Sr. Quality Engineer

JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE: Under the direction of the Quality Manager, the Sr. Quality Engineer develops, implements and evaluates quality systems to economically control raw material, in-process and finished products to meet engineering specifications, functional requirements and customer needs, in accordance with company policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES may include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Evaluate product performance, process controls, and the effectiveness of established quality procedures, instructions and systems. Recommend and implement the continuous, on-going improvement of the procedures, instructions, and systems.
• Prioritize, schedule and delegate work assignments, and directly supervise assigned quality personnel to ensure compliance with the established quality procedures, instructions and systems.
• Coordinate and analyze process capability studies and make recommendations for process control improvements to lower unit costs, reduce waste and continuously improve quality, while increasing productivity.
• Develop detailed quality procedures and instructions to minimize inspection costs, and meet engineering specifications and customer needs.
• Act as the technical resource to all other departments, vendors and customers to address and resolve inquiries and problems. Train all appropriate departments in the use of quality tools and gauges, SPC, instructions and procedures, and ensure statistical tools are used effectively to reduce waste and product variability.
• Participate on and assist business teams in making key decisions that affect team performance.
• Review and evaluate engineering and manufacturing changes for capability, machinability and accuracy. Perform studies to analyze the feasibility of changing specifications and/or the effects of changing material process flow. Develop and maintain process and operational drawings.
• Perform supplier surveys to evaluate quality systems. Analyze information from the surveys and recommend improvements to the quality systems. Recommend quality specifications and supplier selection. Coordinate supplier registration to quality systems.
• Interface and coordinate with suppliers and customers to ensure all off-quality conditions or opportunities to improve product are communicated and corrective actions implemented and enforced. Coordinate production approval with new products or process controls, product or process changes, PPAP approvals, ISIR approvals and quality systems implementation and registration with suppliers and customers.
• Analyze returned products and recommend and implement changes in processes and methods to reduce returns and improve quality. Analyze non-conforming incoming materials and work with supplier to develop and implement corrective actions to reduce/eliminate non-conforming problems. Follow-up on changes and corrective actions to ensure success and effectiveness.
• Design or specify the gauging necessary to measure product characteristics and adherence to specifications.
• Participate on cross functional teams to address and resolve quality problems and to ensure the continuous, on-going improvement of processes and methods.
• Ensure the completion and maintenance of all required paperwork, documentation, records, etc.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and work rules and regulations, and depmimental housekeeping standards.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Requires use of safety glasses and shoes, and hearing protection as needed when in the shop.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Can-ies out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.