Quality Engineer

Company Description

QuikCut, LLC is a dynamic metal fabrication company driven by the mantra "Test Our Mettle," which reflects our commitment to exceeding client expectations through continuous improvement and innovation. We are dedicated to creating solutions that make our client-partners' operations more efficient and profitable. Our team thrives on the challenge to grow, adapt, and deliver exceptional quality in every project we undertake. Based on values of reliability and excellence, we are steadfast in showing what we're truly made of—and proud to provide value to our clients every step of the way.

Role Description

The Quality Engineer at QuikCut, LLC drives product and process quality across our metals fabrication and finishing operations. This role focuses on dimensional verification (including robotic arm measurement), welding quality, and coating integrity across paint and powder coat processes. The ideal candidate combines hands-on shop-floor presence with data-driven problem solving to ensure QuikCut meets customer, internal, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

Dimensional Quality & Metrology

• Program and operate a portable measurement arm (e.g., Faro, Hexagon/Romer or similar) to perform dimensional inspections, alignments, and first article validations.
• Develop measurement routines, inspection strategies, and GD&T-based verification plans; analyze results and report out with clear acceptance criteria.
• Maintain calibration and verification routines for gauges, fixtures, and inspection equipment (including torque, micrometers, calipers, coating thickness gauges).

Welding Quality

• Define and enforce weld quality standards and visual acceptance criteria (per WPS/PQR/WPQR where applicable).
• Partner with welding leads to validate process parameters, qualify procedures and personnel, and reduce weld defects (porosity, lack of fusion, undercut, distortion).
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions for weld-related NCRs and customer returns.

Paint & Powder Coat Quality

• Oversee surface prep, pretreatment, and curing verification; implement and monitor coating thickness, adhesion, gloss, cure tests (e.g., MEK rub, cross-hatch, DFT).
• Collaborate with finishing teams to control process variables (material, booth settings, line speed, oven cure profiles) and ensure cosmetic and corrosion performance requirements are met.
• Supplier & Incoming Quality
• Establish incoming inspection criteria for metals (sheet, plate, tube, bar, castings) and fabricated components.
• Work with suppliers on PPAP/FAI, capability studies, and corrective actions to address nonconformances.

Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Own and improve control plans, PFMEAs, MSA, and standard work; support PPAP/FAI submissions as needed.
• Lead CAPA using structured problem-solving (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone) and drive measurable reductions in scrap, rework, and customer defects.
• Prepare and present quality metrics (DPPM, FPY, Cpk/Ppk, RTY, cost of poor quality) to leadership; champion Lean/Six Sigma initiatives.
• Support internal audits and readiness for external audits (e.g., ISO 9001 or customer audits).
• Customer Engagement
• Respond to customer quality concerns with timely containment, robust root cause analysis, and sustainable corrective actions.
• Translate customer drawings/specifications and finish standards into actionable internal requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Metrology, or related technical field or equivalent experience.
• 3 years in a quality engineering or quality assurance role within metals fabrication or industrial manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience programming and operating a robotic measurement arm (e.g., Faro, Romer/Hexagon) and interpreting GD&T.
• Demonstrated experience with weld quality (procedures, inspection, acceptance criteria) and paint/powder coat quality controls (DFT, adhesion, cure, surface prep).
• Proficiency with quality tools: MSA, SPC, Control Plans, PFMEA, PPAP, CAPA, gauge R&R.
• Ability to read/interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, and finish specifications.
• Strong analytical skills in Excel or statistical software; clear, concise reporting and communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant certifications (e.g., ASQ CQE, CWI/CWS, NACE/AMPP coatings, Six Sigma Green Belt).
• Experience with ISO 9001 environments and customer audits.
• Exposure to ERP/QMS platforms and digital quality workflows (e.g., e-FAI, e-NCR/CAPA).
• Experience conducting capability studies (Cpk/Ppk), gage R&R, and destructive/non-destructive testing for welds and coatings.
• Familiarity with fixture design and PFMEA for weld and coating operations.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Regular presence on the production floor; ability to stand, walk, and climb as needed.
• Lift and handle parts and gauges up to 50 lbs with appropriate assistance.
• Exposure to welding, machining, paint and powder environments; use of PPE required.
• Occasional travel to suppliers or customer sites [~0–10%].