Quality Engineer

Job Title: Quality Engineer

Job status: Full-time employee, Exempt Salary

Department: Quality

Reports to: Quality Manager

Summary/Objective

A Quality Engineer responsibility is to monitor and improve the quality of our operational processes and outputs. The quality engineer's responsibilities include designing quality standards, inspecting materials, equipment, processes, and products, developing quality control systems, and determining corrective actions. They will play a key role in setting quality objectives and targets, monitoring quality performance metrics, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. They will also be involved heavily in vendor management, product launch, corrective action resolution, reviewing incoming supplier product, maintaining key quality documentation and communicating with customers & suppliers on quality related concerns.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Quality System Management: Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of the IATF 16949 quality management system to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements.

  • Develop control plans, monitor and report on quality key performance indicators for processes and products.
  • Assist in development of process FMEA’s
  • Ensure compliance and assist with adherence to internal and external quality standards

• Continuous Improvement: Lead and actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, using methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Root Cause Analysis to resolve quality issues and enhance processes.

• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions: Identify quality issues through data analysis and facilitate root cause investigations. Lead corrective and preventive actions to ensure that issues are effectively addressed and mitigated.

• Auditing: Assist with internal and external audits, ensuring all quality procedures are followed and that the company is fully compliant with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards. Prepare and support audit responses and reporting.

• Product & Process Validation: Collaborate with sales, engineering, production, and materials that new products and processes meet quality standards. Provide support during new program / product launches

• Customer Focused Quality Initiatives: Work to resolve complaints and implement corrective actions that enhance customer satisfaction.

• Training & Development: Conduct quality training sessions for team members on best practices, process improvements, and IATF 16949 requirements to ensure company-wide alignment.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Regularly review and analyze quality data, reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs), process capability, and improvement metrics. Prepare and present findings to management.

• Vendor Relations: Directs, approves, and assists with problem-solving in process development work with subcontractors to enhance quality performance and capability in areas where there are problems.

  • Supplier Audits / Track Supplier Quality Performance

• Identify Quality Initiatives and lead cross-functional teams to complete them,

• Provide proactive, diligent, and fact-based communication to Sr. Management team, peers and team.

• Be an effective member of the cross-departmental Functional Management Team to foster continuous quality compliance, cost, and proactive improvements.

• Support and or implement all quality validation initiatives as needed/required.

• Maintains positive and cooperative communications and collaboration with all levels of employees, customers, contractors, and vendors.

• Provide influential peer leadership with partner sites to drive proactive quality improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or related field) or equivalent experience.
• Quality certification, such as ASQ, is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing quality operations.
• 3+ years of experience in quality engineering, preferably in the automotive or manufacturing industry.
• Experience with root cause analysis, FMEA, PPAP, and SPC.
• ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certification experience: Strong understanding of IATF 16949 standards and the ability to implement and maintain a quality management system.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Six Sigma or Lean certifications (Green Belt or higher) preferred.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and evolving work environment.
• Highly committed, self-motivated, and proactive.
• Strong attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy and follow-through on commitments and responsibilities.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a track record of driving continuous improvement projects.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Experience in quality trend analysis and the development of corrective actions.
• Proficient with Excel, PowerPoint, Word and other standard computer applications