Company Overview

Wherever you work and whatever role you fill, when you represent the Bridgestone name you know that you are a valued teammate who is part of our larger mission to Serve Society with Superior Quality. We start by offering each teammate more than just a salary. We provide formal training, competitive performance incentives, paid vacation and holidays, healthcare packages for full-time and part-time employees, and a 401k plan to help build your future. We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they are allowed to bring their whole selves to work and know they are supported. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of. Show us the smart stuff, the tough stuff, the bold, beautiful and brave stuff. Because who you are is what we need. Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee and is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone Americas and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

Position Summary

This position is part of the Physical Testing Lab in the Bridgestone Americas Material Laboratories, located at the Americas Technology Center (ATC) in Akron, OH. The Materials/Quality Engineer position focuses on testing research, test method development and testing/validation of new products and develops, modifies, applies, and maintains quality standards and evaluation methods for products and processes. This role also provides statistical information for testing and quality improvements by determining and applying measurement methods and criteria, and coordinates and guides technical evaluations, analyses, and related data acquisition processes to ensure quality objectives are achieved.

The Materials/Quality Engineer role supports materials testing and quality needs for rubber mixing and testing labs as well as an analytical chemistry lab. Problems faced are difficult and sometimes complex. Success in this role will require a strong understanding of Quality systems coupled with significant knowledge of materials and materials testing.

This position does offer several flexible work alternatives such as 4 day – 10 hour per day workweek if desired and the occasional ability to work from home one day per week or so. This is an onsite position in a fun, very collaborative laboratory environment so this person must live a commutable distance from Akron, OH.

Responsibilities

· Devises and implements test methods and evaluates laboratory test equipment and processes (e.g., mechanical, viscoelastic, abrasion, rheological).

· Supports a robust validation and verification strategy for new and existing equipment and processes as assigned.

· Leads the development, implementation, and oversight of an effective Quality Management System (QMS) that operates in compliance with corporate quality policies and procedures, and industry guidance.

· Provides quality engineering support to ensure compliance with the Quality Management System.

· Makes recommendations concerning the acquisition and use of new testing equipment and materials, considering technical requirements and budget constraints.

· Maintains and troubleshoots existing equipment and validates testing protocols.

· Develops statistical process controls by applying and maintaining applicable control charts.

· Works with internal customers to understand their current and anticipated future testing needs and works collaboratively to create new test methods.

· Collaborates with other internal departments and facilities on quality related issues including re-tests and root cause analysis.

· Communicates regularly with lab management, customers, and stakeholders on the status of assigned projects.

· Leads quarterly QMS reviews with lab management and leads department level preparations for internal and external audits.

· Leads department Quality Committee and promotes awareness of quality and regulatory requirements within the department.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong experience with ISO certification methodologies and/or Six Sigma Certification would be desirable. Black Belt or Green Belt certification would be ideal.

Certification as a Certified Quality Engineer would be a huge plus.

Extensive experience managing Quality Management Systems is desired.

Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field (e.g., Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or Chemistry); or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience