What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Engineer position at Columbia Industries?
Company Description
For over 50 years, Columbia Industries has been at the forefront of designing and manufacturing innovative equipment for the solid waste, recycling, oil & gas, and aerospace industries. We are deeply committed to delivering superior quality products, providing exceptional customer service, and fostering a culture of innovation. Our mission is to create transformative solutions by asking the “What if…” questions, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Join a company where your ideas contribute to shaping industries and making a meaningful impact.
Summary
The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting quality initiatives through data analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective action implementation. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure quality issues are identified, documented, and resolved in a timely manner.
The Quality Engineer plays a key role in supporting the Non-Conformance (NCR), warranty, and customer quality processes while helping drive continuous improvement and strengthening overall quality performance. In addition, the role supports product design efforts as needed and process improvements for manufacturing as well as work instruction creation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Root Cause & Corrective Action Support
- Support root cause investigations using structured methodologies (5 Why, Fishbone, PDCA)
- Assist in implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
- Follow up on corrective actions to ensure completion and effectiveness
- Escalate recurring or systemic issues to senior quality leadership
- Develop processes to support quality improvements
NCR Process Support
- Support the Non-Conformance Report (NCR) process, including entry, tracking, and follow-up
- Ensure quality issues are documented accurately and in a timely manner
- Assist in improving NCR process consistency and compliance
- Help identify trends in NCR data
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Collect and analyze quality data to identify trends and areas for improvement
- Support development of reports and dashboards using Epicor and other tools
- Assist in communicating quality performance metrics to internal teams
- Ensure accuracy and completeness of quality data
Customer Quality & Warranty Support
- Support warranty tracking and documentation
- Assist in investigating customer complaints and quality issues
- Help ensure timely responses to customer concerns
- Contribute to identifying trends in customer feedback and warranty claims
Cross-Functional Support
- Work with production, engineering, and supply chain to resolve quality issues
- Support continuous improvement initiatives
- Assist with supplier quality communications as needed
- Promote adherence to quality standards across departments
- Adjust product design as needed to support quality improvements
- Develop tools and equipment to support quality manufacturing processes
- Create work instructions and procedures to assist in quality production processes
Floor & Field Involvement (As Needed)
- Participate in on-site investigations of quality issues on the production floor
- Assist with field-related investigations when required
- Support validation of corrective actions in real-world conditions
QMS & Process Support
- Support maintenance and improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS)
- Assist with internal audits and documentation updates
- Ensure quality records are accurate, complete, and timely
Additional Expectations
- Collaborate effectively across departments
- Maintain clear and professional communication
- Support a culture of continuous improvement and accountability
- Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Experience
- 2–5 years of experience in quality, manufacturing, or related field
- Exposure to root cause analysis and quality systems preferred
- Six Sigma training preferred
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field preferred
- Equivalent experience will be considered
Preferred Certifications
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) (or working toward certification)
- Certified Internal Auditor (preferred)
Critical Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Familiarity with quality tools (NCR, CAPA, RCA)
- Basic experience with ERP systems (Epicor preferred)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Strong organizational and follow-through abilities
Work Environment
- Office and manufacturing floor environment with occasional field involvement