Quality Engineer; Cut & Sew; Marine Components

Job Details:

Job Location:

MC TN - LOUDON, TN 37774, Position Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting all quality functions and supervision of Process Auditor. This role partners closely with production, engineering, and supply chain teams to drive continuous improvement, resolve quality issues, and implement robust quality systems that support world-class manufacturing standards. This role will be responsible for the Cutting, Embroidery, Quilting, Sewing and final assembly of Seat and Back Cover Assemblies for marine applications.

The role is responsible for the development of all PPAP Packages and communications with all customers. This role leads efforts to reduce Cost of Poor Quality – including rework, quality issues, and defects in the process. This person is responsible for communicating with all relevant stakeholders on activities including critical quality issues, project status, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.

The ideal candidate is direct, data-driven, and enthusiastic about delivering positive/exceptional customer experience through flawless product quality.

• Lead plant-level quality activities to ensure products meet specifications and customer expectations. Manage all Process Auditor(s).
• Analyze and facilitate efforts to reduce internal Scrap and Rework.
• Analyze and facilitate efforts to reduce process defects and non-conformances at all stages of the process.
• Monitor in-process and final product quality metrics (FPY, DPU, COPQ, scrap, rework, warranty trends)
• Develop and maintain control plans, work instructions, inspection standards, and quality documentation.
• Perform layered process audits and product audits to verify compliance.
• Provide primary support in the creation/completion of the Monthly Quality Updates
• Lead improvement projects based on internal quality metrics/data, warranty data, and customer feedback to reduce and eliminate repeat issues, while improving overall quality of product(s)
• Develop criteria for acceptance documents, FMEA, control plans, Product/Process Check Sheets, Work Instructions, as needed to communicate requirements to production and inspection teams.

• Lead root cause investigations using structured methodologies (8D, A3, 5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Implement and validate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA methodology)
• Support containment actions to protect customers and production flow.
• Analyze internal defects and field/warranty data to identify systemic issues.

• Support/Drive Lean or structured methodologies (Six Sigma) to improve product quality and reduce variation.
• Identify and eliminate waste through process optimization and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke)
• Support Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement projects.

• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Supplier Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams to resolve quality issues.
• Participate in new product introduction (NPI) to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet quality standards.
• Provide feedback on design improvements based on plant and field data.

• Collaborate with Supplier Quality and Procurement to address incoming material issues.
• Support and manage selected suppliers. Develop with the suppliers, corrective actions and qualification activities as needed.
• Approve Supplier PPAPs.
• Develop Scorecards for certain Commodities, when required.

• Review warranty claims and customer feedback to identify trends.
• Support field issue resolution and corrective action implementation.
• Ensure lessons learned are communicated and incorporated into processes.
• Interface with Customers…