Quality Engineer I

The Quality Engineer I is responsible to understand and apply the principles of product and service quality evaluation and control.  Body of knowledge and applied technologies include, but are not limited to, development and operation of quality control systems, application and analysis of testing and inspection procedures, the ability to use metrology and statistical methods to diagnose and correct improper quality control practices, an understanding of human factors and motivation, proper application of business/quality cost concepts and techniques, knowledge and ability to develop and administer management systems and to audit quality systems for deficiency identification, correction and improvement.  The Quality Engineer I also will be responsible for supervising any Quality Technicians and/or Quality Inspectors at the assigned location.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises any Quality Technicians and/or Quality Inspectors at the assigned location.  This includes responsibility for coaching, employee development and training, hiring, evaluating performance, providing feedback, counseling (corrective actions or dismissals) giving direction and guidance, and recommending wage increases and promotions.
• Participates in advanced product quality planning teams and utilize/author related documents (PCP, PFD, FAI, FMEA, etc.)
• Participates in problem-solving endeavors and direct teams using quality techniques (Pareto, Cause & Effect Analysis, 7-Step or 8D, etc.)
• Plans and directs activities related to the development, application, and maintenance of quality standards for processes, materials, and products:
• Develops and initiates standards and methods for inspection, testing, and evaluation, utilizing knowledge in engineering fields.
• Devises sampling procedures and designs.
• Develops methodology and instructions for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.
• Establishes programs to evaluate precision and accuracy of production equipment and testing, measurement, and analytical equipment and facilities.
• Develops and implements methods and procedures for disposition of discrepant material and devises methods to assess cost and responsibility.
• Directs workers engaged in measuring and testing product and tabulating data concerning materials, product, or process quality and reliability.
• Supports preparation of PPAP submissions
• Compiles and writes training material and conducts training sessions on quality control activities.
• Interfaces with plant management, engineering, customers, sales and other functions on quality related matters.
• Assists with in-process and final quality control efforts, particularly in the areas of documentation and procedure.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Designs and implements continuous improvement projects.
• Assists in supplier quality and supplier corrective action process.
• Creates, modifies and reviews quality procedures and work instructions
• Coordinates Manufacturing/Quality Assurance/Engineering reporting and interactions regarding quality
• Assists other discipline personnel with root cause and corrective actions associated with manufacturing issues.
• Assists and contributes to the maintenance, development and improvement of the Quality Management System and provides feedback to the Director of Quality and Senior Leadership.
• Performs system, product and process audits.  May travel to other US locations or customer locations for auditing purposes.
• Works effectively in a cross-functional setting on individual as well as team projects.
• Adheres to plant and corporate safety policies
• May assist in other areas or perform other duties as required by business needs.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with 2 or more years work experience as a Quality Engineer, or 8 or more years of work experience as a Quality Engineer with no degree.  Strongly prefer this work experience in a manufacturing environment.

BASIC SKILLS:

• Possesses excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. 
• High cognitive levels- ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Keen writing skills - ability to write reports, procedures, manuals and instructions. 
• Possesses high degree of professionalism. 
• Ability to read, write and follow written or verbal instructions. 
• Ability to speak, read and write English. 
• Demonstrates self-motivation, high energy and able to work with minimal supervision.   
• Ability to interact closely with other departments to support quality focus. 
• Possesses high proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
• Possesses proficiency in project leadership and project management.
• Demonstrates knowledge and experience with databases (Access, QSI) and ERP systems.
• Possesses proficiency with problem solving and techniques.
• Possesses or will obtain training/certification in Shainin or Six Sigma techniques.
• Possesses a working knowledge regarding ISO quality standards (ISO 9001, ISO 13485 or AS9100).
• Demonstrates knowledge of statistical techniques.
• Demonstrates knowledge of automotive/aerospace advanced quality planning, pre-production part approval and measurement system analysis techniques.
•  Ability to read design records and basic understanding of GD&T and key characteristics.