Quality Engineer

Actalent connects visionary companies with specialized engineering and sciences talent to advance innovation and speed to market.

About the role

The Quality Engineer ensures that high quality standards are consistently maintained across products and manufacturing processes while driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role works closely with engineering, production, and leadership teams to resolve quality issues, support internal and external audits, develop and maintain quality systems, and enhance overall manufacturing performance. The position combines significant time on the production floor with focused analytical and documentation work at the desk.

Responsibilities

• Lead corrective actions and structured problem-solving activities to address product and process quality issues.
• Conduct capability studies, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), Gauge R&R, and process audits to evaluate and improve process performance.
• Support First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements by coordinating, performing, and documenting initial part inspections.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Quality Management System (QMS) documentation, including procedures, work instructions, and quality records.
• Participate in design reviews and support new product launches to ensure quality requirements are defined, implemented, and validated.
• Drive continuous improvement projects focused on reducing defects, improving process capability, and enhancing overall product quality.
• Support customer quality issues by investigating concerns, identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, and communicating results.
• Support and participate in audit activities, including internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Utilize precision measurement equipment and metrology tools to inspect components, validate dimensions, and verify conformance to specifications.
• Develop control plans, process controls, and inspection methods to ensure consistent product quality and robust manufacturing processes.
• Support risk-based quality processes by identifying critical characteristics, assessing process risks, and implementing appropriate controls.
• Spend approximately 60% of time on the production floor conducting capability studies, problem solving, and collaborating with operations teams, and approximately 40% of time on desk-based tasks such as data analysis, documentation, and reporting.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in a welding manufacturing or metal manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on quality engineering experience in a production or manufacturing setting.
• Experience with Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Associate degree, preferably in engineering or welding.
• Formal problem-solving training and experience using methods such as 8D or 5 Whys.
• Ability to conduct capability studies, MSA, and Gauge R&R.
• Proficiency in using precision measurement equipment and metrology tools.
• Experience developing and maintaining QMS documentation.
• Ability to develop control plans, process controls, and inspection methods.
• Strong analytical, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineering, production, and leadership teams.

Skills

• Automotive industry experience preferred.
• Familiarity with ISO, IATF, AIAG, or ASQ standards and guidelines.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) is a plus.
• ASQ certification is preferred or considered an advantage.
• Interest in career development and progression into leadership roles.
• Willingness to participate in training and certification programs to expand skills and knowledge.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role with a typical schedule of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The position involves approximately 60% of time spent on the production floor in a welding and metal manufacturing environment and 40% of time performing desk-based work such as analysis, documentation, and reporting. The workplace offers a flexible schedule, casual dress, and a laid-back, collaborative atmosphere. The organization provides extensive training and certification opportunities, supports career development, and encourages internal promotion, especially from engineering into leadership roles.

Benefits

While on a contract-to-hire arrangement, benefits include six paid holidays, three weeks of accrued vacation, and a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage available on the first day of employment. Upon conversion to direct employment, additional benefits include:

• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Career development programs.
• Company bonus potential of up to 10% per year (paid up to 5% every six months).
• Ten paid holidays.
• Three weeks of accrued vacation.
• Continued access to a comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits package starting on the first day of employment.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may also include:

• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage.
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents).
• Short and long-term disability.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $43.27/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Schedule

This is a fully onsite position based in Middlebury, IN, with a typical schedule of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.