Quality Engineer

BIRNS, Inc., established in 1954, is an AS9100 certified global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-performance underwater connectors, subsea cable assemblies subsea lighting, dive lights and nuclear facility lighting. With a commitment to quality and innovation, we serve critical applications in deep ocean, marine, military, and nuclear power sectors.

BIRNS is seeking a Quality Engineer to join our team at BIRNS, Inc. This role is pivotal in ensuring the highest standards of quality for our products. Located in the United States, you will contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional performance and reliability in our lighting and connector systems.

The Quality Engineer (QE) is accountable for the overall quality of products delivered, services to customers ensuring all quality controls are met. The QE is responsible for developing a complete QA program that not only safeguards the quality and performance of our products, but also fosters a culture in which all employees are actively engaged in guaranteeing it by building an unwavering commitment to meticulous production, taking our products to the next level of quality, performance, and safety.

The QE engages continuous improvement activity and resources to identify and eliminate cost drivers, identify and eliminate work flow disruptions and establishes effective problem reporting and problem-solving methods so that goods are produced in a process-controlled and cost-effective manner, delivering zero-defect products on time. The QE will have customer and product quality responsibilities in addition to the general responsibilities outlined. The ideal candidate will have experience in implementing quality assurance practices, conducting audits, analyzing data and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

The following is a framework of the essential duties and responsibilities for this role. Basic duties are outlined here and are not limited to this outline. Duties and responsibilities may change according to business need and other duties may be assigned.

• Provide guidance and assistance in quality enhancement strategies and the interpretation of workmanship criteria
• Perform process capabilities analysis on key characteristics; implementing Inspection and Quality Plans
• Conduct internal audit activities including but not limited to quality management systems, purchasing, contract review process, and manufacturing
• Drive trend improvements on the internal & external quality in support of strategic business objectives
• Build stable, productive internal/external working relationships using effective interpersonal skills. Effectively articulate concepts and ideas to both technical and non-technical staff
• Resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways while applying company policies and procedures
• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factor
• Participate in the review of engineering specifications to ensure the inclusion of adequate quality and reliability requirements
• Work to reduce defects in various processes through data analysis and team problem-solving
• Write, maintain and improve detailed Inspection Instructions, Quality Plans and or Procedures for all related production operations and processes.
• Ensure production Job Travelers are accurate with respect to inspection or test gates and provide sufficient information for processes to be executed in a thorough and repeatable manner.
• Utilize quality and in-process data to develop solutions to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, and minimize cost.
• Design a Quality Plan and coordinate with Engineering to develop manufacturing processes including as applicable, the implementation and verification of processes utilizing tools, equipment and fixtures for new products prior to manufacturing release.
• Assist Production Planner to develop, prepare, and maintain inspection and test gates within the manufacturing process routings for work centers. Establish the processes and routings to handle discrepant material (NCRs), returned products (RMAs) and internal jobs to be reworked.
• Confer with suppliers to determine product specifications, compliance with Quality Assurance Provisions (QAPs) and evaluate products according to specifications and quality standards.
• Use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for tracking and reporting of data.

• Demonstrates initiative to work efficiently and to streamline processes.
• Receives little instruction on day-to-day work, general instructions on new assignments.
• Has a full understanding of one's specialization and uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
• Strong written/verbal communication, analytical, time management and…