Job Title: Quality Engineer
Location: Waterloo, Iowa
Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 plus bonus
Job Summary:
The Quality Engineer is responsible for working closely with project teams through the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) phases to proactively prevent quality defects in both product and process design and development. This role requires statistical data analysis and reporting of quality results while actively supporting production-related quality issues, including customer-impacting concerns. The Quality Engineer will drive corrective action initiatives, ensuring repeat occurrences and high-dollar issues are effectively resolved, all while striving for a zero-defect production environment. This position reports to the Director of Quality.
Responsibilities:
Support and assist design and process engineering teams in APQP efforts, ensuring quality control disciplines are integrated to prevent errors and maintain the highest standards.
Analyze quality costs and their impact on overall business profitability, focusing on defect prevention.
Provide recommendations for process improvements, engineering changes, and product performance enhancements.
Utilize Windchill software to create, update, and store quality data.
Lead corrective action initiatives, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions.
Interpret technical drawings and specifications, ensuring correct application of quality characteristics such as GD&T, tolerancing, and dimensioning.
Collaborate with design and process engineers, as well as QA Technicians, to ensure quality characteristics are appropriately applied.
Conduct DFMEAs and PFMEAs to proactively identify and address potential failure modes before production.
Ensure production readiness by developing and implementing prevention/detection devices such as fixtures and gauges.
Perform measurement system analysis (gage R&R studies), interpreting repeatability and reproducibility results to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Utilize statistical data analysis and quality tools such as SPC, FMEA, MSA, PPAP, and Process Capability Studies to monitor and improve quality performance.
Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to address quality concerns and ensure compliance with quality standards.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field from an accredited institution.
Experience with basic hand metrology equipment, including gage blocks, calipers, micrometers, surface plate layouts, and optical comparators.
CMM machine knowledge or experience is preferred.
Strong working knowledge of ASME Y14.5M, GD&T principles, and the x, y, z coordinate system.
Quality Engineer or Quality Technician certification is desirable.
Broad knowledge of Quality Assurance, Design, and Manufacturing Processes.
Hands-on experience with quality tools such as APQP, SPC, FMEA, MSA, PPAP, and Process Capability Studies.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
Proven ability to lead corrective action initiatives and drive continuous improvement efforts.
Preferred Skills:
Experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in Windchill software for document management.
Demonstrated success in identifying and resolving quality-related production issues.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.