Quality Engineer

Dexter is hiring Quality Engineers to join our Operations teams at our manufacturing facilities in Fremont, Indiana and Albion, Indiana. We encourage candidates from a variety of locations to apply, as our business continues to expand and our needs evolve.

The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting and continuously improving product and process quality through data-driven problem solving, robust quality system execution, and cross-functional collaboration. This role partners with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customer teams to prevent defects, drive corrective actions, and ensure compliance with internal standards and applicable industry/regulatory requirements.

This candidate will be responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance, and improvement of quality assurance processes. Throughout the implementation and maintenance process, this candidate should use data analysis to better understand quality reporting measures and improve processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance & Process Control

• Develop, implement, and improve quality plans, procedures, and work instructions to support consistent product quality.
• Define and maintain inspection methods and acceptance criteria for incoming, in-process, and finished goods.
• Apply statistical tools (SPC, capability studies) to monitor process performance and drive improvements.
• Lead measurement system analysis (MSA) and support metrology/calibration programs as applicable.

Nonconformance, Root Cause & Corrective Action

• Manage nonconforming material processes including containment, disposition (MRB), and documentation.
• Lead root cause analysis using structured methodologies (5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D, DMAIC).
• Drive CAPA activities, verify effectiveness, and ensure actions are implemented on time.
• Support customer complaint investigations and contribute to timely, high-quality responses.

Supplier & Incoming Quality

• Collaborate with Supply Chain and suppliers to improve incoming material quality and supplier performance.
• Support supplier audits, qualification, scorecards, and supplier corrective actions (SCARs) as needed.
• Review supplier documentation (COCs, inspection reports) and ensure compliance with requirements.

Documentation, Compliance & Audits

• Maintain quality documentation within the QMS (procedures, records, forms, validations where applicable).
• Support internal and external audits (customer, regulatory, certification) and follow through on findings.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards such as ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 / AS9100 / ISO 13485 (as applicable).

Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing on new product/process introductions and changes.
• Support risk management activities such as FMEA and control plans (as applicable).
• Train and coach teams on quality standards, best practices, and problem-solving methods.
• Identify opportunities to reduce scrap, rework, and customer escapes through preventive improvements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• 3 years of experience in quality engineering, manufacturing quality, or supplier quality.
• Working knowledge of quality tools and methodologies (PPAP, Root cause analysis, control plans, APQP).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency with data analysis and reporting (Excel required)
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across functions and with external suppliers/customers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Quality certifications such as ASQ CQE, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or ISO Lead Auditor.
• Hands-on experience with inspection equipment and systems.

Key Competencies

• Analytical and detail-oriented; strong problem-solving mindset
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver on deadlines
• Confident working in a fast-paced, cross-functional manufacturing environment
• Continuous improvement mindset and willingness to challenge the status quo

Work Environment & Physical Requirements (if applicable)

• Work will involve time on a manufacturing floor / industrial production environment.
• Requires use of PPE and compliance with safety policies.
• Ability to lift up to [25–50] lbs occasionally and stand/walk for extended periods (as needed).