Quality Engineer

As part of the Continuous Improvement segment within the USA Corp Quality Organization, the Quality Engineer (QE) plays a critical role in enhancing both internal and external quality processes to elevate the customer experience. QEs collaborate closely with production sites, sales and field personnel who lead technical improvement projects and manage claims within their assigned areas. Quality Engineers ensure these efforts are aligned with customer expectations by translating the Voice of the Customer into measurable improvement targets—such as Claims, NCRs, and NQC (non-quality cost). Together, QEs and teams at the sites co-develop and execute improvement projects, with QEs taking the lead in designing audits to ensure long-term sustainability of results.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive and act on quality feedback from the Quality Technical Services team regarding field issues, developing internal plant-level action plans.
• Management of the USA Corp process for claim management including organization, follow-up of repairs with associated costs and approvals
• Lead and manage a high quality, detailed and comprehensive 8D problem-solving process to address root causes of quality issues and ensure long-term prevention of recurrence on behalf of USA Corp with required.
• Collaborate with Sales, support function and Quality Systems personnel (at the plants) to enhance USA Corp processes and routines that support disciplined change management aligned with 8D corrective actions, process mapping along with process audits on support functions at USA Corp.
• Partner with support functions, plant floor teams, Process Engineering, and VPAs to lead or support projects aimed at reducing quality defects and improving administrative processes that impact customer experience.
• Involved directly or supporting on quality improvement focused projects/actions leading to improved performance (quality of product, quality of process, efficiency, cost support and benchmarking activities)
• Manage and analyze Quality metrics, identifying trends in lagging indicators and developing strategic roadmaps for quality improvement.
• Conduct in-depth statistical analysis of leading indicators to uncover root causes and support the development of effective countermeasures.
• Support internal process audits in coordination with Quality Systems to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
• Coach teams to foster a quality mindset, strengthen the quality culture, and reinforce the Voice of the Customer at all operational levels.
• Occasional travel (~10%) for Customer Visits and Complaint Resolution, Manufacturing Site Support, Participation in Cross-Functional Projects, Process Benchmarking.
• Occasional Operation of a motorized passenger vehicle or other vehicles such as forklifts, tractors, etc.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Strong computer skills, including O365 Suite applications and the ability to learn new applications as needed or required. Proficiency in using quality management software and tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Recommended to have SAP capability
• Ability to work in and lead diverse groups to achieve common goals.
• Highly organized and able to successfully manage multiple projects.
• Capable of working independently in a self-directed environment.
• Strong analytical ability and excellent attention to details. Knowledge of problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems, standards, and regulations such as ISO and/or API Standards.
• Must demonstrate ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively.
• Must be able to accomplish goals through indirect and influential leadership in the plants and with above plant personnel.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or quality-related discipline.
• Preferred: Master’s degree
• Preferred: Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent, Certified ISO / API Q1 auditor or lead auditor
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality role.
• Experience with quality tools and methodologies: Proficient in SPC, FMEA, 8D, and Six Sigma practices.
• Regulatory and standards compliance: Hands-on experience with ISO 9001, ISO 17025, API Q1, or similar quality management systems.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Proven ability to work with engineering, production, and quality systems teams to drive quality improvements.
• Language: English required, Spanish preferred.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES & CAPABILITIES:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Safety Awareness
• Directability
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Reliability / Dependability
• Initiative
• Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback
• Pride in performance
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Communication
• Positive response to change
• High attention to detail

PHYSICAL AND VISUAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sedentary work: involves sitting most of the time but may also include some standing or walking. Role may require lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally carrying light objects. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.
• Walking: Constant - Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Fine manipulation: Constant - Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than the whole hand or arm as in handling.
• Hearing: Constant - The ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/other sounds (i.e., machinery alarms).
• Speaking: Constant - Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word to impact oral information to customers or other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Driving: Occasional - Operation of a motorized passenger vehicle or other vehicles such as forklifts, tractors, etc.
• Employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing computer terminal, expansive reading, visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection), using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.