What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Engineer position at Fire-Dex, Inc.?
Fire-Dex is a family-owned, global manufacturer of head-to-toe personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders and an Independent Service Provider (ISP) of PPE care and maintenance. Our mission is simple: to serve those who serve. We live by our values—Fun, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence (FIRE)—and take pride in being recognized as a multi award-winning organization, including Top Workplace by NorthCoast 99 and Weatherhead 100.
Primary Function
The Quality Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and continually improving quality processes to ensure products, materials, and manufacturing processes meet defined requirements. This role establishes and maintains quality metrics, leads corrective actions and root cause analysis, supports internal and third-party audits, and partners with cross-functional teams to embed quality into new product introductions, process changes, and ongoing operations.
Essential Functions
- Develop and maintain metrics and measures related to Quality processes and Cost of Quality
- Develop and maintain quality control plans, inspection criteria, and test protocols
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions (CAR) for nonconformances, audit findings, supplier issues, and RGA/customer complaints
- Support internal audits and third-party audits (e.g., ISO 9001, UL, SEI) and maintain audit readiness
- Collaborate with process owners through the CIP process to ensure quality is built into new product introductions and process changes
- Maintain and improve documentation systems and quality records
- Train associates on Quality Assurance and Quality Control fundamentals and activities
- Lead Verification & Validation activities for new products and product changes, including materials, options, garments, packaging, system solutions, and equipment
- Reconcile and document risk related to quality events and design activities
- Up to 20% travel to all sites
- Facilitate Kaizen events to support continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional problem-solving efforts to reduce waste, improve flow, or optimize manufacturing/quality processes.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Required Competencies (ISO 9001)
- Working knowledge of quality management systems and controlled documentation (e.g., ISO 9001)
- Ability to develop and track quality metrics, including Cost of Quality
- Ability to develop quality control plans, inspection criteria, and test/validation protocols
- Strong problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action methods
- Ability to support and participate in internal and third-party audits; maintain audit readiness
- Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to train others on QA/QC fundamentals
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally to embed quality into new product introductions and process changes (CIP mindset)
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- High attention to detail with strong documentation accuracy and recordkeeping integrity
- Working knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma methodologies; Green Belt certification preferred.
Competency Training Addendum
Required competencies for this role are obtained and maintained through structured onboarding, Quality Management System (QMS) training, applicable product/process training, and ongoing development aligned to Quality Engineering responsibilities. Competency verification and related records are maintained in accordance with established quality and documentation practices.
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
- Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment with regular presence in production areas
- Ability to move throughout facilities to observe processes, perform audits, and support investigations
- Visual acuity sufficient to perform inspections, review documentation, and evaluate quality conditions
- Ability to communicate effectively and perceive auditory cues in a manufacturing environment
- Up to 20% travel to all sites; exposure to typical manufacturing noise and conditions when on the floor
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Total Rewards & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off, including parental leave
- 401(k) with matching, life insurance, EAP for entire family, discount programs and other perks
- Profit sharing bonuses based upon company success
- Fulfillment in a purposeful, impactful industry
Who We Are
- Our mission is to serve those who serve
- Our values include fun, integrity, respect, and excellence — FIRE!
- Headquartered in Medina, OH (between Cleveland and Akron)
- 39 years in business, family‑owned and operated
- Multi award‑winning organization, including:
- Top Workplace by NorthCoast 99 (seven‑time winner)
- Family Business Achievement Awards
- Cascade Business Growth Awards
- Weatherhead 100
Be part of making the highest quality personal protective equipment in the USA and keeping first responders safe!
Learn more about our culture and team!
- Find purposeful work making firefighter PPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY6nF69ZXvc
- Find your work passion with the Fire-Dex family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh-cq2r1xyU
- How It's Made: Turnout Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwgnI2OjBXk
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)
Fire- Dex is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age (40 and over), ancestry, color, disability (physical and mental, including HIV and AIDS), genetic information, gender identity and expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race (includes traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), religion (includes religious dress and grooming practices), sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by law. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and actively seek to ensure that our hiring and employment practices reflect this commitment.
Interview Process & Consent
Fire‑Dex may use AI‑assisted tools to record and transcribe interviews for evaluation purposes, with candidate notice and consent. These tools support, but do not replace, human decision‑making. Interview data is handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including CCPA and GDPR.