Quality Engineer Senior

At Pierce Manufacturing, we build trucks that protect people and communities around the world. Since 1913, we’ve evolved from crafting truck bodies on Model T Ford chassis to producing highly customized, engineered pumpers, aerials, tankers, and rescue units. Today, over 30,000 Pierce apparatuses serve on the front lines, designed to perform under the toughest conditions.

About the role

The Senior Quality Engineer will lead continuous improvement around safety, quality, business, and manufacturing processes with an emphasis on eliminating process waste. This role will use structured quality improvement tools to design complex new processes and re-engineer existing ones to meet safety, quality, and business expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement of quality control testing, detection, and defect prevention.
• Resolve complex quality issues using problem-solving methodology and cross-functional teams.
• Mentor and train Quality Inspectors and Quality Analysts in process improvement activities.
• Communicate effectively and work inter-functionally with Employee Teams, Quality, Engineering, Global Procurement & Supply Chain (GPSC), Contracts, Sales, and Manufacturing to resolve quality-related issues and improve processes.
• Serve as a subject matter expert across all product platforms to provide versatile support.
• Facilitate quality-led forums to assess business impact, risk, and data-based guidance, identifying opportunities to increase first pass yield, reduce defects per unit, and achieve strategic business targets.
• Lead the identification and implementation of lean manufacturing or Six Sigma projects.
• Apply Six Sigma DMAIC methodology to eliminate waste.
• Perform process capability studies internally and externally.
• Design and improve process inputs to achieve desired outcomes.
• Reduce common cause variability and eliminate special cause variability in processes.
• Establish control plans to prevent process backsliding and consolidate gains.
• Analyze process constraints and develop standards to overcome them.
• Investigate, analyze, and benchmark industry practices for process validation assessments.
• Implement effective corrective and preventive actions using structured planning methods.
• Partner to set purchase specifications, PPAP, and lead receiving inspections, quality audits, and define quality contractual requirements.
• Contribute to the maintenance of ISO/IATF certifications and compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Five or more years of relevant experience.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, including views, title blocks, dimensioning, and GD&T symbols.
• Experience interpreting specification requirements in relation to product and process characteristics.
• Advanced training or experience in statistical techniques and process improvement methods.
• Proficiency in structured problem-solving techniques using computer applications.
• Customer quality audit experience.

Standout Qualifications

• Six Sigma certification and Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) credentials.

Working Conditions

This role combines office-based administrative duties with physical activity in field or production environments. Office tasks may include extended computer use, sitting, and attending meetings. Field or floor work may involve walking across various terrains or shop floors, standing, moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds), climbing stairs, and exposure to varying temperatures or noise levels. The role requires shifting focus between detailed cognitive work and occasional physical tasks. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Pay

$73,200.00 - $117,800.00 per year. The pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target for the position across all U.S. locations. Individual pay is determined by factors including the scope and responsibilities of the role, candidate’s experience, education, skills, and equity among team members in similar positions.

Benefits

Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people-first culture and provide various opportunities to support team member growth and success.