Senior Quality Assurance Engineer; Manufacturing

As a Senior Quality Assurance Engineer, you will assist in the development, implementation, and coordination of administrative functions for the Corporate Quality Assurance Department, Quality Assurance Program, Corporate Customer Feedback system, and the ISO-9001 Program.

• Plan, develop, and administer quality assurance/control systems.
• Perform analysis of testing and inspection procedures to ensure adequacy and compliance.
• Use metrology and statistical methods to diagnose and correct improper quality control practices. Conduct capability studies of plant and supplier manufacturing processes.
• Review requests for proposals for projects and identify concerns or exceptions based on Quality issues.
• Participate as QA representative on PLP project teams to ensure adequate Quality inspections, testing, and documentation.
• Act as PLP Quality representative in customer and third-party audits of PLP facilities.
• Establish performance metrics for PLP Quality systems, develop measurement tools, and oversee periodic reporting.
• Assist the Manager of Quality Assurance in the development, implementation, and maintenance of global standards and quality systems for PLP products.
• Define measurement methods at plants and suppliers to establish consistency of measurement. Develop new testing/inspection techniques, fixtures, and gauges, as required.
• Use established specifications to evaluate finished products, purchased products, and raw materials.
• Utilize physical, mechanical, and electrical testing procedures and inspection equipment to perform routine tasks in the Quality/Materials Lab.
• Interpret engineering recommendations, customer specifications, and engineering drawings for suppliers or PLP facilities.
• Conduct source inspection of suppliers. Conduct supplier Quality System audits. Work with key suppliers to implement required improvements.
• Assist engineers and plant personnel in reducing the instances of nonconformities and the quantity of non-conforming products produced in the plants. Use Root Cause Analysis and Corrective and Preventive Action tools to effect improvements. Drive reduction in components, WIP, and finished good nonconformities through improvements in process controls, better gauging methods, and product specification rationalization. Follow up regularly until improvements have been verified.
• Assist suppliers who are having difficulty with meeting Quality expectations due to part non-conformance. Use Root Cause Analysis and Corrective and Preventive Action tools to effect improvements. Follow up with suppliers regularly until improvements have been verified.
• Maintain, administer, and improve the Supplier Risk Assessment and Inspection Level programs.
• Manage the Customer Feedback database and follow up with Engineering, PLP plants, suppliers, and Marketing and Sales to verify that an answer has been provided.
• Be familiar with and implement Lean techniques for continuous improvement.
• Attend technical meetings, conferences, and specialized courses consistent with your area of responsibility.
• Train personnel as needed in inspection, testing, and other techniques.
• Perform other functions as assigned or required.

• Bachelor of Science Degree in technical curriculum required, with a Quality Engineering Degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of hands‑on experience in a quality assurance environment and/or a manufacturing environment, with emphasis on measurement, testing, documentation, and ISO 9001 exposure
• ASQ Quality Engineering Certification is desired, but not required.
• Ability to use a computer and applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with Mini Tab or other statistical analysis software package preferred
• Interpersonal and communicating skills are desired. Capable of report formatting and technical writing.
• Must be capable of operating general metrology inspection and test equipment.
• Must be able to read blueprints.
• Must be able to travel.
• Must be available to work outside of normal working hours on infrequent occasions.

• 10-20% Domestic, 5-10% International

• Standard office hours with flextime
• 401(k) with a company match equal to 25% of the first 8% of pre‑tax dollars contributed by the employee for the first two years
• Enrollment in company profit sharing after two years
• Medical, dental & vision insurance, including free preventative care
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health care flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, & life insurance
• Paid time off, paid company holidays, and vacation purchase program