Senior Quality Engineer

Job description:

Reports to: Quality Director

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship or relocation assistance.

Job Summary:

The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that all products and services manufactured by the Company meet customer expectations, internal requirements, and industry standards. This role oversees the Quality Team—including the CMM Lab, quality leaders, and quality auditors—and ensures effective leadership, coaching, performance management, and workforce development.

This position manages the implementation and execution of testing systems and inspection processes, oversees calibration and measurement systems, and serves as a key quality liaison between the Company, customers, and suppliers. The work environment includes both office and manufacturing floor settings.

Job Responsibilities:

Quality System & Compliance:

• Ensure the Company’s Quality Management System complies with customer requirements, internal standards, ISO 9001, and IATF 16949.
• Develop, maintain, and improve quality control processes and procedures.
• Lead quality-related activities for new product development and APQP deliverables.
• Conduct internal process monitoring, audits, and reviews to validate compliance and identify improvement needs.

Inspection, CMM, & Measurement Systems:

• Oversee daily operations of the CMM Lab, including scheduling, part measurements, programming review, and data accuracy.
• Ensure timely inspection, calibration, and maintenance of all monitoring and measuring devices.
• Review and validate CMM reports and dimensional data for accuracy.
• Support troubleshooting of measurement issues and provide technical guidance to inspectors and CMM personnel.

Defect Management & Continuous Improvement:

• Document and analyze product deficiencies, including root cause analysis, statistical analysis, and corrective actions.
• Lead containment, corrective action, and customer reporting for internal and external nonconformities.
• Drive initiatives to improve product efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen process capability (SPC, MSA, Six Sigma tools).
• Serve as the primary quality interface with customers and suppliers, representing the Company professionally and effectively.

Leadership & People Management:

• Supervise, coach, and develop the quality team—including CMM technicians, inspectors, and auditors.
• Conduct performance evaluations, assign responsibilities, manage schedules, and address training needs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, communication, and continuous improvement within the department.

Job Requirements:

Technical Skills:

• Ability to read, understand, and balloon blueprints.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T.
• Ability to interpret specifications, schematics, and CMM data.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, MSA, and SPC methodologies.
• Proficient in root cause analysis and Six Sigma problem-solving methods.
• Experience with IMDS (preferred).
• Competence in the use of precision gauges (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, etc.).
• Knowledge of ERP systems; Plex preferred.
• Experience with Minitab or similar analytical tools.
• Ability to maintain and update the quality management system.

Leadership & Behavioral Skills:

• Demonstrated people‑management experience, including coaching, conflict resolution, and team development.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical ability.
• Excellent organization, prioritization, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding products, services, and processes.
• Professional demeanor when interacting with customers, suppliers, and team members.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience managing a quality department or quality team.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration preferred.
• Experience with close-tolerance, CNC‑machined powertrain components in the automotive industry.
• Six Sigma certification strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership background with proven success managing inspectors, auditors, and/or CMM personnel.

J. G. Kern Enterprises, Inc. recognizes that our team members are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing them with a safe, drug-free workplace fostering respect and ethical treatment. Unlawful discrimination in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, ethnic/national origin, age, sex, veteran status, disability, or any similar protected status is strictly prohibited. In return for their expertise and shared commitment to our goals, we offer our team members competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.

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