Job Purpose

• Responsible for developing and implementing systems to ensure products are designed and produced to meet customer requirements. Organize the day-to-day activities of the QA Laboratory to ensure manufactured products conform to specified requirements. Assist in the implementation and maintenance of the company’s Quality Management System. Collaborate with Manufacturing to work towards improving efficiency of operations and meeting quality objectives. Participate in design and development projects.

Primary Duties

Quality Assurance Management:

• Ensure all designated testing and inspection activities comply with quality assurance standards and are accurately documented.
• Assist in developing and maintaining the Quality Assurance Program.
• Actively manage elements of the Quality Management System, including the Internal Audit Program and Corrective Action Process.
• Oversee the administration of local-level Quality Management System documents.
• Conduct Internal Quality Audits to ensure compliance with the Quality System and identify areas for improvement.

Quality Improvement Coordination:

• Coordinate quality improvement initiatives.
• Analyze quality trends based on system information and provide periodic reports on quality performance, issuing monthly Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports.
• Utilize problem-solving methodologies to identify, prioritize, communicate, and resolve quality issues.
• Implement corrective actions to address root causes effectively.

Support and Collaboration:

• Provide support to internal functions in implementing quality system elements and department-specific processes.
• Collaborate with Belting plants to address issues and manage customer concessions.
• Amend designs as necessary and contribute to the development of new product opportunities.
• Provide prompt and professional customer support, addressing quality issues promptly and effectively, collaborating closely with operations to understand their requirements and deliver solutions that meet or exceed their expectations.

Quality Inspection and Compliance:

• Conduct routine patrols of work areas to uphold process regulation and product quality.
• Manage and resolve non-conformances, including inspecting woven and treated fabric for defects.

General Duties:

• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Secondary Duties

Quality Control Testing and Equipment Operation:

• Perform physical and chemical quality control tests on raw materials and manufactured products.
• Set up, adjust, and operate a full range of laboratory test equipment.

Chemical Solution Preparation:

• Prepare chemical solutions for products and processes, following standardized formulas or creating experimental formulas.

Engineering Collaboration:

• Partner and assist other engineering personnel in new product/process design.

Safety Compliance:

• Comply with all relevant safety rules and procedures to promote a safe work environment.
• Proactively engage in safety initiatives by conducting safety audits and promptly reporting hazard identifications.. 

Professional Conduct:

• Maintain professional behavior during working hours, on customer sites, and while traveling for Fenner Dunlop business.

Scope of Responsibility

• Work with Laboratory Technicians to coordinate testing and inspection activities to assure manufactured products are compliant with specifications and customer expectations. Assist in the training of new employees. Provide support to all internal manufacturing functions in the application, maintenance and improvement of the quality system and plant specific processes.
• The position involves frequent inter-organization contact and the individual must have the ability to work effectively with employees from different departments and facilities. Willingness to travel when required.

Required Education and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Science, Chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent work/education combination.

Experience:

• Proficiency in laboratory test procedures, chemical testing, and analysis techniques.
• Previous experience in implementing and maintaining quality systems.
• Familiarity with the requirements of the ISO9001 Quality System Standard.
• Hands-on experience in quality audit processes, including various types of audits, planning, preparation, and execution.
• Knowledge of process improvement and problem-solving methodologies, such as Plan Do Act Check Cycle (PDCA), Six Sigma, 5 Why Analysis, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, TapRoot, or other relevant methods.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 3-5 years manufacturing experience preferred – Experience in a textile related manufacturing environment with knowledge of woven fabric constructions will be a distinct advantage 
• Six Sigma Certification is a plus
• Familiarity with cost of quality concepts and techniques. 
• General knowledge of statistics and statistical process control
• Experience in Engineering Change and/or Management of Change

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Analytical, Interpersonal, and Organizational Skills
• Change Agent
• Conflict Resolution
• Customer Support
• Decision Making
• Detail Oriented
• Flexible & Adaptable
• Leadership Abilities
• Machine Operations
• Mechanical Skills
• Meeting/Planning/Facilitation
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Team Development
• Time Management
• Use of Hand Tools
• Verbal and Written Communications
• Work Indendently

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Frequent manual dexterity
• Travel of 10-25%
• Must possess driver's license
• Sedentary work
• Visual acuity 

What We Offer

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance on Day 1
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• 401K: $1 for $1 match up to 6% of your salary
• Paid Company Holidays
• Competitive Paid Time Off
• Health Savings Account