Quality Engineer

This is a highly visible, hands-on Quality Engineering role responsible for building and leading the quality function within an early-stage advanced manufacturing environment. Rather than inheriting an existing quality system, you'll have the opportunity to establish the processes, standards, and culture that will support the transition from prototype development into scalable production.

The ideal person believes quality is built into the process, not inspected in afterward. You'll work closely with engineering and manufacturing to develop robust quality systems, facilitate risk analysis, establish process controls, and drive continuous improvement across the organization. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building systems from the ground up and thrives in collaborative, technically complex environments.

Responsibilities

Quality Systems & APQP

• Lead quality activities throughout the product development lifecycle using APQP methodologies
• Facilitate DFMEA and PFMEA sessions with cross-functional engineering teams
• Develop and maintain Control Plans that translate process risks into effective manufacturing controls
• Own the PPAP process from preparation through customer approval
• Build scalable quality procedures, documentation, and workflows appropriate for a growing manufacturing organization

Quality Engineering

• Review engineering drawings and GD&T to identify critical-to-quality characteristics
• Select appropriate inspection methods and metrology equipment based on tolerance requirements
• Conduct Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Gauge R&R studies
• Develop inspection strategies and sampling plans based on process risk
• Establish calibration procedures and measurement system controls
• Support supplier qualification and incoming quality processes
• Lead root cause investigations utilizing 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and other structured problem-solving methods
• Partner directly with engineering and production during prototype builds, first articles, and pilot production
• Troubleshoot manufacturing quality issues on the production floor
• Track and improve key quality metrics including scrap, rework, supplier performance, and corrective actions
• Develop nonconformance and CAPA processes
• Coach engineering and manufacturing teams on quality principles, AIAG Core Tools, and preventive quality methodologies
• Help establish a quality-first culture focused on preventing defects before they occur

Who You Are

• Most effective preventing problems rather than reacting to them
• Comfortable building quality systems from the ground up in an evolving manufacturing environment
• Highly collaborative and able to influence cross-functional engineering teams
• Hands‑on and willing to spend significant time on the manufacturing floor
• Analytical with a structured approach to risk assessment and problem solving
• Comfortable working in fast‑paced environments with changing priorities

Experience Requirements

• 3+ years of Quality Engineering experience within a manufacturing environment
• Strong working knowledge of AIAG Core Tools including APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and PPAP
• Experience facilitating DFMEA and PFMEA activities
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T
• Experience selecting measurement methods and metrology equipment
• Experience conducting root cause investigations and corrective actions
• Comfortable working in startup or rapidly evolving manufacturing environments

What You Bring

• Strong understanding of preventive quality methodologies
• Experience developing Control Plans, inspection strategies, and quality documentation
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Ability to balance technical rigor with practical manufacturing execution
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading PPAP submissions
• Experience working with metals, ceramics, or advanced manufacturing processes
• Experience building quality systems within startup or new product launch environments
• Experience conducting Gauge R&R studies and statistical process control
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or similar quality management systems
• ASQ CQE, CQA, or Six Sigma certification

What Success Looks Like

Quality Systems

Within the first six months, scalable quality systems, documentation, and processes are established that support continued manufacturing growth.

DFMEAs, PFMEAs, and Control Plans become active tools used to prevent manufacturing issues before they reach production.

Manufacturing Quality

Quality issues are identified early through effective process controls, resulting in reduced scrap, rework, and production disruptions.

Supplier quality processes become standardized, resulting in improved incoming quality and stronger supplier accountability.

Organizational Impact

You are recognized as the quality leader who establishes practical systems, coaches the organization, and builds a culture focused on prevention rather than inspection.