Quality Engineer

Job Title: Quality Engineer

Job Description

The Quality Engineer optimizes product quality by serving as a key liaison between engineering, manufacturing, assembly, test, packaging, and supply chain functions. This role defines and implements quality standards, inspection plans, and test methods, while supporting internal operations through training, problem resolution, and performance data analysis. The Quality Engineer also partners closely with suppliers to communicate quality plans, address issues, and support both new product introductions and ongoing production, with strong opportunities to develop leadership skills and contribute to new product launches.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary link between engineering, manufacturing, assembly, test, packaging, and supply chain teams to ensure quality requirements are clearly defined and consistently met.
• Provide input to product documentation, including drawings, specifications, inspection plans, and testing methods, to embed quality requirements throughout the product life cycle.
• Define quality standards, create inspection plans, and develop test methods that ensure products, components, and processes meet specified requirements.
• Implement statistical process control methods and techniques to monitor and control manufacturing processes, and use data to drive improvements.
• Inspect raw materials, components, assemblies, and processes personally or by directing Quality Technicians to verify conformance to requirements.
• Ensure all gauges and measuring equipment are properly calibrated, compliant with applicable standards, and accurately documented.
• Track performance data, analyze quality results, and generate clear reports to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Investigate non-conformances to determine root causes, recommend corrective actions, and follow through to ensure issues are resolved effectively.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving teams to address complex quality issues and drive sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions internally and with suppliers, and verify the effectiveness of these actions over time.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for improvement in manufacturing processes and product quality, using structured methodologies and statistical analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and other teams to integrate quality requirements into designs, processes, and product launches.
• Interact with suppliers, including performing supplier visits, to communicate quality expectations, review performance, and support new product introductions.
• Maintain detailed quality documentation, including quality plans, inspection reports, validation protocols, and related records.
• Communicate quality plans, issues, and performance data clearly to internal departments, suppliers, and auditors in both verbal and written formats.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry regulations and standards, and ensure that practices remain compliant with applicable quality management system requirements.
• Identify gaps in the Quality Management System and initiate updates or improvements to address those gaps.
• Train employees in quality processes, procedures, tools, and methodologies to build organizational capability and consistency.
• Participate in interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new employees as appropriate, particularly within the quality function.
• Support activities such as Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and validation activities including IQ/OQ/PQ and PFMEA.
• Assist with leadership responsibilities related to overseeing Quality Technicians and supporting the development of the quality team.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in quality-related roles, with increasing responsibilities over time.
• Experience working within Quality Management Systems such as ISO 9001 or similar standards.
• Demonstrated experience in problem solving, corrective actions, and project management within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Proficiency in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
• Strong knowledge of inspection equipment and techniques, including hands-on use and interpretation of results.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and standards, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Practical experience with statistical analysis and statistical process control methods to monitor and improve processes.
• Proven ability to conduct root cause analysis using structured methodologies and logical, data-driven approaches.
• Experience with validation activities such as Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ).
• Experience contributing to Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (PFMEA).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with internal teams, suppliers, and auditors.
• Ability to train others in quality processes, procedures, and tools.
• Engineering degree or equivalent technical education or experience in a relevant field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Certification to a recognized body of knowledge, such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, is preferred.
• Experience working within formal Quality Management Systems, including ISO-based frameworks.
• Leadership experience or demonstrated potential to take on leadership responsibilities, particularly in overseeing Quality Technicians.
• Experience supporting new product introductions and launches from a quality perspective.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools and methods, with a structured and methodical approach to problem solving.
• Familiarity with industry regulations and standards relevant to manufacturing quality and compliance.
• Ability to travel occasionally to supplier locations and between company facilities.
• Interest in gaining or expanding leadership experience and taking ownership of quality aspects of new product launches.

Work Environment

The role splits time between an office environment and modern production and manufacturing facilities equipped with heating and air conditioning. The position requires regular movement throughout the facilities, including sitting, standing, using hands to handle and touch components and equipment, and frequent visual, verbal, and auditory communication. The role involves travel between company facilities and occasional travel to supplier locations. The position requires the ability to lift up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally while working in a clean, professional production and office setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Oconomowoc, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

401k Health, Dental, Vision Insurance STD/LTD

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Oconomowoc,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.