Quality Engineer

About Us

At Associated Materials Innovations, we combine our rich history in innovation with an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement of the customer experience. For decades, we have provided vinyl windows, siding, and metal building products that have helped build homes and communities across North America. As a leading manufacturer of exterior building products and preferred product manufacturer for Alside, you'll have the opportunity to contribute ideas in a welcoming and supportive work environment driven by safety and our core values. AMI is part of Associated Materials, LLC, which owns and operates 10 manufacturing facilities in North America including a distribution center. Headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, we introduced our composite cladding system in 2022, a first-of-its-kind solution featuring exclusive (GP)2 technology.

About the Role

The Quality Engineer works under the direct supervision of the Quality Manager to support day-to-day quality operations and ensure coordination across all aspects of the quality process. This role leads the Quality team in meeting productivity expectations, maintaining compliance with quality standards, and supporting Lean and continuous improvement initiatives—all while upholding the highest levels of safety and operational performance. You will set clear goals, provide necessary tools and support, remove obstacles to success, and enable team members to achieve results.

The Quality Engineer partners with a frontline team of Quality Technicians/Inspectors to ensure products meet internal specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory/industry standards. This role drives process capability, first-pass yield, and customer satisfaction through robust quality systems, root cause analysis (RCA), and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA). Collaboration with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain is key to preventing defects, reducing scrap/rework, and building a culture of quality and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Quality Operations & Compliance
  • Oversee daily quality control activities across assigned lines/shifts; ensure timely inspections, sampling plans, and test results per control plans and work instructions.
  • Maintain compliance with ISO 9001 (or relevant standard) and customer-specific requirements; support internal and external audits.
  • Own nonconformance management (NCRs), MRB decisions within delegated authority, and product hold/release processes.
  • Ensure calibration and maintenance of inspection/test equipment; escalate issues that risk data integrity.
• Safety Compliance
  • Promote a strong safety culture by prioritizing the health and safety of all team members.
  • Ensure full compliance with all safety, environmental, and operational policies and procedures.
  • Maintain a safe and clean work environment through employee training and enforcement of established standards.
  • Exercise the authority to stop or modify work due to non-conformance or unsafe conditions.
• Quality Planning and Coordination
  • Plan and organize daily quality activities to optimize the use of equipment, personnel, and materials.
  • Coordinate quality inspections, documentation processes, and product verification activities.
  • Ensure product compliance with specifications and established quality standards.
• Data, Problem Solving & Improvement
  • Monitor process and product quality using SPC, control charts, capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), and layered process audits.
  • Lead structured problem solving (8D, DMAIC, 5 Whys, Fishbone); implement and verify effectiveness of CAPAs.
  • Reduce scrap, rework, and customer complaints through systemic fixes; partner with Production to lock in process controls.
  • Drive standardization: update control plans, inspection instructions, and visual standards for clarity and ease of use.
  • Contribute to PFMEA maintenance and risk mitigation; ensure reaction plans are clear and followed at point of use.
• Leadership and Team Member Relations
  • Coach quality team members and line operators on defect detection, escalation paths, and quality at the source.
  • Build a safety-first, quality-always culture; recognize good catches and escalate risk without delay.
  • Identify skills gaps and deliver training on inspection methods and problem solving.
  • Provide leadership, training, and team-building to support quality and operational objectives.
• Process Monitoring and Quality Control
  • Analyze production and quality control processes to ensure the delivery of high-quality products.
  • Monitor operational reports to maintain best practices in inspection, documentation, and product handling.
  • Implement and oversee preventive maintenance programs that support consistent equipment and process performance.
• Communication and Collaboration
  • Communicate effectively with team members, management, and cross-functional departments to ensure alignment on quality goals and challenges.
  • Support continuous improvement and Lean initiatives through collaborative problem-solving and process refinement.
• Documentation & Systems
  • Maintain accurate, timely records in the QMS, MES/ERP, and LIMS (as applicable).
  • Author and revise SOPs, work instructions, and visual aids; ensure document control and version discipline.
  • Compile and analyze quality performance records and data to provide actionable insights.
  • Track progress toward quality goals, resolve operational issues, and report on key performance metrics to leadership.
• Customer & Supplier Interface
  • Support customer complaint investigations, RCCA responses, and containment activities; participate in customer site visits as needed.
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain and SQE on supplier quality incidents, incoming inspection standards, and supplier CAPAs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical), Quality, Materials Science, Operations, Technology, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in quality or manufacturing (building materials, aggregates, cement, composites, glass, metals, or related continuous/batch process industries a plus).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to influence Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain or other stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills to identify issues and develop solutions quickly.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
• Proficient with SPC, gauge R&R, capability studies, control plans, PFMEA, and problem-solving tools (8D, DMAIC, 5 Whys).
• ASQ certifications (CQI, CQT, CSSGB) or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.
• Experience with layered process audits (LPA) and visual management.
• Ability to work off-shifts or weekends as needed to support operations.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a manufacturing plant setting with some office work. The environment includes noise from machinery and varying temperatures from cool to warm. Team members must wear company-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Regular use of computers, phones, and other communication devices is required.