Quality Engineer

Job Summary

The Quality Engineer provides quality assurance support and leadership for all new and existing products and processes within the manufacturing plant. This role acts as a key liaison across internal departments to deliver timely, accurate resolutions for customers. The Quality Engineer leads the development, refinement, and enforcement of product-specific quality systems to guarantee total compliance with customer requirements and other relevant industry standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Customer & Product Support

• Lead root-cause analysis and structured problem-solving activities for customer issues using 8D or equivalent methodologies.
• Prepare, submit, and secure approval for Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) or equivalent customer qualification packages.
• Manage customer issues by issuing Return Merchandise Authorizations (RMAs) and ensuring strict internal adherence to Quality Alerts.
• Support product launches, engineering changes, and process improvements while keeping internal Quality systems compliant.

Plant Floor & Production Quality

• Monitor the production floor to verify products meet customer specifications and inspection activities align with established Control Plans.
• Develop and implement preventative actions to eliminate potential defects in plant production processes.
• Establish standards and methods for inspection, testing, and evaluation of manufactured goods.
• Create forms and instructions for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.
• Support plant floor inspections and final Dock Audits to ensure zero-defect shipments.
• Train employees on quality inspection standards and properly document all training records.

Vendor & Incoming Material Support

• Communicate regularly with vendors to address quality concerns and foster continual improvement.
• Manage defective material claims issued to suppliers and coordinate internal resolutions.
• Assist with logistics and vendor communication regarding packaging or receiving issues at arrival.

Experience & Education

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of progressive quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Industry Background: Broad experience across multidisciplinary manufacturing industries preferred;
• MUST HAVE experience with metal fabrication (welding, metal forming, milling, and anodizing).

Technical Skills & Certifications

Certifications: ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is highly preferred. Quality Standards: Familiarity and working knowledge of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 quality management systems. Core Tools: Proficiency in core quality standards and tools, including APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, MSA, and SPC. Blueprints: Advanced proficiency in blueprint reading and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). Software: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Soft Skills Problem Solving: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex technical problem-solving. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interfacing directly with internal teams, customers, and suppliers.