What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Engineer position at Associated Materials Innovations?
Join the Associated Materials Innovations team at Associated Materials, LLC, and be AMazing with us!
PLEASE NOTE:
Unfortunately, we cannot support employment based visa sponsorship. Therefore, you must be a US Citizen or US Green Card holder.
Relocation Assistance is available within the continental US.
Who We Are
At Associated Materials Innovations, we combine our rich history in innovation with an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement of the customer experience. For decades, we have provided vinyl windows, siding, and metal building products that have helped build homes and communities across North America.
As a leading manufacturer of exterior building products and preferred product manufacturer for Alside, you'll have the opportunity to contribute ideas in a welcoming and supportive work environment driven by safety and our core values. Join the AMI team where you can be AMazing as we shape our future together.
What You'll Do
Under the direct supervision of the Quality Manager, the Quality Engineer is responsible for overseeing day‑to‑day quality operations and ensuring coordination across all aspects of the quality process. This role leads the Quality team in meeting productivity expectations, maintaining compliance with quality standards, and supporting Lean and continuous improvement initiatives--all while upholding the highest levels of safety and operational performance.
You will set clear goals, provide necessary tools and support, remove obstacles to success, and hold team members accountable for achieving results.
Role Summary
Quality Engineer leads a frontline team of Quality Technicians/Inspectors to ensure products meet internal specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory/industry standards. This role drives process capability, first-pass yield, and customer satisfaction through robust quality systems, root cause analysis (RCA), and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA). The supervisor partners closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain to prevent defects, reduce scrap/rework, and build a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
What to Expect
Quality Operations & Compliance
- Oversee daily quality control activities across assigned lines/shifts; ensure timely inspections, sampling plans, and test results per control plans and work instructions.
- Maintain compliance with ISO 9001 (or relevant standard) and customer-specific requirements; support internal and external audits.
- Own nonconformance management (NCRs), MRB decisions within delegated authority, and product hold/release processes.
- Ensure calibration and maintenance of inspection/test equipment; escalate issues that risk data integrity.
Safety Compliance
- Promote a strong safety culture by prioritizing the health and safety of all team members.
- Ensure full compliance with all safety, environmental, and operational policies and procedures.
- Maintain a safe and clean work environment through employee training and enforcement of established standards.
- Exercise the authority to stop or modify work due to non‑conformance or unsafe conditions.
Quality Planning and Coordination
- Plan and organize daily quality activities to optimize the use of equipment, personnel, and materials.
- Coordinate quality inspections, documentation processes, and product verification activities.
- Ensure product compliance with specifications and established quality standards.
Data, Problem Solving & Improvement
- Monitor process and product quality using SPC, control charts, capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), and layered process audits.
- Lead structured problem solving (8D, DMAIC, 5 Whys, Fishbone); implement and verify effectiveness of CAPAs.
- Reduce scrap, rework, and customer complaints through systemic fixes; partner with Production to lock in process controls.
- Drive standardization: update control plans, inspection instructions, and visual standards for clarity and ease of use.
- Contribute to PFMEA maintenance and risk mitigation; ensure reaction plans are clear and followed at point of use.
Leadership and Team Member Relations
- Lead, schedule, and develop a team of 6--15 Quality Technicians (scope can be adjusted to site size); ensure consistent coverage across shifts.
- Coach technicians and line operators on defect detection, escalation paths, and quality at the source.
- Build a safety-first, quality-always culture; recognize good catches and escalate risk without delay.
- Conduct performance check-ins; identify skills gaps and deliver training on inspection methods and problem solving.
- Provide leadership, training, and team‑building to support quality and operational objectives.
- Communicate job expectations clearly, monitor performance, and evaluate results.
- Partner with HR on recruitment, performance evaluations, merit increases, disciplinary actions, and talent development.
- Resolve personnel issues by investigating concerns, determining root causes, and recommending corrective actions.
Process Monitoring and Quality Control
- Analyze production and quality control processes to ensure the delivery of high‑quality products.
- Monitor operational reports to maintain best practices in inspection, documentation, and product handling.
- Implement and oversee preventive maintenance programs that support consistent equipment and process performance.
Communication and Collaboration
- Communicate effectively with team members, management, and cross‑functional departments to ensure alignment on quality goals and challenges.
- Support continuous improvement and Lean initiatives through collaborative problem‑solving and process refinement.
Documentation & Systems
- Maintain accurate, timely records in the QMS, MES/ERP, and LIMS (as applicable).
- Author and revise SOPs, work instructions, and visual aids; ensure document control and version discipline.
- Compile and analyze quality performance records and data to provide actionable insights.
- Track progress toward quality goals, resolve operational issues, and report on key performance metrics to leadership.
Customer & Supplier Interface
- Support customer complaint investigations, RCCA responses, and containment activities; participate in customer site visits as needed.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain and SQE on supplier quality incidents, incoming inspection standards, and supplier CAPAs.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone confident, capable, and skilled in problem-solving who can lead a team with clarity and purpose.
Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor's in engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical), Quality, Materials Science, Operations, Technology or related field
- Experience: 2 years in quality or manufacturing (building materials, aggregates, cement, composites, glass, metals, or related continuous/batch process industries a plus).
- People Leadership: 2 years of people leadership (supervisor, lead, or coordinator) in a plant environment. Ability to motivate, coach, and guide a team to achieve results.
- Proficient with SPC, gauge R&R, capability studies, control plans, PFMEA, and problem-solving tools (8D, DMAIC, 5 Whys).
- ASQ certifications (CQI, CQT, CQI, CSSGB) or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
- Experience with layered process audits (LPA) and visual management.
- Safety‑First Mindset: Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
- Problem‑Solving Abilities: Strong analytical skills to identify issues and develop solutions quickly.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to influence Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain or other stakeholders.
- Ability to work off-shifts or weekends as needed to support operations.
Work Environment
This position operates primarily in a manufacturing plant setting with some office work. The environment includes noise from machinery and varying temperatures from cool to warm. Team members must wear company‑provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Regular use of computers, phones, and other communication devices is required.
About Us
When you join AMI, you are part of a leading North American manufacturing business of vinyl windows, cladding, metal siding, trim and other essential exterior building products for residential, light commercial and multifamily projects. In 2022, we introduced our composite cladding system, a first-of-its-kind solution featuring exclusive (GP)2 technology. Headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, AMI is part of Associated Materials, LLC, which owns and operates 10 manufacturing facilities in North America including a distribution center.
Associated Materials Innovations ... Building Products Better
Associated Materials, LLC. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance. We also make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees and applicants, as required by law.
Additional Information
The actual wage offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay parity. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. Click to learn more about benefits.