Quality Engineer

SMS group is a global leader in metallurgy and industrial processes, with over 150 years of experience and 12,000 employees across 31 countries. Our Valparaiso, IN workshop specializes in the design, construction, and refurbishment of blast furnace and coke oven plants, offering comprehensive maintenance and spare part services for iron making and metals production.

About the role

The Quality Engineer leads the Disassemble, Inspect, and Advise (DIA) process for heavy blast furnace equipment. This role involves evaluating worn components, identifying failure mechanisms, developing refurbishment recommendations, and ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, customer requirements, and company quality standards. The position combines hands-on engineering, quality assurance, technical reporting, cost estimation, and supplier collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Disassemble, Inspect, and Advise (DIA) process, including equipment teardown, inspection, dimensional verification, and failure analysis.
• Evaluate component condition and determine appropriate repair, refurbishment, or replacement methods based on engineering principles and customer specifications.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports, technical assessments, and refurbishment recommendations.
• Develop technical scopes of work and support Project Managers by preparing accurate repair cost estimates.
• Interpret engineering drawings, material specifications, bills of material (BOMs), and customer documentation.
• Verify all repairs and refurbishment activities comply with engineering drawings, quality plans, customer requirements, and applicable industry standards.
• Perform root cause investigations and failure analysis to identify recurring equipment issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Coordinate with production, engineering, purchasing, and suppliers to resolve technical and quality-related issues.
• Conduct supplier visits, as required, to inspect work in progress, perform quality audits, and support technical problem resolution.
• Prepare Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), corrective action reports, and final quality documentation.
• Perform and document final inspections of refurbished equipment to ensure compliance prior to shipment.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, reliability, and workshop efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Strong understanding of heavy mechanical assemblies, welding, machining, and industrial repair practices.
• Experience conducting dimensional inspections, failure analysis, and root cause investigations.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, material specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficient in the use of precision measuring equipment including Faro Arm/CMM, micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, dial indicators, height gauges, and other inspection tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical investigations and coordinate workflow across multiple departments.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with AutoCAD, Microsoft Office Software, and ERP systems.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to customer and supplier facilities within North America.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Technician (CQT), or equivalent Quality certification.
• Experience with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Knowledge of welding inspection, NDT methods, and heavy industrial fabrication.
• Experience working with blast furnace equipment, coke plants, steel mills, or similar heavy process industries.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Occasionally required to lift light weight (less than 25 pounds).

Work Environment

• Industrial environment with exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.

Schedule

Full-time position, Monday - Friday, day shift.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Paid vacation and 10 paid holidays per year.
• 401K with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement program.