Quality Engineer

Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring products and processes consistently meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements while supporting the organization's operational and commercial objectives.

This role is much more than maintaining compliance. The Quality Engineer partners with Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Customers to develop practical, risk-based solutions that enable the business to manufacture quality products efficiently.

Success in this role is measured by preventing problems before they occur, rapidly resolving technical challenges when they do arise, continuously improving processes, and maintaining an effective Quality Management System that supports—not hinders—the business.

The Quality Engineer applies sound engineering judgment to balance product quality, customer expectations, operational efficiency, delivery performance, and cost. Inspection and controls should be appropriate to the level of risk, with a focus on prevention rather than unnecessary verification.

Job Responsibilities

Quality System

• Maintain and continuously improve the AS9100, ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 Quality Management Systems.
• Ensure procedures remain practical, effective, value-added and aligned with business objectives.
• Plan, conduct, track and report internal quality audits.
• Support customer, regulatory and third-party certification audits.
• Drive continual improvement of quality processes using objective evidence and measurable results.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Participate in New Product Introduction by identifying quality requirements early in the development process.
• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing to develop capable manufacturing processes that consistently meet customer requirements.
• Apply lessons learned from previous programs to improve future product launches.
• Ensure quality planning emphasizes prevention rather than inspection.

Customer Quality

• Prepare and submit First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR), PPAPs and other customer approval packages.
• Act as the primary technical quality contact during customer visits, process audits and product launches.
• Prepare professional technical responses to customer quality concerns.
• Build strong customer relationships through responsiveness, technical competence and effective communication.

Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement

• Lead or facilitate cross-functional investigations into quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Champion Continuous Improvement initiatives that improve quality, reduce waste, increase process capability and improve customer satisfaction.
• Drive permanent solutions rather than temporary containment.

Risk Management

• Apply risk-based thinking to all quality decisions, considering both probability and consequence.
• Recommend practical controls that effectively manage risk without creating unnecessary inspection, cost or lead time.
• Challenge existing quality activities that do not add value or reduce risk.
• Promote prevention, process capability and mistake-proofing in place of excessive inspection whenever practical.

Cross Functional Support

• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Production, Supply Chain and Operations to overcome technical challenges.
• Support production by identifying practical solutions that maintain product integrity while achieving delivery commitments.
• Balance quality, cost, delivery and operational effectiveness when making recommendations.
• Provide quality expertise during process improvements, manufacturing changes and continuous improvement activities.

General

• Participate in internal and external technical training.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism when working with customers, suppliers and internal teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• College Technology Diploma preferred or Engineering Degree preferred in a related discipline.

Experience

• 3–5 years of Quality Engineering experience within a precision machining or manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting AS9100, ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 Quality Management Systems.
• Experience with customer quality requirements, First Articles, PPAPs and internal auditing.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of machining and manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and engineering drawings.
• Experience with CAPA, Root Cause Analysis and risk management techniques.
• Understanding of process capability, statistical methods and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Attributes

• Strong engineering judgment and practical problem-solving ability.
• A results-oriented approach focused on finding solutions rather than creating obstacles.
• The ability to balance quality, customer requirements, delivery, cost and operational efficiency.
• Sound decision-making using risk-based thinking.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• High degree of organization, initiative and accountability.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with minimal supervision.

Work Conditions

• Occasional travel (< 5%).
• Ability to attend customer meetings and conduct presentations.
• Manual dexterity required to use computers and standard office equipment.
• Overtime as required to support business needs.