Quality Engineer

Role Summary

Ensure product and process quality for precision sensors and related assemblies by developing and maintaining quality systems, resolving production quality issues, supporting NPI, and driving continuous improvement. Act as the point of contact for internal and external quality matters and customer concerns.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality system management: Support and maintain QMS activities (ISO 9001 and customer-specific standards such as IATF 16949 or AS9100 where applicable). Prepare for and support internal and external audits.
• New product introduction (NPI): Participate in DFM/DFMEA reviews, create and approve control plans, support production trials, and verify production readiness.
• Process control & capability: Implement SPC, create control plans and sampling plans, run capability studies (Cp/Cpk) and MSA for critical characteristics.
• Inspection & metrology: Define inspection methods, validate measurement systems, maintain calibration and laboratory standards, and ensure correct use of gauges and CMMs.
• Problem solving & corrective actions: Lead root cause investigations (8D, 5 Whys, DMAIC), implement containment and corrective actions, track CAPA effectiveness and closure.
• Customer quality & supplier quality: Respond to customer complaints/NRs, lead escapes investigations, support PPAP/APQP activities, and work with procurement to qualify and monitor suppliers (incoming inspection, audits, supplier corrective actions).
• Data analysis & reporting: Maintain quality metrics dashboards (PPM, FPY, scrap, returns), perform trend analysis, and propose data-driven improvements.
• Documentation & compliance: Create and maintain work instructions, inspection plans, nonconformance procedures, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (RoHS/REACH and customer-specific requirements).
• Continuous improvement: Lead or participate in Kaizen events, cost-of-quality reduction projects, and cross-functional improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field (BS in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or Industrial Engineering preferred).
• 2–5+ years quality experience in a manufacturing environment; experience with sensors, electronics, MEMS or precision electro-mechanical assemblies strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with root-cause analysis, 8D, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and capability studies.
• Familiarity with PPAP/APQP and customer quality processes.
• Strong data analysis skills (Excel; experience with Minitab or JMP is advantageous).
• Strong written/verbal communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications / Certifications

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or equivalent Lean QI certification.
• Experience with QMS standards (ISO 9001; IATF 16949 or AS9100 depending on market).
• Experience with ERP/MES systems (e.g., SAP), QMS software, and CMM/gauge programming.
• Experience supporting external customer audits and supplier development.

Core Competencies

• Structured problem-solving and technical root-cause analysis.
• Attention to detail and strong documentation discipline.
• Ability to influence production, engineering, and suppliers.
• Data-driven decision making and metric ownership.
• Hands-on, shop-floor presence and coaching ability.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• PPM (parts per million) / Customer returns.
• First Pass Yield (FPY) and process yield improvement.
• CAPA closure rate and time-to-close.
• On-time customer complaint response and containment effectiveness.
• Supplier defect rates and incoming inspection yields.
• Audit findings and corrective action effectiveness.
• Cost of quality / scrap and rework reduction.

First 30 / 60 / 90 Day Milestones

• 30 days: Complete plant and process walkthroughs, meet key stakeholders (production, engineering, supply chain, customers), review current QMS and baseline quality metrics.
• 60 days: Complete capability and MSA assessments for top product families; identify top 3 quality risk areas and propose mitigation actions.
• 90 days: Lead at least one corrective or improvement project (Kaizen/8D) with measurable impact; implement/approve updated control plans and inspection methods for identified priorities.

Working Conditions & Travel

• Regular shop-floor presence; PPE required. Possible exposure to chemical or thermal processes depending on sensor types.
• Occasional travel (up to ~10–20%) for supplier audits, customer visits, or equipment/vendor qualification.

Typical Scope & Authority

• Investigate production escapes and authorize containment actions.
• Recommend engineering and process changes; approve quality documentation and inspection plans within delegated limits.
• Lead supplier quality improvement and audit activities in coordination with Procurement.