Sr Quality Engineer

About the role

The Senior Quality Engineer drives continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring adherence to quality standards, and mitigating risks throughout the product lifecycle. This role requires a strong understanding of quality management systems, statistical analysis, and problem-solving methodologies, along with excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Quality System Development & Maintenance: Develop, implement, and maintain robust quality management systems. Lead the development and revision of quality procedures, work instructions, and quality plans. Conduct internal and external audits to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements. Support and participate in management reviews of the quality system.

• Product & Process Quality Assurance: Lead and participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Quality (DFQ) reviews. Develop and implement quality control plans, inspection methods, and test procedures for new and existing products. Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for product non-conformances, customer complaints, and audit findings. Utilize statistical process control (SPC), capability studies, and other statistical tools to monitor and improve process performance. Oversee First Article Inspection (FAI) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities. Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and other cross-functional teams to ensure quality at all stages.

• Supplier Quality Management: Participate in supplier selection and qualification processes. Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with quality requirements. Monitor supplier performance and drive corrective actions for supplier quality issues. Develop and implement supplier quality agreements.

• Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving: Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, 8D, FMEA, etc. Mentor and train junior quality engineers and other team members on quality tools and methodologies. Drive a culture of quality awareness and continuous improvement throughout the organization. Analyze quality data and trends to identify areas for improvement and implement proactive solutions.

• Risk Management: Identify and assess quality risks throughout the product lifecycle. Develop and implement mitigation strategies to address identified risks. Participate in risk management activities (e.g., FMEA, Control Plans).

• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare and present quality reports, metrics, and analyses to management. Maintain accurate and thorough quality records. Ensure proper documentation of all quality-related activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing) or a related technical field. Master's degree preferred.

• 5-8 years of progressive experience in a Quality Engineering role.

• Proficiency in quality tools and methodologies: Root Cause Analysis (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Process Capability Studies (Cp, Cpk), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Control Plans, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) / First Article Inspection (FAI), Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles (Green Belt or Black Belt certification highly desirable).

• Experience with auditing techniques and standards.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences.

• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).