Senior Quality Engineer - Plastic

Location: Red Wing, Minnesota (on-site; relocation assistance available) Salary: $85,000 to $104,000, plus bonus potential

Bring your quality expertise to the Mississippi River bluffs. We're looking for a Senior Quality Engineer to own quality at our client plastics extrusion plant near Red Wing, Minnesota, a historic river town about an hour southeast of the Twin Cities. If you're ready for a role where your decisions shape the whole operation, and a place where you can trade a long commute for trails, river views and a real sense of community, we'd like to talk.

The role

As our Senior Quality Engineer, you'll lead the quality assurance program for the site. You'll run the quality management system, lead internal audits, train and direct the QA team, and serve as the main point of contact with customers and suppliers on anything quality-related. Your goal: products that are reliable, consistent and meet every requirement, every time.

What you'll do

• Set the standard. Partner with operations, manufacturing, product engineering, suppliers and customers to develop quality standards and specifications for our extruded products.
• Own the quality system. Keep the quality management system current and controlled, and make sure every product and service conforms to specified requirements.
• Measure what matters. Establish and track quality metrics, spot trends early and troubleshoot issues on the line.
• Lead problem solving. Run cross-functional teams to find true root cause and put lasting corrective actions in place for internal and supplier issues.
• Audit and report. Lead internal and external quality audits and prepare clear reports on findings and materials.
• Build the team's capability. Manage training and certification so everyone in the internal audit process is qualified for their role, and give day-to-day direction to the QA team.
• Be the voice of quality. Visit customers, routinely or on short notice, to resolve issues, and verify supplier quality systems on their production floors.
• Keep the records right. Ensure accuracy of hold tags, inspection reports, data collection, supplier inspection reports and test reports.
• Step in when needed. Cover inspection tasks during emergencies or absences, and travel to other company facilities as required.

What you bring

• 5+ years in a quality role in manufacturing, or an equivalent mix of education and experience (plastics extrusion or polymer processing is a plus)
• Bachelor's or associate's degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering or a related field, preferred
• Strong math and statistics skills for compiling and analyzing quality data
• Hands-on experience with root cause analysis and corrective action
• Lean Six Sigma knowledge, preferred
• Clear, confident written and verbal communication with customers, suppliers and plant teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• A self-starter who sets priorities, meets objectives and leads others by example
• Willingness to relocate to the Red Wing area and travel as needed

Why you'll like it here

At work: This is a site where one leader can make a visible impact. You'll work with every level of the organization, from the production floor to leadership, backed by a supportive, collaborative team of peers who share knowledge and help each other grow.

In Red Wing: Red Wing sits on the Mississippi River, framed by limestone bluffs and about 50 miles from Minneapolis–St. Paul. You get small-town living with a historic downtown, local restaurants and shops, and an easy drive to big-city jobs, airports, sports and culture.

• Hiking the bluffs, biking the Cannon Valley Trail, and boating, fishing and paddling on the river
• Skiing at nearby Welch Village in winter
• A shorter commute, more time for family and a lower cost of living than the metro

Pay, benefits and relocation

• Relocation assistance to help you settle in Red Wing
• 401(k) with a 5% company match, fully yours after 2 years
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 15% immediate return
• Medical, dental and vision plans
• Company-paid disability and life insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible work schedule options
• Tuition support for degrees and continuing education
• Employee Resource Groups focused on growth and empowerment

Ready to make Red Wing your next move? Apply today and tell us about the quality wins you're proudest of.