Product Quality Specialist

About the Role

The Product Quality Specialist supports the development and launch of high-quality Ditch Witch products through the application of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), structured problem solving, and risk-based decision making throughout the New Product Development (NPD) process. This role works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Support, Suppliers, and Quality personnel to identify risks, solve problems, and support successful product launches. This role plays an active part in developing, implementing, and improving APQP processes to support new product development and manufacturing operations at Ditch Witch. Success requires the ability to work effectively across functions, build trust, and apply quality tools in a way that drives meaningful results.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, facilitate, and continuously improve APQP processes and quality planning activities throughout the New Product Development (NPD) process, including risk assessments, quality reviews, and production readiness activities.
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Support, Suppliers, Quality, and Supply Management personnel to identify and mitigate risks, resolve quality concerns, and drive product and process improvements.
• Evaluate product, process, supplier, and field performance data to identify risks, drive corrective actions, and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Lead and participate in root cause investigations, corrective actions, preventive actions, and continuous improvement activities.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and suppliers to support quality objectives and effective communication.
• Communicate quality risks, findings, and recommendations to stakeholders across multiple functions and organizational levels.
• Maintain quality documentation, reports, project deliverables, and quality records for supported products and programs.
• Support the delivery of practical, sustainable quality solutions by balancing customer expectations, manufacturing capabilities, engineering objectives, and business needs throughout product development and launch.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 1-3 years of quality, manufacturing, engineering support, product support, or related technical experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of quality principles, manufacturing processes, product support, APQP concepts, or related quality tools is preferred.
• Post-secondary education, technical certification, or equivalent experience preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, attention to detail, and the ability to independently manage responsibilities, identify opportunities for improvement, and drive actions through to completion.
• Exhibit strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand products, manufacturing processes, technical systems, engineering drawings, specifications, and related technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of APQP concepts, quality planning methodologies, and risk-based problem-solving techniques, with the ability to facilitate, apply, and continuously improve those processes within a product development and manufacturing environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, including the ability to influence outcomes and work effectively across Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Support, Supply Management, Quality, and Supplier organizations.
• Ability to conduct technical research, analyze complex information, evaluate risks, and support data-driven decision making.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn business, engineering, quality, and data analysis software systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting APQP activities such as FMEA, PPAP, Risk Assessments, Control Plans, or related quality planning tools.
• Experience supporting new product development, manufacturing operations, supplier quality, engineering support, or product support activities.
• Experience with heavy equipment, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, or other complex manufactured products.
• ASQ certifications such as CQT, CQE, or other quality-related credentials.

Work Environment

• Regular use of a computer and business software systems.
• Office environment with periodic trips to manufacturing and shop areas. The shop environment includes hazards such as powered vehicles, moving equipment, pedestrian traffic, noise, and other manufacturing-related risks.
• Occasional outdoor work, including observation of equipment operation, testing activities, supplier visits, or product evaluations in various weather conditions.
• The typical work schedule is 7:00 AM-3:00 PM, Monday-Friday, but hours can vary according to the needs of the job. During emergencies or critical deadlines, this employee must work until the job is finished.
• Rapidly changing workloads, priorities, and deadlines.
• Periodic travel, including visits to suppliers, manufacturing facilities, test locations, or industry events. Travel is typically less than 25%.
• Occasional extended work hours may be required to support project deadlines, product launches, testing activities, supplier support, or business needs.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary with a reasonable estimated annual pay range between $55,000-$65,000.
• Eligibility to participate in an incentive program rewarding employees based on individual and organizational performance.
• Access to pay early with the dailypay app.
• Affordable and top tier medical/dental/vision plan.
• 401k.
• Dress for your day – casual, office-plant blended environment.
• Wellness resources including mental health, financial health, and other types of resources for every full-time employee.
• Growth opportunities including tuition reimbursement, opportunities to move into new areas of interest, and promotion opportunities.