Virginia - Production - Quality Engineer

Location: La Crosse

ABOUT THE SHADE STORE®

At The Shade Store, we have handcrafted the finest Shades, Blinds and Drapery for 75 years. We believe designing beautiful custom window treatments should be an effortless experience, so we offer outstanding services to help our customers every step of the way, from inspiration to installation.

The Position:
Quality Engineer

The Manufacturing Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that manufacturing and supplier processes consistently produce products that meet internal specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards. This role partners closely with manufacturing operations, contract manufacturers, suppliers, engineering, and cross-functional stakeholders to identify root causes of quality issues, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement across the product lifecycle. The Manufacturing Quality Engineer thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment and applies data-driven, statistical, and lean methodologies to improve quality, efficiency, and scalability.

Resposibilities:

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing quality, process capability, and process standardization across internal and contract manufacturing facilities.
• Analyze production and quality data to identify trends, variation, and systemic issues; develop and drive corrective action plans.
• Lead root cause analysis using structured problem-solving tools and ensure effective implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Partner cross-functionally to develop, update, audit, and sustain standard operating procedures, work instructions, and control plans.
• Partner with suppliers and contract manufacturers to assess capability, support new product launches, and resolve quality issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies.
• Support internal, supplier, and customer audits and ensure timely closure of findings.
• Manage the root cause analysis and corrective actions process of supplier quality issues
• Support new product launches to ensure suppliers are capable of delivering to the required quality standards.
• Support Purchasing with the supplier approval process by assessing manufacturing/technology capabilities
• Provide hands-on manufacturing floor support during quality issues, containment activities, and process changes.
• Train and mentor manufacturing and quality personnel on quality tools, procedures, and best practices.
• Lead assigned Quality associates in daily operational tasks and responsibilities.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment and follow all safety regulations.
• Communicate continuously with management regarding quality risks, performance, and improvement progress.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong knowledge in root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams) and data analysis.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles (certification preferred).
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds (team lifting as required); ability to climb and move around machinery.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically.
• English language proficiency required; bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and able to independently identify and drive improvement initiatives.
• 3-5+ years of experience in manufacturing or quality engineering roles preferred.
• Hands-on experience working directly on the manufacturing floor preferred.
• Experience with supplier or contract manufacturing environments preferred.

THE SHADE STORE offer is contingent upon:

Proof of legal authorization to work in the United States for The Shade Store, which will be confirmed by E-Verify within three business days of your hire date. The Shade Store provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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