Quality Engineer II – Failure Analysis

Job Summary 

 

A Quality Engineer II is responsible for investigating returned products and customer complaints to determine root cause, implement corrective and preventive actions, and ensure alignment with internal and external quality standards. This role combines hands-on failure analysis with broader quality engineering responsibilities, including supporting the Quality Management System (QMS), contributing to continuous improvement initiatives, and driving customer-focused quality outcomes. In addition, a Quality Engineer II may provide quality-related guidance during product development efforts and/or the establishment of quality systems. Success in this role includes but is not limited to identifying quality-related improvement opportunities for products and processes and ensuring adherence to internal and external quality standards. Quality Engineer II is the second level within the Quality Engineer career path. 

 

Responsibilities 

 

Failure Analysis (Core Responsibilities) 

• Perform detailed failure analysis on returned products (RMAs) using established procedures and product specifications 

• Conduct functional, electrical, and mechanical testing to replicate and validate customer-reported issues 

• Identify root causes and document findings in formal failure analysis and 4D reports 

• Enter and manage failure analysis data within enterprise systems (e.g., Salesforce or equivalent) 

• Communicate results clearly to internal stakeholders and customers, including conclusions and recommended actions 

• Collaborate with manufacturing, design engineering, and suppliers when advanced analysis is required 

• Support prioritization and processing of RMAs based on business needs and customer impact 

• Maintain complete and accurate documentation, including test data and supporting evidence 

Quality Engineering & Continuous Improvement 

• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions based on failure analysis findings 

• Establishes inspection criteria for machines, equipment, materials, components, and/or products. 

• Assists with leading quality audits for processes and products.   

• Prepares summaries and trend analysis of quality issues and provides recommendations for corrective and preventive action.  

• Contributes to Phoenix Contact Quality Management System (QMS), documentation, record keeping, and compliance.  

• Other duties as assigned by one’s Manager. 

 

Qualifications 

 

• Bachelor's degree in the field of Engineering, “Electrical, Industrial, etc.” 

• 3 (+) years of relevant professional level work experience preferred.  

• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies (5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D/4D) 

• Experience with RMA processes or customer complaint investigation 

• Demonstrated ability successfully using electrical inspection and test equipment. 

• Knowledge of ISO 9001.  

• Knowledge of Error Proofing and related techniques.  

• Knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma.  

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification preferred. 

• Additional relevant certifications including, but not limited to: ISO 9001, CMMI, CQA, ESD, etc. 

• Prior work experience in a manufacturing environment. 

 

Essential Job Functions 

 

• Able to lift at least 35 pounds. 

• Able to use pallet jack with 300-pound load. 

• Able to use