Sr. Quality Engineer

The Senior Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for maximizing the internally visible performance of global product quality for all Gibson divisions. The Senior QE will work closely with Global Production and division/site teams to optimize as-manufactured product quality, production yield, throughput, efficiency and cost. The Senior QE will manage the internal quality performance metrics and provide leadership in quality system development, corrective actions, and strategic improvement for internal production quality issues.

Essential Functions

Main duties

• Engage in regular communication related to production quality feedback originating from internal craftory teams and external customers experiencing pass-thru quality escapes
• Monitor internal quality data to analyze and report events, trends and overall performance; owner and administrator for production quality KPI metrics
• Coordinate event/issue response with support from Global Production and division/site teams to realize swift and effective resolution
• Lead, facilitate and support corrective actions and strategic improvement projects using scope-appropriate methods such as Kaizen, Practical Problem Solving, 8D and Lean/Six Sigma
• Assist Engineering, Operational Excellence and division/site teams in Global Production to increase the capabilities and effectiveness of In Process Quality Control (IPQC) systems and processes
• Work with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement and Gibson suppliers to develop, define and refine product and process quality requirements
• Support and facilitate internal communication that relates to product quality and reliability
• Advocate strongly for our production quality and workmanship, working to ensure Gibson will perform at or above market expectations
• Coordinate and lead internal production quality reviews and factory product/process audits

Required Skills/Abilities

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Desired familiarity with statistical analysis applications (Minitab, JMP, Sigma
  
  XL)
• Strong project management skills - including planning, tracking and team leadership
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills - with the ability to prioritize and make flexible, dynamic adjustments
• Able to proactively question / challenge to identify root-cause problems and prioritize solutions in a timely manner
• Results-oriented and driven, with a track record for delivering to plan
• Demonstrated ability to perform in a matrix organization - with ability to influence and utilize support from cross-functional teams
• Excellent written & oral communication skills; strong, demonstrated experience in technical writing

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering OR equivalent technical field plus relevant work experience

• 8+ years' direct experience in a quality engineering role directly supporting factory operations
• 4+ years' experience working in a global manufacturing business
• Highly desired: cross-functional engineering experience in manufacturing support roles (product development, supplier quality, continuous improvement)
• ASQ certifications desired:
  Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
• Demonstrated experience in building strong working relationships with Product Development, Engineering, Manufacturing and Procurement teams

Essential Knowledge

Understanding of quality engineering fundamentals including statistics, root-cause analysis and corrective action

• Detailed understanding of quality attributes and related measurement/inspection methods: dimensional, cosmetic, functional, reliability
• Advanced understanding of Lean and Six Sigma improvement methods
• Familiarity with industrial quality management systems (ISO 9001, AS 9001, TS 16949 and similar)
• Highly desired: personal hands-on experience with guitars, amplifiers, and electronics

Personal Qualities

• Enjoys following a process through and communicating progress in a team environment
• Able to effectively navigate ambiguity and act upon "what really matters"
• High-energy, dynamic individual who strives for continuous improvement
• A strong desire to succeed and pursue continued professional growth and development
• Ability to handle stress and calmly lead others through issues
• Ability to clearly communicate requirements, needed actions and status/progress
• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Creative, collaborative and effective problem solver and team contributor
• Curious in nature; always looking to question, learn & look for better ways to do things
• Personable, fun, team-oriented