8D, AS 9100, Bug Tracking/Defect Management, Business Growth, Business Support, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) Systems, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Database Administration, Documentation, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Embedded Systems, ISO 9001, Internal Audit, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Testing, Operational Improvement, Performance Metrics, Problem Solving Skills, Process Capability, Process Control Engineering, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Process Improvement, Product Engineering, Product Reviews, Product/Service Launch, Purchasing/Procurement, Quality Engineering, Quality Management, Root Cause Analysis, Supply Chain, Support Documentation, Technical Leadership, Traceability, Trend Analysis, Value Stream Mapping, Vendor/Supplier Evaluation
JOB SUMMARY
The Quality Engineer (QE) is a strategic, lean-focused role that advances Trek Connect's quality system and drives continuous improvement across production operations. Reporting to the Quality Manager with a dotted-line to the Operations & Engineering Manager, the QE applies classic lean tools -- PDCA, 5 Whys, Fishbone, PFMEA, Poka-Yoke, Value Stream Mapping, and Visual Management -- to build capable, in-control processes that scale with the business.
Working cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain, the QE executes the technical work of the Quality function: corrective action investigations, audit support, QMS documentation, customer source inspection preparation, RMA analysis, and supplier quality activities. The QE builds an employee-centric, team-based problem-solving culture that drives positive change.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties as assigned.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Problem Solving
- Lead structured problem-solving events using PDCA, 5 Whys, Fishbone, Affinity Diagrams, and 8D to eliminate chronic defects and recurring nonconformances.
- Facilitate PFMEA for new and existing assembly processes; link outputs to control plans, work instructions, and inspection plans.
- Deploy poka-yoke solutions and perform process capability studies (Cp/Cpk) and MSA/Gage R&R to validate process control.
- Establish and maintain Visual Management at the Gemba -- quality huddle boards, KPI displays, defect tracking, and tiered escalation -- and participate in daily huddles with data-driven countermeasures.
- Apply Scaling Up principles to identify constraints, standardize effective practices, and build quality disciplines that support business growth.
Quality Management System (QMS) Support
- Maintain and improve QMS documentation per AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015: Quality Manual, procedures, work instructions, forms, and training records.
- Track and trend quality KPIs -- first-pass yield, defect rates, cost of poor quality, DPMO, and customer escapes -- and recommend improvement actions.
- Execute corrective action technical steps: interim containment, root cause analysis, verification, and effectiveness review; maintain the CAPA database.
- Document inspection records, First Article Inspection reports, and nonconforming material records in ERP and QMS systems.
Audits, Inspection, & Customer Source Inspection Support
- Participate in 2nd and 3rd Party audits; support internal audits and develop AS9100 internal auditor capability.
- Develop and apply inspection and testing standards for purchased material, in-process material, and finished assemblies.
- Prepare production orders and documentation for Customer Source Inspections; coordinate directly with customer representatives.
Cross-Functional Support
- Serve as the embedded quality resource for daily production reviews, new product introductions, engineering change reviews, and first-article builds.
- Contribute PFMEA, control plan, and inspection input during design and process reviews; investigate nonconforming product and lead root cause analysis.
- Disposition nonconforming material promptly to protect product quality and minimize schedule impact.
- Support supplier quality activities including SCARs, supplier qualification, and performance trending.
- Support incoming inspection plan development; use ERP for lot traceability and trend analysis.
Customer Quality & Program Support
- Support customer RMA processes: lead technical product return assessment and root cause investigation.
- Prepare and submit quality documentation packages including Certificates of Conformance, FAI reports, and customer-required quality records.
- Respond to customer quality inquiries, complaints, and audit requests in coordination with the Quality Manager.