Quality Engineer

JOB SUMMARY

The Quality Engineer (QE) is a strategic, lean-focused role that advances Trek Connect's quality system and drives continuous improvement across production operations. Reporting to the Quality Manager with a dotted-line to the Operations & Engineering Manager, the QE applies classic lean tools -- PDCA, 5 Whys, Fishbone, PFMEA, Poka-Yoke, Value Stream Mapping, and Visual Management -- to build capable, in-control processes that scale with the business.

Working cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain, the QE executes the technical work of the Quality function: corrective action investigations, audit support, QMS documentation, customer source inspection preparation, RMA analysis, and supplier quality activities. The QE builds an employee-centric, team-based problem-solving culture that drives positive change.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties as assigned.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Problem Solving

• Lead structured problem-solving events using PDCA, 5 Whys, Fishbone, Affinity Diagrams, and 8D to eliminate chronic defects and recurring nonconformances.
• Facilitate PFMEA for new and existing assembly processes; link outputs to control plans, work instructions, and inspection plans.
• Deploy poka-yoke solutions and perform process capability studies (Cp/Cpk) and MSA/Gage R&R to validate process control.
• Establish and maintain Visual Management at the Gemba -- quality huddle boards, KPI displays, defect tracking, and tiered escalation -- and participate in daily huddles with data-driven countermeasures.
• Apply Scaling Up principles to identify constraints, standardize effective practices, and build quality disciplines that support business growth.

Quality Management System (QMS) Support

• Maintain and improve QMS documentation per AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015:
  Quality Manual, procedures, work instructions, forms, and training records.
• Track and trend quality KPIs -- first-pass yield, defect rates, cost of poor quality, DPMO, and customer escapes -- and recommend improvement actions.
• Execute corrective action technical steps: interim containment, root cause analysis, verification, and effectiveness review; maintain the CAPA database.
• Document inspection records, First Article Inspection reports, and nonconforming material records in ERP and QMS systems.

Audits, Inspection, & Customer Source Inspection Support

• Participate in 2nd and 3rd Party audits; support internal audits and develop AS9100 internal auditor capability.
• Develop and apply inspection and testing standards for purchased material, in-process material, and finished assemblies.
• Prepare production orders and documentation for Customer Source Inspections; coordinate directly with customer representatives.

Cross-Functional Support

• Serve as the embedded quality resource for daily production reviews, new product introductions, engineering change reviews, and first-article builds.
• Contribute PFMEA, control plan, and inspection input during design and process reviews; investigate nonconforming product and lead root cause analysis.
• Disposition nonconforming material promptly to protect product quality and minimize schedule impact.
• Support supplier quality activities including SCARs, supplier qualification, and performance trending.
• Support incoming inspection plan development; use ERP for lot traceability and trend analysis.

Customer Quality & Program Support

• Support customer RMA processes: lead technical product return assessment and root cause investigation.
• Prepare and submit quality documentation packages including Certificates of Conformance, FAI reports, and customer-required quality records.
• Respond to customer quality inquiries, complaints, and audit requests in coordination with the Quality Manager.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Aerospace, or Manufacturing) or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of quality engineering experience in an electro-mechanical manufacturing environment; defense, aerospace, or electronic interconnect manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 quality management…