Senior Quality Engineer

Summary/Purpose:  The role of Sr. Quality Engineer is designed to be progressive and proactive, and the individual must be able to identify risks and issues that can have a negative impact on product quality, product safety and customer satisfaction.  The Sr. QE must be proficient in problem solving, identifying root causes, and working cross-functionally to develop and implement improvement, corrective and preventive actions. He/she must be competent in the area of quality systems, defining inspection methods, leading/coaching on quality techniques, and creating quality related work instructions for internal use.

Essential Duties and Accountabilities:  

• Ability to interact directly with customers by phone as needed.
• Ability to interact directly with all company support functions including internal customers, as well as external suppliers.
• Assist in the selection, design and justification of purchased inspection equipment. 
• Ability to establish data collection systems and provide actionable analysis to drive quality improvements, including quality cost reduction programs.
• Ability to lead and ensure the timely and accurate disposition of "suspect and nonconforming" material and products throughout the manufacturing process.
• Accountable for achieving the target for customer complaints and concerns in his/her area of responsibility; demonstrate ability to lead and facilitate the resolution/ closure of all of them.
• Provide training, coaching, daily direction and overall supervision to Quality Technicians, Quality Auditors, Quality Laboratory inspectors/ technicians and other hourly quality personnel as identified.
• Accountable for achieving the scrap % target in his/her area of responsibility and ensure a continuous multi-disciplinary approach to scrap reduction activities.
• Ability to drive preventive actions to mitigate process problems that could develop into quality problems for our internal and external customers. 
• Accountable for actively working to decrease the "rework" created by non-quality products coming from his/her area of responsibility.
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Plant Quality Assurance Manager.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of technical writing, vendor quality, gauge design, geometric tolerances, government contracts, material testing, metrology, NDT and SPC.  
• Must be able to lead cross-functional teams in problem solving events to reduce plant scrap and customer issues. 
• Must possess a thorough knowledge of internal manufacturing processes, procedures and plant equipment.
• Knowledge of internal operational sequences including production, assembly, and logistical processes.
• Ability to support the Plant's safety program, TPS programs, 5S initiatives, IATF 16949, and ISO 14001 requirements.
• Knowledge of Plant's quality systems and equipment, tools, internal resources (databases) and procedures.
• Computer literacy with proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word and Power Point).
• Ability to effectively utilize quality tools such as APQP, PPAP, MSA, PFMEA, Control Plan, GD&T, and SPC. 

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or other Technical discipline with a minimum of 3 years of experience is preferred. However, a high school diploma with a minimum of 7 years of progressive manufacturing experience, to include but not limited to a Supervisor, Team Leader, Quality Planner, or a Quality Technician is acceptable.
• The ability to use measurement and test equipment to perform dimensional checks. 
• ASQ certification in Lean Six Sigma, Green Belt, Black Belt or CQE is preferred. 
• Trained with the ability to perform duties as an Internal Auditor is required; certification as a Lead Auditor is preferred. (ISO9001/IATF 19649)
• Ability to utilize problem solving skills, such as 8-Step Problem Solving, 5D, 8D, etc.
• Strong analytical and communication skills (verbal and written). 

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Ability to work flexible hours in a professional office environment and/ or on the shop floor.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.
• Lifting up to 40 lbs without assistance
• Continuous standing, sitting, walking throughout the day
• Activities are completed in both office and shop floor settings with Associate being exposed to hot/cold climates at various times.
• Employee may be asked to perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned.