Quality Engineer - Manufacturing

About the Role

The Quality Engineer – Manufacturing is responsible for maintaining and improving quality standards across manufacturing processes by analyzing production performance, identifying risks, and resolving quality issues. This role leads root cause and corrective action activities, supports new product introduction and quality planning, and collaborates with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, suppliers, and Quality teams to reduce defects, scrap, rework, and process variation.

Responsibilities

Internal Quality

• Monitor and maintain internal quality standards and compliance.
• Analyze production processes and quality metrics to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead root cause analysis for internal non-conformances using tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone, or 8Ds.
• Support preparation for external or customer audits and address audit findings and actions.
• Work with cross-functional teams to reduce defects, scrap, and rework.
• Participate in new product introduction reviews to ensure quality requirements are built into processes.
• Deploy data analysis to track and report on quality KPIs (lot release defects, rolled throughput failures, scrap rates, etc.).
• Perform statistical analysis to support MSAs, process variation studies, DOEs, etc.
• Collaborate with the Quality Supervisor to develop and update inspection criteria and inspection procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments (FMEA, control plans, etc.) to identify potential process failures.
• Ensure proper controls and mitigation plans are implemented for high-risk areas.
• Validate that inspection tools and equipment are properly calibrated and maintained, working closely with calibration technicians and the quality lab.
• Serve as a point of contact for quality-related issues raised by quality auditors and inspectors.
• Facilitate timely escalation of non-conformances, process deviations, or product lot release defects.
• Document and track issue resolution steps, including root cause analysis and corrective actions for lot release defects.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, audits, and issue resolutions.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements based on inspection data and feedback.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Production, Engineering, Supply Chain) to implement quality enhancements.
• Participate in Kaizen events, Six Sigma projects, or other quality initiatives.

External Quality

• Ensure the production readiness of suppliers during new product launches and component resourcing efforts through validation of supplier process capability (CPK), appropriate utilization of Quality Planning (e.g., FMEA, Control Plans), and verification of supplier’s understanding of design intent (GD&T) and drawing requirements.
• Work with suppliers to identify root causes for incoming defects and ensure corrective actions through 8D and Lean Six Sigma methods.
• Participate in the Material Review Board process to review Non-Conforming Material and initiate purge/sort activities as needed for support suppliers.
• Develop, implement, and maintain metrics that track trends in supplier quality performance (Supplier Score Card).
• Undertake supplier quality audits on potential and existing suppliers and coordinate assessment and/or corrective action plans with Strategic Quality, Engineering, and Sourcing organizations.
• Work with suppliers to support ISO 9001 and TS 16949 by utilizing Lean Six Sigma tools and PPAP methods.
• Drive quality issue resolution and continuous improvement at suppliers through G8D and Lean Six Sigma methods.

Continuous Improvement

• Provide a superior level of customer service to both external and internal customers.
• Stay aware of developments in quality knowledge and tools in the industry.
• Spread the message of Quality and Organizational Excellence throughout the organization.
• Build coalitions and relationships among internal customers and employees within the quality system to drive positive change.
• Display professional integrity and adherence to the ASQ Code of Ethics.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or similar engineering discipline, or equivalent years of industry experience preferred.
• 3 - 7 years of experience in a manufacturing, quality assurance, or production support environment.
• Experience with ERP/MRP and QMS software preferred.

Skills

• Quality Systems & Standards: Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, or other relevant quality management systems.
• Manufacturing Processes: Understanding of production workflows, materials, and common manufacturing methods (e.g., machining, assembly, fabrication).
• Commodities: Understanding of diverse commodities, such as castings, plastics, electronic components, printed circuit boards, wire harnesses, etc.
• Inspection Techniques: Knowledge of visual, dimensional, and functional inspection methods, including use of calipers, micrometers, gauges, etc.
• Root Cause Analysis: Proficiency in problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, and Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Documentation & Compliance: Experience with maintaining quality records, audit trails, and regulatory documentation.