Quality Engineer

PNA Laurinburg Plant
13121 S Rocky Ford Rd
Laurinburg, NC 28352, USA

The plant Quality Engineer will drive Quality improvement activities s will be accomplished by understanding the NSG manufacturing/fabrication capabilities as well as Customer requirements and reporting, investigating, and following up as necessary to assure the implementation of corrective measures and improvement. This role will drive plant-wide improvements in process capability, defect reduction, throughput, and cost savings using lean and continuous improvement methodologies and data driven decision making.

This role will work cross-functionally with batch and furnace, bath and lehr, coatings, cold-end and materials teams as needed to build up the culture of quality excellence and process adherence. The ultimate goal is to improve Laurinburg’s process and customer satisfaction by eliminating quality problems.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strong understanding of the float-glass manufacturing process and its relationship to quality requirements, key specifications, and potential risks.
• Ensure compliance with ASTM C1036, internal product specifications, ISO 9001:2015, and plant quality standards.
• Support the Laurinburg Quality System, including inspection and control processes throughout manufacturing, processing, and shipping.
• Maintain and improve quality system documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, inspection standards, and quality checks.
• Understand customer requirements and ensure they are incorporated into plant quality activities and specifications.
• Work daily with operations, engineering, and quality personnel to address quality concerns and support process stability.
• Support in-house inspection processes and collaborate closely with hourly Quality Rovers.
• Assist in developing inspection methods and techniques that meet both plant and customer needs.
• Investigate quality issues, collect and analyze data, and use structured problem-solving tools to identify root causes.
• Initiate, develop, and implement corrective and preventive actions stemming from internal incidents, customer complaints, special-cause variation, and quality review findings; monitor and follow up on open issues.
• Lead the internal audit process for the quality system and perform audits as required.
• Coordinate site-level PFMEA and risk-management activities.
• Provide training and guidance on Continuous Improvement tools and methodologies to site personnel.
• Provide real-time support during quality excursions, including containment, data gathering, and disposition of out-of-spec glass.
• Lead CI initiatives such as Quick Kaizen (QK) events, 5S implementation, standard work improvements, and waste-reduction efforts.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Materials teams to evaluate the quality of incoming raw materials (sand, cullet, soda ash, coatings, packaging).
• Apply statistical tools and SPC to monitor critical processes and identify trends.
• Conduct process capability studies, including Gage R&R, Cpk analysis, and capability assessments.
• Present monthly updates on QK/HazID activity, CAPA status, audit performance, and key quality metrics.
• Participate in and support Customer, Sales, and Customer Service interactions as needed, including quality investigations and follow-ups.
• Coordinate activities related to non-conforming products, including disposition, documentation, and communication.
• Serve as a co-owner of the Material Review Board (MRB) process, recommending dispositions for blocked and nonconforming glass.
• Review blocked inventory through inspection, generate blocked glass reports, and share findings with relevant stakeholders.
• Serve as the Document Control Process Owner for the Laurinburg site, maintaining controlled documents in accordance with ISO requirements.
• Ensure new or modified processes comply with NSG, OSHA, and site safety standards.
• Participate in Quality Review meetings in accordance with ISO 9001 requirements.
• Become familiar with customer requirements and support the CMP/MOC (Change Management Process/Management of Change) to ensure product and process changes are properly evaluated.
• Move throughout the plant to gather data,…