Quality Engineer - MBG

About the Role

The Quality Engineer supports all quality functions and supervises Process Auditors, partnering closely with production, engineering, and supply chain teams to drive continuous improvement, resolve quality issues, and implement robust quality systems for world-class manufacturing standards. This role involves oversight of wiring harness assembly (cutting, crimping, splicing), machining, tube cutting/bending, welding, and painting of tower assemblies for marine applications. The position leads efforts to reduce Cost of Poor Quality, including rework, defects, and process issues, while communicating with stakeholders on critical quality matters, project status, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.

The ideal candidate is direct, data-driven, and enthusiastic about delivering exceptional customer experience through flawless product quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant-level quality activities to ensure products meet specifications and customer expectations.
• Manage all Process Auditors.
• Analyze and facilitate efforts to reduce internal scrap, rework, process defects, and non-conformances.
• Monitor in-process and final product quality metrics (FPY, DPU, COPQ, scrap, rework, warranty trends).
• Develop and maintain control plans, inspection standards, and quality documentation.
• Perform layered process audits and product audits to verify compliance.
• Provide primary support in creating and completing Monthly Quality Updates.
• Lead improvement projects based on internal quality metrics, warranty data, and customer feedback to reduce repeat issues and improve product quality.
• Develop acceptance criteria documents, FMEA, control plans, product/process check sheets, and work instructions.
• Lead root cause investigations using structured methodologies (8D, A3, 5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Implement and validate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA methodology).
• Support containment actions to protect customers and production flow.
• Analyze internal defects and field/warranty data to identify systemic issues.
• Support and drive Lean/Six Sigma methodologies to improve product quality and reduce variation.
• Identify and eliminate waste through process optimization and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke).
• Support Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement projects.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Supplier Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams to resolve quality issues.
• Participate in new product introduction (NPI) to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet quality standards.
• Provide feedback on design improvements based on plant and field data.
• Collaborate with Supplier Quality and Procurement to address incoming material issues.
• Support and manage selected suppliers, developing corrective actions and qualification activities as needed.
• Develop scorecards for certain commodities when required.
• Review warranty claims and customer feedback to identify trends.
• Support field issue resolution and corrective action implementation.
• Ensure lessons learned are communicated and incorporated into processes.
• Interface with customers on quality issues, presenting data and corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance with company quality systems and applicable standards.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Ensure adherence to safety and environmental regulations.
• Provide support or lead efforts to train, develop, and assist assigned quality team members.
• Learn to measure parts using CMM/Scanner (Keyence WM 6000) or other measuring systems.
• Ensure product/process tests and procedures are properly understood, conducted, and evaluated.
• Develop tools/fixtures to aid in processes and improve efficiency.
• Investigate customer-facing issues, complete CARs, validate internal solutions, and maintain proper communication and documentation control.
• Maintain spending in support of departmental budget goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field) or Business (with strong technical focus).
• Equivalent of 8+ years of related experience, which may include formal training/certifications in quality disciplines and 5+ years of related experience.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing (shop floor) quality role.
• Strong knowledge of quality tools (SPC, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA).
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in marine, automotive, RV, or similar assembly manufacturing environments.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).
• Familiarity with fiberglass/composite manufacturing processes.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems and quality data analysis tools.
• Strong corrective action and troubleshooting background.
• Experience with PPAP, Gage R&R, 8D, and 5 Why Analysis.
• Experience managing projects or leading a team.
• Boat manufacturing experience.
• Six Sigma training.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Experience with wiring harness cutting, crimping, terminal installation, welding, continuity checks, 3-5 axis machining, and tube bending.

Key Competencies

• Direct, shop-floor oriented mindset.
• High diligence and commitment to excellence.
• Effective communication and people skills; ability to influence cross-functional teams and build dynamic relationships.
• Ownership mentality and accountability.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• High attention to detail and issue closure.

Success Metrics (3-12 Months)

• Measurable reduction in defects, rework, warranty, and impact to COPQ.
• Stable, predictable processes with strong process controls.
• Documented, sustainable solutions that improve quality metrics.
• Faster, more effective problem solving with low recurrence.
• Improved plant quality culture (operator ownership).
• Strong influence on product design feedback loop.
• Recognized as a go-to leader on the shop floor.

12-Month Targets & Metrics

• Product Quality Performance:
  • First Pass Yield (FPY): Target ≥ 95–98% (improvement of +3–5 percentage points vs. start of year).
  • Internal Defect Rate (PPM or DPU): Target ≥ 30–50% reduction YoY, focusing on top 5 recurring defect categories.
  • Scrap & Rework Cost: Target ≥ 20–30% reduction, measured as COPQ - % of Revenue and cost per boat.
• Warranty & Customer Quality:
  • Warranty Claims Rate: Target ≥ 25% reduction YoY.
  • Top Warranty Drivers: Reduce top 3 failure modes by ≥ 40%.
  • Customer Satisfaction (Quality-related): Improve quality-related NPS/CSI inputs by measurable margin.
• Problem Solving Effectiveness:
  • Corrective Action Closure Time: Target < 30 days average (for standard issues), containment within 24–48 hours.
  • Recurrence Rate: Target < 10% repeat issues after closure.
  • 8D / A3 Quality Score: ≥ 90% on internal quality audits of problem-solving rigor.
• Process Control & Stability:
  • PFMEA/Control Plan: Drive into top 3 substantial risk processes.
  • Control Plan Adherence: ≥ 95% audit compliance.
  • Layered Process Audit (LPA) Completion: ≥ 98% on-time completion, closure of findings within 14 days.
• Culture & Engagement:
  • Quality Training & Awareness: Train/coach operators on critical quality standards; conduct monthly quality stand-downs or refreshers.
  • Employee Quality Suggestions: Adopt ideas from production teams.
  • Escapes (Customer or line-stop events): Zero major escapes; ≥ 50% reduction in minor escapes.

Why Join Us

Malibu Boats is an industry leader in performance boats and innovation, with a strong culture of quality, craftsmanship, and customer passion. This role offers the opportunity to directly impact product excellence and customer satisfaction.