Quality Engineer I - Onsite

Location: Durham, NC | Duration: 12 Months (1st Shift) | Hours: 40/week | Employment Type: Contract on W2 (US Citizens, GC Holders, GC EAD, OPT, EAD, or CPT) | Pay rate: $30/hr

About the Role

This role supports manufacturing operations through the application of quality engineering principles, data analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies. The Quality Engineer I works closely with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to improve product quality, reduce defects, investigate nonconformances, and ensure compliance with company quality standards and customer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily quality engineering support to manufacturing operations.
• Monitor production processes to ensure compliance with established procedures and quality requirements.
• Support containment, disposition, and resolution of nonconforming material.
• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities.
• Partner with production personnel to identify and resolve quality issues impacting safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
• Investigate internal and customer-reported quality issues.
• Perform root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Support the implementation and verification of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Track assigned quality actions to timely completion.
• Analyze quality data to identify trends, recurring defects, and improvement opportunities.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with error-proofing (Poka-Yoke) and process control implementation.
• Participate in Kaizen events and process improvement projects focused on reducing scrap, rework, and process variation.
• Collect, analyze, and report quality performance metrics.
• Prepare and present data-driven recommendations to management and cross-functional teams.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality procedures, standards, and work instructions.
• Assist with the development and revision of quality documentation.
• Support internal audits and corrective action activities.
• Maintain accurate quality records and reports.
• Participate in supplier quality investigations and corrective actions.
• Support incoming inspection and supplier performance monitoring activities.
• Assist with customer quality inquiries and complaint investigations as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 0-2 years of engineering, manufacturing, or quality experience.
• Internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Understanding of quality engineering and manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge of root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to analyze and interpret production and quality data.
• Familiarity with quality tools such as Pareto Charts, Control Charts, Fishbone Diagrams, 5 Whys, and FMEA.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Bonus Skills

• ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Lean Manufacturing.
• Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience with ERP and quality management systems.
• ASQ certification or willingness to pursue certification.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment.
• Frequent interaction with production employees and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing setting and wear required PPE.
• Occasional travel may be required for supplier visits, training, or project support (10% travel expected).
• Must be able to carry, lift, and push/pull up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must have the ability to see, smell, hear, talk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, twist, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, sit, stand, and walk.
• Weekend and overtime work may be required.
• Travel by car and/or air is required.
• Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.