Quality Engineer

Position Summary:

Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining verification process controls to ensure compliance with specifications, standards, and customer requirements. Leads containment activities, root cause analysis, and corrective measures to address quality issues. Supports product and process optimization through structured quality planning, measurement science, and cross-functional collaboration.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and maintain verification process controls for compliance with specifications and standards.

• Lead containment activities and implement corrective/preventive actions for quality issues.

• Ensure products and processes meet initial and long-term quality standards.

• Create and update Inspection Record Books, Process Control Plans, Gaging Plans, and Measurement Control Sheets.

• Support change management activities for current products and Value Package Introduction (VPI) by verifying key measures and analyzing data.

• Serve as a technical quality resource to cross-functional teams.

• Support Root Cause Corrective Actions (RCCA) for nonconformances in supplied components, sub-assemblies, or final products.

• Communicate effectively with manufacturing teams to resolve discrepancies and process failures.

• Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement teams using Lean, 7-step problem solving, and other quality methodologies.

Additional Skills by Level

• Level II (Intermediate / Grades 24–27):

• Lead quality planning activities for complex projects.

• Mentor others on effective problem-solving and root cause analysis.

• Independently implement systemic corrective actions.

• Level I (Senior / Principal / Grades 28–31):

• Provide technical authority on metrology and quality planning across departments.

• Lead cross-functional quality improvement initiatives.

• Train and certify staff in quality methods and measurement science.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

Education, Experience, or Formal Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field; or equivalent education and direct experience.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or heavy industry environment.

• U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Certifications (Not Required)

• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt Certification.

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).

• Training in Lean Manufacturing or related methodologies.

• Experience with DOD contracts, purchase orders, and specifications.

• Prior experience with DOD contractors strongly preferred.

Working Environment:

• Office and manufacturing floor environment, including foundry, machining, and assembly areas.

• Exposure to heat, dust, noise, and industrial equipment.

• Required to wear appropriate PPE in production areas.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds regularly.

• Frequent walking, standing, bending, and climbing within industrial areas.

• Ability to visually inspect components and operate testing/measuring equipment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy, completeness, and consistency of quality documentation (IRBs, Control Plans, Gage Plans, measurement sheets)

• Effectiveness of containment activities and communication of quality issues

• Timeliness and quality of RCCA participation and corrective action follow-up

• Reduction of recurring nonconformances through improved analysis and preventive controls

• Collaboration effectiveness with Engineering, Foundry, Machining, and Assembly teams

• Adherence to verification process controls and inspection requirements

• Quality of measurement data and traceability within metrology processes

• Internal and external customer communication quality regarding discrepancies

• Support of continuous improvement activities and structured problem-solving efforts

• Training, guidance, and support provided to operators, inspectors, and cross-functional teams

SMART Goals

• Strengthen quality planning by improving clarity, completeness, and usability of process control documentation used across manufacturing teams.

• Improve containment and corrective action effectiveness by increasing the structure, communication, and follow-through of RCCA activities.

• Enhance product and process quality by reinforcing adherence to verification controls, inspection plans, and measurement methods.

• Support reduction of recurring quality issues by improving data analysis, identifying systemic drivers, and collaborating with Operations and Engineering on preventive measures.

• Improve cross-functional engagement by increasing the clarity of communication with Foundry, Machining, Assembly, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams regarding discrepancies and quality risks.

• Strengthen metrology and measurement capability by supporting proper selection, calibration, and usage of inspection tools and measurement systems.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by applying structured quality methodologies to process variation, nonconformances, and flow disruption.

• Develop team capability by providing guidance, coaching, and support on quality standards, measurement science, and documentation expectations.