Quality Engineer

Job Title:

Quality Engineer

Job Description

The Quality Engineer optimizes product quality by serving as a key liaison between engineering, manufacturing, assembly, test, packaging operations, and supply chain management. This role provides expert input to product documentation, including drawings, specifications, and inspection and testing methods and plans. The Quality Engineer supports internal operations by educating employees, resolving product and process quality issues, and tracking, trending, and reporting performance data.

The position also communicates quality plans, quality issues, and performance data to suppliers to support both new product introductions and ongoing serial production, while contributing to continuous improvement and compliance with industry standards.

Responsibilities

+ Define quality standards for products and processes and ensure they are consistently applied throughout the organization.

+ Create detailed inspection plans and develop test methods to verify that products and processes meet specified requirements.

+ Implement statistical process control methods and techniques to monitor and control manufacturing processes.

+ Inspect raw materials, components, assemblies, and processes, either personally or through Quality Technicians, to confirm that requirements are met.

+ Ensure all gages and measuring equipment are properly calibrated, remain in compliance, and have complete and accurate calibration records.

+ Track performance data, analyze results, and generate reports to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for improvement.

+ Investigate non-conformances to determine root cause and recommend effective corrective actions.

+ Lead cross-functional problem-solving teams to address complex quality and process issues.

+ Implement corrective and preventive actions, verify their effectiveness, and ensure sustainability both internally and with suppliers.

+ Identify opportunities for improvement in manufacturing processes and product quality and drive implementation of improvement initiatives.

+ Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and other teams to ensure quality is integrated throughout the product life cycle.

+ Interact with suppliers, including performing supplier visits, to facilitate effective communication and alignment on quality expectations.

+ Maintain detailed documentation, including quality plans, inspection reports, validation protocols, and related records.

+ Communicate clearly with internal departments, suppliers, auditors, and other stakeholders in both verbal and written formats.

+ Maintain current knowledge of industry regulations and standards to ensure ongoing compliance.

+ Identify gaps in the Quality Management System and initiate updates and improvements to address those gaps.

+ Train employees in quality processes, procedures, tools, and methodologies to build organizational capability.

+ Participate in interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new employees as appropriate, with a focus on building a strong quality team.

+ Support and contribute to Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities for new product launches.

+ Assist with statistical analysis activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ and PFMEA, to support validation and risk reduction efforts.

+ Provide guidance and emerging leadership in overseeing Quality Technicians and supporting their daily activities as responsibilities grow over time.

+ Manage problem solving, corrections, corrective actions, and related project management activities to ensure timely closure of issues.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in quality, engineering, manufacturing, or a closely related field.

+ At least 3 years of experience in quality-focused roles within manufacturing or a related environment.

+ Hands-on experience with Quality Management Systems, such as ISO 9001 or similar standards.

+ Proficiency in problem solving, implementing corrections, and managing corrective actions and related projects.

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Experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).

+ Strong knowledge of inspection equipment and techniques used in manufacturing and quality control.

+ Ability to interpret engineering drawing standards and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

+ Demonstrated experience with statistical analysis methods, especially as they relate to root cause analysis and process control.

+ Familiarity with IQ/OQ/PQ validation activities and PFMEA to assess and mitigate process risks.

+ Ability to define quality standards, create inspection plans, and develop test methods.

+ Experience implementing statistical process control techniques in a production environment.

+ Strong root cause analysis skills with a structured, methodical approach to problem solving.

+ Effective written and verbal communication skills for interaction with internal teams, suppliers, and auditors.

+ Ability to maintain detailed documentation, including quality plans,…