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

• 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 with people at all levels throughout the organization, as well as certifying body auditors.
• 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

• 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.
• Detailed 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 Efforts

• 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.
• Able to perform manual labor while in the field, wear all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and work in an environment where there is exposure to various weather elements.

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