Quality Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY: The Quality Engineer will report to the Plant Quality Leader and will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the quality management system, inspection methods, and process controls in accordance with product specifications and quality standards. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to drive root cause analysis and corrective action, document inspection instructions and control plans, and maintain control documents per ISO requirements. The Quality Engineer will also be responsible for supplier quality, calibration and gage control, and the disposition of nonconforming material, and must maintain a strong working knowledge in the safe operating procedures for compressed natural gas and the various compliance requirements affiliated with CNG fuel systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, implement, and improve quality plans, inspection methods, and process controls in accordance with product specifications and quality standards.
• Maintain and continuously improve the ISO 9001 quality management system; maintain control documents per ISO requirements and support internal and external audits.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) for internal nonconformances, supplier issues, and customer complaints using 5-Why, fishbone, and 8D methodologies.
• Develop and document step-by-step inspection work instructions, control plans, and quality records for assigned products.
• Perform (process) failure modes and effects analysis ((P)FMEA), process capability studies (Cp/Cpk), and statistical process control (SPC) to reduce variation and defects.
• Track and report quality KPIs (scrap, rework, first-pass yield, and cost of poor quality) and drive improvement projects using six sigma tools and methodologies.
• Manage the calibration and gage control program, including gage R&R studies and measurement system analysis.
• Perform supplier quality activities including incoming inspection requirements, supplier corrective action requests (SCAR), first article inspection (FAI), and supplier audits.
• Support new product introduction through design reviews, first article inspections, and validation of manufacturing and inspection processes via prototypes, multi-disciplined teams, and various analytical tools.
• Review and disposition nonconforming material (MRB); manage containment, sorting, and rework activities within both the fabrication and production areas.
• Participate and lead in cross-functional team reviews; collect and tabulate metrics; gather and analyze quality data and present findings to management.
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and BOMs (Bill of Materials) to establish inspection criteria and acceptance requirements.
• Specify, cost justify, and qualify inspection tooling, gages, fixtures, and test equipment; evaluate and recommend vendors, materials, and equipment with justification and ROI analysis.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge in the safe operating procedures for compressed natural gas and the various compliance requirements affiliated with CNG fuel systems.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science in Quality/Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering from an accredited college and 5 years’ quality engineering experience, preferably with OEM or engine manufacturing, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems is a requirement.
• Experience with root cause analysis, CAPA/8D, (P)FMEA, control plans, SPC, and six sigma methodologies.
• Experience with inspection equipment, GD&T, and measurement system analysis (gage R&R, calibration).
• Strong problem-solving, statistical, and data analysis skills.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a plus.
• Working knowledge of CAD software (Autodesk Inventor/AutoCAD) and fabrication/CNC processes is a plus.
• Must be willing to travel.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:Must obtain and maintain the applicable employee license with the Texas Railroad Commission; must pass test within 45 days of hire. ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification is preferred. Must possess a current and valid driver license with a driving record that meets the insurability guidelines set forth by the company’s insurance carrier.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to communicate complex concepts effectively with all levels of the organization in both verbal and written forms. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in business operational shrewdness, good judgment, planning, communicating orally and in writing, business knowledge, and expertise within areas of responsibility. Show understanding and knowledge of key market trends.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Experience with ISO 9001 audits, root cause analysis, CAPA/8D, (P)FMEA, control plans, SPC, and six sigma methodologies. Experience with inspection equipment, GD&T, gage R&R, and calibration systems. Working knowledge of Autodesk Inventor/AutoCAD and fabrication/CNC processes is a plus. Strong problem solving, statistical, and analytical skills. Must be willing to travel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to navigate using air and ground transport with moderate to extensive travel. Keep in mind this is a hands-on position that requires you to be out in the production plant working at times.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. Duties are performed in a loud environment (production setting) subject to relative ambient temperatures. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.