Position Summary
Located in Terrell, this role involves developing, implementing, and enhancing our manufacturing quality systems. The position offers technical leadership for product and process quality, manages the Quality Control Team, and oversees the Quality Management System (QMS). Collaborating with Operations, Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and customers, the role aims to prevent defects, resolve issues, and ensure product compliance. This hands-on leadership position combines quality engineering, problem-solving, personnel supervision, compliance management, and data-driven improvement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain inspection plans, quality procedures, and process documentation.
- Review customer specifications to identify requirements for inspection and testing.
- Establish inspection requirements based on risk, capability, and customer needs.
- Provide technical support to resolve quality issues and determine product disposition.
- Lead root-cause investigations using structured methods and corrective actions.
- Analyze process capability and defect trends; recommend improvements.
- Support new-product introduction and process changes through risk reviews and validation.
- Apply statistical methods and risk-based thinking to improve process control.
- Coordinate material and product testing with internal and external personnel.
Quality Control Team Leadership
- Lead and develop the Quality Control Team; assign work and set priorities.
- Define expectations for inspection accuracy and professionalism.
- Conduct team meetings, coaching sessions, and performance reviews.
- Ensure inspectors have necessary resources and technical support.
- Verify timely and accurate completion of inspection activities.
- Promote a quality-focused culture empowering employees to address concerns.
- Coordinate staffing and coverage to support production priorities.
- Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance management of Quality personnel.
Quality Management System Ownership
- Administer and maintain the QMS to ensure alignment with business and customer needs.
- Maintain quality documents and control systems, including revision approval.
- Plan and conduct internal audits; manage findings and corrective actions.
- Coordinate external audits and ensure timely closure of findings.
- Manage nonconformance and corrective-action processes.
- Prepare management review inputs and maintain required quality records.
- Monitor changes to standards and regulations; update processes and training.
- Champion QMS awareness and train employees on related requirements.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred.
- Five or more years of quality experience in manufacturing, including production support.
- Two or more years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
- Experience with QMS administration and audit support.
- Experience in metal fabrication, machining, or related environments preferred.
Technical Knowledge
- Working knowledge of QMS principles and ISO 9001 requirements.
- Proficiency in blueprint reading, inspection methods, and material traceability.
- Knowledge of welding and fabrication quality requirements.
- Experience with nonconformance control and statistical analysis.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant software.
- ASQ certifications preferred.
Core Competencies
- Leadership, coaching, and sound judgment.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Clear communication with various stakeholders.
- High attention to detail and ability to manage priorities.
- Integrity and confidence in making quality decisions.
- Collaborative and service-oriented approach.
- Continuous-improvement mindset.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Work is performed in both an office and active manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, metalworking operations, and temperature changes.