouse robots to clear obstructions and keep operations running smoothly.
- Problem Solving – Identifying issues with inventory records and researching solutions.
- Damage Land – Assessing damaged/defective items to determine if they should be returned, discounted, or disposed of.
Proper inventory control and quality assurance enables Amazon to meet customer expectations for order accuracy and item condition. ICQA staff help accomplish this goal.
What Does ICQA Mean at Amazon?
The acronym ICQA translates to:
Inventory Control – Managing inventory levels, stock locations, and product information.
Quality Assurance – Inspecting products and processes to ensure they meet quality standards.
Amazon adopted this name because it accurately describes the department‘s dual functions:
- Overseeing inventory systems, counts, and databases.
- Checking product quality and identifying defects.
By combining inventory control and quality assurance under one department, Amazon can closely monitor these related metrics and quickly address issues that arise.
ICQA Job Duties and Responsibilities
Amazon ICQA associates perform a wide range of daily tasks, including:
- Cycle counts – Scanning and counting all items in an assigned storage location.
- Audits – Double checking previous counts for accuracy.
- Damage inspection – Assessing used/returned items for defects and processing properly.
- Quality checks – Examining new products for flaws.
- Inventory adjustment – Correcting records to match actual warehouse stock.
- Process improvement – Identifying issues and solutions for better ICQA operations.
- Housekeeping – Maintaining cleanliness and organization in work areas.
ICQA staff must be detail-oriented, comfortable with technology, and able to stand/walk for long periods. Problem-solving skills are also valued in this role.
Amazon uses metrics like inventory record accuracy and defective parts per million to evaluate ICQA performance. Associates are expected to meet high standards.
Different Types of Counts Done by ICQA
ICQA associates complete a variety of inventory counts to ensure the accuracy of Amazon‘s systems. Common counts include:
- SRC (Simple Record Count) – Counting quantity of a specific item in a bin.
- CC (Cycle Count) – Scanning and counting all items in a storage location.
- SBC (Simple Bin Count) – Manually counting everything in a bin.
- IRDR (Inventory Record Defect Ratio) – High accuracy cycle counts used to calculate inventory defect rates.
| Count Type | Description |
|---|---|
| SRC | Counts quantity of one product in a bin |
| CC | Scans and counts all items in a location |
| SBC | Manual count of everything in a bin |
| IRDR | High-precision cycle count for defect rate metrics |
Familiarity with these inventory counting procedures and the ability to accurately complete them is key for ICQA associates.
Other ICQA Departments at Amazon
In addition to core inventory control and quality assurance functions, the ICQA department may also oversee:
- Area organization – Keeping inventory neatly arranged for easy access.
- Loss prevention – Investigating inventory shrinkage and implementing security measures.
- Vendor fraud investigation – Ensuring vendors comply with policies and identifying abuse.
- Bin consolidation – Freeing up bin space by moving products.
- Inbound support – Coordinating receiving, inspecting, and stocking incoming inventory.
Responsibilities vary by facility, but these provide examples of additional tasks ICQA staff may be responsible for.
How to Find ICQA Jobs on Amazon‘s Website
Amazon lists all their current openings on Amazon Jobs, their online job board.
Follow these steps to search for ICQA roles near you:
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Go to Amazon Jobs and click "Find jobs".
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Enter your city, state, or zip code in the location field.
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Type "ICQA" in the keywords field.
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Click "Find jobs" to see ICQA openings near your location.
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Review the job descriptions and requirements. Apply online by clicking "Apply now".
You can also set up job alerts on Amazon‘s site to be notified of new ICQA openings matching your search.
ICQA Coordinator Responsibilities
An ICQA Coordinator at Amazon supervises associates performing inventory counts, audits, and quality assurance. Their responsibilities may include:
- Training new ICQA associates.
- Assigning daily tasks and inventory areas.
- Setting performance goals and monitoring progress.
- Identifying process improvements for higher accuracy and efficiency.
- Generating inventory reports and analyzing results.
- Communicating issues and solutions to department leadership.
- Maintaining inventory organization.
- Order validation and inventory record maintenance.
- Managing shift changes and attendance.
To be an effective coordinator, you‘ll need leadership, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Prior inventory management or supervisor experience is preferred.
Qualifications to Work in ICQA at Amazon
While requirements vary for specific ICQA roles, Amazon looks for candidates with:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Positive attitude and customer service skills.
- Attention to detail and organization.
- Comfort standing/walking for 10-12 hour shifts.
- Ability to frequently lift up to 49 pounds.
- Proficiency with handheld scanners and inventory software.
- Willingness to work overtime as needed.
Higher level coordinator and manager roles may also require:
- Bachelor‘s degree in supply chain, logistics, or operations management.
- 2+ years of relevant warehouse/inventory experience.
- Leadership and management skills.
- Budgeting and analytics expertise.
A background in quality assurance, auditing, Six Sigma, or Lean processes can also help you stand out for ICQA positions.
Pros and Cons of Working in ICQA at Amazon
Benefits of an ICQA job can include:
- Higher pay than average warehouse work.
- Regular hourly wages starting at $15/hour or more.
- Opportunities to advance into coordinator, manager, and director roles.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
- Employee stock purchase plan.
- Tuition assistance for career development.
Potential challenges to consider:
- Fast paced, physically demanding work.
- Strict productivity standards and monitoring.
- Mandatory overtime during peak periods.
- Can be monotonous counting products all day.
- Repetitive movements like bending, crouching, and reaching.
Working in Amazon‘s ICQA department offers a chance to gain inventory and quality assurance skills while earning steady pay and benefits. Be prepared for hard work in a fast-paced warehouse environment.
FAQs about ICQA at Amazon
What is a typical ICQA shift like?
Most ICQA associates work 10 to 12 hour shifts either during the day or overnight. Each associate is assigned a specific zone in the fulfillment center with rows of inventory bins. They scan bins, count products, and enter data into a handheld device. The work is repetitive with strict hourly productivity targets.
How much does an Amazon ICQA associate make?
Average hourly pay for ICQA associates starts around $15/hour or higher, depending on location and experience level. Overtime pay is time-and-a-half. Benefits like health insurance and stock options provide additional compensation.
What are advancement opportunities in ICQA?
With training and good performance, ICQA associates can progress to coordinator, manager, and director positions overseeing inventory control and quality assurance processes for the building or region.
Can you listen to music/podcasts while working in ICQA?
Amazon generally allows associates to have one earbud in while working to listen to music, podcasts, etc. This helps pass the time while counting inventory.
How physically demanding is working in ICQA?
ICQA involves prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying objects up to 49 pounds. The work can be tiring so physical stamina is necessary.
What are the main differences between an ICQA and Pick/Pack job at Amazon?
ICQA focuses on inventory counts, audits, and quality checks. Pick/pack associates fill customer orders by retrieving items from inventory and preparing shipments.
Conclusion
Amazon‘s Inventory Control and Quality Assurance (ICQA) department is essential for warehouse accuracy and efficiency. ICQA associates analyze inventory, check quality, correct errors, and find process improvements.
With facilities across the globe, Amazon offers many ICQA job opportunities. To get started, check Amazon‘s online job board for openings in your area. Focus on the qualifications and be prepared for fast-paced, detail-oriented work.
ICQA at Amazon provides steady hourly pay, benefits, and advancement potential. It‘s a solid option if you‘re interested in inventory management and quality assurance roles. With hard work and determination, an ICQA job can lead to a great career path at one of the most successful companies in the world.
