OQC/IPQC Engineer

Job Description: OQC/IPQC Engineer

Position Summary

The OQC/IPQC Engineer plays a critical role in safeguarding our product quality throughout the manufacturing process. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust in-process and outgoing quality control systems. Your expertise will be essential in preventing defects, driving corrective actions, and ensuring that all products meet or exceed customer specifications and regulatory standards before they leave our facility.

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality System Implementation & Maintenance:

• Develop, review, and update In-Process Quality Control (IPQC) and Outgoing Quality Control (OQC) procedures, checklists, and work instructions.
• Establish and validate quality control plans, including sampling plans, inspection methods, and acceptance criteria based on industry standards (e.g., ANSI Z1.4, AQL).
• Ensure all quality control activities are documented accurately and maintained in the Quality Management System (QMS).

2. In-Process Quality Control (IPQC):

• Monitor and audit the production process to ensure adherence to established procedures and quality standards.
• Conduct routine and non-routine inspections and tests at various stages of production.
• Verify the calibration and proper use of monitoring and measuring equipment on the production floor.
• Oversee the implementation of First Article Inspection (FAI) and First Piece Approval.

3. Outgoing Quality Control (OQC):

• Manage the final product audit and inspection process before shipment.
• Perform data analysis on OQC results to track quality performance and identify trends.
• Make final quality decisions on product lots (approve, reject, hold for review).
• Ensure that only conforming products are released to the customer.

4. Non-Conformance & Corrective Action:

• Lead the containment, investigation, and root cause analysis of internal and external quality failures.
• Initiate and manage the Non-Conforming Material Report (NCMR) and Control of Non-Conforming Product processes.
• Utilize quality tools (8D, 5-Whys, Fishbone Diagram, Pareto Analysis) to drive effective Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
• Verify the effectiveness of implemented corrective actions.

5. Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Collect and analyze quality data (e.g., First Pass Yield, Defect PPM, Scrap/Rework rates) to identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare and present regular quality reports to management, highlighting performance, issues, and improvement initiatives.
• Use Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to monitor process stability and capability.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to resolve quality issues at their source.
• Provide quality training and guidance to production operators and inspectors.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) by providing quality input on design for manufacturability (DFM) and process validation.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Manufacturing, or a related field).
• Proven experience of [e.g., 3-5 years] in a quality engineering role within a manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on IPQC and OQC.
• In-depth knowledge of quality core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC).
• Hands-on experience with root cause analysis and CAPA methodologies.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis software (e.g., Minitab, Excel).

Preferred:

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or similar certification (e.g., CQA) is a strong plus.
• Experience in [e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485] standards.
• Experience with Metrology and using precision measuring instruments (CMM, Vision Systems, Calipers, Micrometers).
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles (Green Belt preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Meticulous Attention to Detail: Uncompromising focus on accuracy and precision.
• Strong Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to think critically and solve complex problems effectively.
• Excellent Communication: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills to interact with all levels of the organization.
• Proactive & Results-Driven: Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and a drive for continuous improvement.
• Collaborative Team Player: Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.