Job Title: Quality Engineer
Classification: Salary/Exempt
Reports to: Quality Manager
SUMMARY
The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting and improving quality systems, manufacturing processes, and customer satisfaction through proactive quality planning, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role serves as a key liaison between customers, suppliers, production teams, and management to ensure products meet all customer, regulatory, and company quality requirements.
The Quality Engineer leads Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities, customer corrective actions, internal audits, root cause investigations, and process improvement projects while promoting a culture of quality throughout the organization.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary Functions
• Participate in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities for new and existing products.
• Coordinate, develop, and submit Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation to customers.
• Develop and maintain quality documentation including Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, inspection plans, and capability studies.
• Manage customer quality concerns and complaints from initial notification through closure.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations using quality tools such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone Diagrams, and Pareto Analysis.
• Develop, implement, and verify corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer quality-related issues.
• Monitor customer quality performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead and coordinate the internal audit program.
• Support and maintain compliance with ISO 9001 quality management system requirements.
• Assist with external, customer, and certification audits.
• Analyze production and quality data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead quality improvement projects focused on reducing customer PPM, internal PPM, scrap, rework, and cost of poor quality.
• Partner with operations, engineering, and production teams to improve manufacturing processes and product quality.
• Promote the use of Total Quality Management (TQM), Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement principles throughout the organization.
• Support supplier quality initiatives and resolution of supplier-related quality issues.
• Coordinate supplier corrective actions and monitor supplier quality performance.
• Evaluate incoming material quality trends and recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Provide technical guidance regarding blueprint interpretation, GD&T, inspection requirements, and measurement best practices.
• Support Quality Technicians and production personnel with quality standards and inspection methods.
• Assist with the review and disposition of nonconforming materials and products.
• Ensure quality objectives support overall company goals and strategic initiatives.
• Support production launches, engineering changes, and process validation activities.
• Improve internal and external PPM performance with a focus on meeting company quality objectives.
Secondary Functions
• Support the calibration program and ensure measuring equipment remains calibrated and compliant.
• Assist with employee training related to quality procedures, inspection techniques, quality tools, and quality standards.
• Maintain quality records and documentation in accordance with company and customer requirements.
• Assist with material review board activities and disposition decisions.
• Support customer scorecard monitoring and reporting.
• Assist with first article inspections and validation activities.
• Support weld quality, fabrication quality, and process capability initiatives.
• Participate in cost reduction and operational efficiency projects.
• Assist with maintaining customer quality portals and documentation systems.
• Support special projects and continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and corrective action processes required.
• Experience working directly with customers and suppliers on quality issues.
• Metal fabrication, machining, welding, or automotive supplier experience preferred.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills.
• Proficient in the use of precision measuring equipment.
Purpose Statement
“We exist to provide opportunities for our team to THRIVE personally and professionally and join in helping our community.”
Core Values
1. Positive attitudes are contagious.
2. Success comes from humility, integrity, and hard work.
3. Always do the right thing.
4. Strive for excellence in serving our customers, teammates, and community.
5. Bias for action.
6. Honor God above all else.
This job description is to outline the primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not be limited to the assigned responsibilities listed. It is our expectation that each team member offers their services whenever necessary to ensure the success of Sargent Metal.
