Quality Engineer

Essential Functions

• Identifies and eliminates and/or mitigates risks as they pertain to achieving codes, engineering specifications, and customer specifications.
• Serves as a quality liaison between QA, supply chain, operations, and design engineering when quality problems exist that affect product quality.
• Interprets Valmont quality requirements, including but not limited to, quality management system (QMS) documents, specifications, engineering prints and specifications, and external standards (e.g., AISC, ASTM, AWS).
• Leads and participates in formal problem-solving events. This includes leading team members who do not report to the QE position.
• Drives quality improvement processes using the appropriate tools (PFMEA’s, process flow charts, control plans, capability studies, part layouts, MSA/Gage R&R, SPC, etc.) as required.
• Utilizes LEAN principles to minimize waste as it pertains to QC activities.
• May be called upon to define quality processes for new product introduction.
• Lead quality teams through process improvement events.
• Develop, communicate, and implement best practices as they pertain to quality.
• Interface with customers as needed to eliminate any nonconformance. This may, at times, include jobsite visits.
• Work directly with QA and Operations management to establish quality metrics and ensure the metrics are achieved.
• Prepare and report quality activity updates for management to keep them apprised of quality initiatives and concerns.
• Conducts business on behalf of the Company in full compliance with the laws of the many jurisdictions in which we operate.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications of Every Candidate

• Bachelor’s with 3+ years of relevant experience or an Associate’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience or 9+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience working in quality assurance or quality control.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• In-depth understanding and practical application of statistics as they relate to quality such as sampling plans, data analysis, SPC, process capability analysis, etc.
• Proficient with Six Sigma tools such as pFMEA, CP, root cause analysis, MSA, etc.
• Able to utilize MiniTab or equivalent statistical analysis software.
• Able to read and interpret engineering prints and specifications.
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Able to lead projects involving cross-functional team members including mid-level managers.
• Able to work directly with customers as needed to support quality efforts.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, as well as organizational and follow-up skills.
• Proven ability to create and deliver effective group presentations and training.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Able to work autonomously.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Able to perform manual labor while in the field, including lifting 50 pounds and working in an environment where there is exposure to weather elements.

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering with 5+ years of relevant experience in a metals manufacturing environment which includes structural welding.
• Five years of experience working with QA or QC.
• Experience in metals fabrication including structural welding.
• Relevant manufacturing experience as it pertains to transmission, distribution, traffic and lighting, communication, and substation products.
• Detail understanding of AISC, ISO, and DOT requirements.
• 6-Sigma Green, Black or Master Black Belt.
• Experienced in MiniTab.
• NDT experience - particularly VT, MT, and UT.

Working Environment And Physical Effort

• The QE will work both in the office and factory floor shop.
• At times the QE may visit field installations to review quality issues, including visits to customers’ offices.
• Work is typically performed in an office setting.
• The incumbent is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time, as well as talk and listen on the phone and in personal conversations or meetings.
• Environment is fast paced and demanding most of the time.
• The employee is occasionally required to move about the office.
• Incumbent must utilize proper ergonomic safeguards such as monitor height and positions, keyboard location and height and proper wrists rests.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds in working with large files, binders, and computer equipment.
• On rare occasions, must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more