Quality Engineer

Wolverine Advanced Materials produces and sells performance-critical, specialty elastomer-coated metals used in gaskets for automotive and industrial applications, automotive brake noise insulators, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) damping solutions. With approximately 600 employees worldwide, Wolverine operates manufacturing facilities in Virginia, Florida, Germany, and China, along with sales and technical offices in Michigan, Germany, Japan, China, Brazil, and India. As an entity of Center Rock Capital, Wolverine is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance materials, specializing in elastomer-coated metals that provide damping and sealing solutions for the automotive and gasket industries.

About the Role

The Quality Engineer supports, plans, develops, implements, and maintains WAM's quality systems and procedures throughout the manufacturing process at our Blacksburg, Virginia plant. This role manages and mentors quality lab activities and personnel while driving quality improvement plans based on data analysis. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify root causes, develop corrective actions, and implement sustainable process improvements. This position is located in Blacksburg, VA, and is not eligible for telework.

Responsibilities

• Prepare required PPAP documentation, including PFMEA, control charts, capability studies, dimensional data, and certifications.
• Collect and analyze statistical data related to process performance; report on and recommend areas for improvement.
• Lead and support problem-solving of customer complaints using root cause analysis and tools such as 5 Whys, 8D, and Fishbone to resolve and prevent recurrence.
• Review specifications, blueprints, and customer requirements, and develop associated inspection procedures.
• Support the Quality Manager with monthly reporting and provide weekly/monthly quality reports to the organization.
• Serve as Quality Manager or Department Head in the Quality Manager's absence.
• Support the organization's IATF 16949 Quality Management System, including internal and external auditing.
• Monitor incoming (receiving) quality and provide direction and training on inspection and disposition of incoming product.
• Design part-specific gauges and fixtures and participate in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Support the facility's measurement systems, including MSA, calibration, annual validations, and workforce training.
• Supervise and mentor Quality Lab and Auditing personnel and activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in a related field.
• Experience in Quality Engineering; a metallurgical background is a plus but not required.
• Strong knowledge of and experience applying problem-solving and statistical tools, including DOE, FMEA, Six Sigma, internal IATF 16949 auditing, Control Plans, Corrective Action Reporting, MSA/Gage R&R, APQP, PPAP, Lean methodologies, and Layered Process Audits (LPA).
• ASQ certification (CQE, CQM, or SSBB) preferred.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and multi-task while maintaining established quality standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface with all levels of personnel, including customers.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to customers and suppliers as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods (4–8 hours depending on workflow).
• Ability to walk on the production floor, between workstations, storage areas, and equipment.
• Capacity to bend, reach, and crouch to access low or high shelves.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 40 lbs.

Pay

Salary Range: $75,000–$110,000, plus bonus and competitive benefits.