Senior Quality Engineer, Product Engineering

We're Watts. Together, we're reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world.

We areat the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with aquality reputation - and we have a dynamic future ahead.

We are seeking a driven and detail-focused Senior Quality Engineer to provide leadership in quality assurance, ensuring Watts consistently meets or exceeds customer requirements through compliance and continuous improvement. This position works closely with New Product Development teams to accelerate speed-to-market without compromising quality. Focus areas include new product introduction, customer quality, production quality, supplier quality, and the implementation of continuous improvement processes in the manufacturing of wholesale construction materials, hardware, plumbing and heating equipment and supplies.

This position reports to the Quality Manager. This role is onsite and is based in St. Pauls, NC.

• Active participation in Stage Gate Process.
  • Ensure timely and complete execution of all quality actions.
  • Oversee the stage gate process for pragmatic adherence and gap closure.
  • Engage in supplier, distribution, and factory process development to ensure flawless product launch and conforming ongoing serial production.
• Leadership in customer quality issues.
  • Work with Customer Service, Production, Distribution and Suppliers to address field complaints.
  • Conduct root cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and follow up.
  • Manage customer issues ensuring professional communication.
  • Track, trend, and report on customer issues, providing global resolutions as needed.
  • Elevate customer interaction standards for quality related to mega projects.
• Liaison Across all Functions on key quality assurance Issues with regards to New Product Development.
  • Share best practices in production quality management, supplier quality management, regulatory and certification standards, and NPD processes.
  • Conduct Process Failure Mode and Effect Analyses (PFMEAs).
  • Utilize the RCCA tracking system to maintain a credible corrective action board.
  • Production Quality:
    • Maintain control of the MRB process and manage non-conforming materials across the site.
    • Understand customer issues rooted in the production process and put processes in place to eliminate those issues.
    • Implement robust error-proofing across the factory.
    • Implement proper layered product audits to ensure quality performance.
  • Supplier Quality:
    • Provide timely and detailed feedback to suppliers for improvement.
    • Collaborate with the corporate supplier quality team to identify opportunities and manage supplier improvement projects.
  • Quality Systems:
    • Support all audit activity as required (customer, agency, internal, etc.)
    • Maintain site certifications and audits.
  • Advance quality tools across the business, including RCCA, PPAP, gage R&R's, SPC, process controls, and audits.
• Update and support the corporate quality operating system including:
  • MOR analysis and Reporting.
  • Data reporting and integrity.
  • Annual and strategic planning.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related business field is required.
• 5+ years of experience in applying and implementing total quality concepts within manufacturing environment.
• Experience in the new product development process.
• Prior experience with the implementation and use of statistical process control and advanced analytical techniques.
• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering, Lean Six Sigma and quality principles, concepts, practices, and theories.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and statistical packages.
• Ability to collaborate with customer and supplier representatives regarding all quality-related issues.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of auto-CAD or other design-related software, along with experience in basic Metrology and Calibration.

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• PMP certification.
• Prior experience leading quality initiatives across multiple functions.

• Commitment to Watts' values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
• Adherence to Watts' seven cultural beliefs:
  Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused…