Quality Engineer I

Working within a Quality Control team of approximately 10 team members including Quality Engineers, Technicians, and Metrologists, responsible for manufacturing quality engineering activities associated with current and new production product at the Columbia City manufacturing facility.

Works closely with plant personnel, Customer Service personnel, and Customers to:

• Complete PPAPs (Product Part Approval Process) for current and new products

• Manage, analyze, disposition, and report Customer returned product for potential non-conformances utilizing the RMA (Returned Material Authorization) process.

• Support production line quality control issues utilizing the Quality Alert system

• Lead and Manage Supplier Quality Issues (travel available but not required)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• This position will work closely with Production Team Leaders and other plant personnel to implement and maintain Lean Manufacturing projects to improve manufacturing efficiency/quality.

• Works as a part of a cross-functional team to review proposed manufacturing process and bring new products to production. Develops robust manufacturing processes to produce the product in the most efficient way possible.

• Evaluates and updates tooling and workstations.  Works closely with the Product Engineering Department on major design changes and new product development.

• Coordinates technical activities with suppliers when introducing new purchased components and improving existing components. Reviews quotes for manufacturing feasibility and makes design recommendations.

• Works with Product Engineering, Purchasing, and Operations to implement internal product improvements, cost saving opportunities, etc.

• Manages change process at the manufacturing level (MCN-Manufacturing Change Notice)

• Has an active role in Lean Manufacturing activities that drive continuous improvement programs throughout the facility.

• Seeks out and learns about new technologies, evaluates uses of these technologies to help improve our products and processes.

• Confers with vendors to determine product specifications and arranges for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts and evaluates products according to specifications and quality standards.

• Effectively analyzes equipment needs and prepares thorough justification for Capital Equipment.

• Documents product designs and processes, applies for patents when applicable.

• Confers with management and engineering staff to implement plans and recommendations.

• Other duties may be assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited engineering or sciences program, or equivalent work experience in a quality assurance manufacturing environment

• Experience implementing and/or maintaining ISO-9001, TS16949 or AS9100 certification

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) desired, but not required, however must be willing to pursue.

• ASQ Certifications, preferably Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), not required, however must be willing to pursue.

• ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100 or IATF 16949 Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor training and certification highly desired.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, entrepreneurial spirit, high energy level, and results-oriented mindset

Critical Competencies

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Effective and collaborative problem-solving and group facilitation skills

• Strong interpersonal skills: positive, persuasive, motivating

• Analytical problem-solver uses technical engineering and quantitative methods to understand problems, design experimental programs, collect and analyze data, and derive practical recommendations and solutions.

• Strong understanding of statistical methods and tools for problem-solving

• Strong computer skills for communication and analysis

• Continually strives to build knowledge and skills specific to the products and processes

• Ability to function as leader, team-builder, and team-player

• Self-motivation, drive, energy, and resilience

• Ability to train and mentor others in quality principles

• Quantitative and fact-based de