Sr Quality Engineer

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the execution of tactical and strategic Quality Engineering projects and initiatives. This position must demonstrate strong technical skills in engineering systems, manufacturing processes, assembly techniques and application of advanced quality problem solving tools. Lead quality engineering tasks in product and process design quality and reliability, operations quality engineering, supplier quality issues corrective actions, supplier development, customer quality concerns, warranty issues resolution and continuous improvement. This position is also responsible for providing support in establishing and implementing quality processes, procedures, advanced product quality planning including quality engineering/technical support to enhance team contribution in product design, process development and quality assurance deployment. Provides subject matter expertise in the use of quality tools, techniques, and methodologies. Develops and leads the implementation of quality improvement initiatives that impact business performance. Collaborates with engineering, supply chain, operations, production, material control, suppliers and/or other functional areas in problem solving, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions. Uses influential leadership to guide, encourage and support the development of others by transferring skill, knowledge and experience that enhances their capabilities while enable the organization to embrace quality change and communicate the value and need for change.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for adherence to the Cardinal Rules of Safety.
• Establish activities that will refine and improve quality of the product and process as measured by internal quality KPI metrics and external quality indicators.
• Lead and execute quality engineering tasks across multiple functions such as product development, design engineering, supply chain, purchasing, operations, production, material control, suppliers and/or other stakeholders within Stoughton Trailers development and operations methodology.
• Problem identification and rapid resolution of product/process quality issues to meet/exceed stakeholder expectations and enhance end-user customer satisfaction.
• React swiftly to isolate, quarantine, contain quality problems in manufacturing, production, assembly, final inspection and drive effective containment actions, root cause analysis and corrective, preventive actions.
• Act, react and facilitate problem solving actions as a subject matter expert utilizing advanced quality body of knowledge (QBOK) tools that enable organization to grow, advance and improve from a state of reactive to preventive to predictive quality.
• Lead, execute advanced product quality planning (APQP) tasks for assigned engineering systems on trailers including supplier PPAP, internal manufacturing PFMEA and control plans.
• Conduct supplier quality systems assessment/evaluation, audit issues resolution with periodic onsite review, monitoring of process controls, control plans, effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Initiate and facilitate supplier 8D CAR with effective & sustainable permanent/preventive actions including ongoing supplier development and continuous improvement (CI) actions.
• Assist in the efforts to update and maintain monthly internal/external quality KPI's, supplier performance scorecards, rating, ranking and risk assessments.
• Lead, manage, accomplish quality projects/actions in a disciplined, methodical approach within a comprehensive framework of organize & plan, execute & control, analyze & improve.
• Interpret component blueprints/drawings and apply requirements in inspection activities using measurement gages/instruments to verify dimensions, features, characteristics while interpret, evaluate measurement results to determine conformance to specifications.
• Support tasks related to inspection and measurement fixture/gage design and fabrication as necessary.
• Facilitate driving problem containment at the source working closely with internal and external stakeholders including quality, manufacturing, design, leads/supervisors/operators, and supply chain.
• Provide adequate support to operations in necessary sorting, inspection, containment, and segregation of non-conforming material from production inventory.
• Leads and mentors the organization in the application of advanced quality tools and problem solving methodologies while acts as a technical mentor and coach to quality department staff.
• Leads and mentors teams that focus on problem solving, quality improvement, and cost reduction activities.
• Lead efforts to assist with inspection and measurement activities on the production floor to support problem identification, containment, and resolution.
• Actively document and update actions on quality issues with complete, comprehensive supporting documentation in 8D CAR, A3, and/or PDCA action trackers.
• Support activities relating to Quality Management System development, implementation, audits with identification of opportunities for improvement and verification for effectiveness.
• Utilizes customer feedback as an input to drive continuous improvement.
• Develop and track appropriate quality measures and use leadership skills to optimize the level of service provided by the Quality Engineering department.
• Seeks feedback and self-assessment to identify stakeholder needs to determine areas of improvement and seeks support in identifying opportunities to professionally grow and enable career advancement.

Qualifications

• Education:
  
  
  
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, advanced Quality Engineering and/or technical education preferred, engineering systems knowledge in chassis, body frames, suspension, axles, brakes, electrical etc. and a minimum of 10+ years of quality assurance experience in a manufacturing and/or assembly environment, Business Management degree a plus.
  
  
  
  

Licenses/Certifications:

• Professional certifications i.e. ASQ certifications such as CQE, CRE, CQM, Six Sigma Green/Black belt highly desired, ISO 9001 or IATF Internal Auditor certification preferred.

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  
  
  
  • Strong understanding and demonstrated use of quality tools and principles such as 6-Sigma, APQP, PPAP, QFD, TQM, FMEA, DOE, MSA, ANOVA and SPC.
  • Proven success in the use of and mentoring of Problem Solving methods and statistical decision-making process.
  • Ability to thoroughly analyze data to make decisions, recommendations by transforming raw data from multiple sources into reliable information and knowledge to execute actions and deliver results.
  • Ability to lead, execute and influence stakeholders on decisions related to process controls, statistical capability data study inferences, measurement systems analysis, results of product quality characteristics, standards, procedures and methods without direct authority.
  • Experience in project management which may include planning, supervising, monitoring, and accomplishing the goals of specific project requirements.
  • Knowledge of QMS assessment, measurement techniques, product development process.
  • Experience in ISO 9001, IATF 16949 requirements and quality systems auditing.
  • Ability to work with all levels of the organization in a team-based environment including Stoughton Trailers' supply base.
  • Substantial experience in successfully leading teams and the ability to foster key stakeholder relationships.
  • Demonstrates the ability to identify self-development needs and explores new opportunities for skill development and professional growth.
  • CQE, Six Sigma Green belt / Black belt certification is highly preferred, other professional society / organization certification is a plus.
  • Proficient in PC operations including systems and software i.e. ERP systems, MINITAB
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Able to travel when required (~20-25%).
  
  
  
  
• Core Competencies:
  
  
  
  • Knowledge of industry quality best practices; automotive, industrial, heavy manufacturing industry experience desired.
  • Knowledge of industry standards, quality system registrations.
  • Demonstrated problem solving aptitude, strong foundation and knowledge in FAI, ISIR, and blueprint reading with experience in the interpretation of GD&T scheme on drawings and tolerance stack up analysis.
  • Experience with CAD software, SolidWorks experience preferred.
  • Strong understanding of fundamental concepts in applied mathematics, statistics, and sampling plans.
  • Prior experience in product and process audit in an assembly / manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to simplify, clarify and intensify execution of actions with the goal of getting things done inside established milestones/timelines.
  • Persistent and tenacious in follow up and follow through to track, monitor and close out issues taking all to the finish line.
  • Move with a high sense of urgency, bias for action, drive for results, possess analytical and critical reasoning/thinking skills.
  • Self-motivated, confident, energetic, proactive, anticipatory and forward thinking.
  • Ability to use quality data/information/facts to speak up with conviction, articulate findings, assumptions, recommendations and solutions.
  • Well organized, self-starter and a team player both as a member and leader.
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize work assignments.
  • Good oral and written communication skills, interpersonal behavioral skills.
  • Proficient in computer skills including systems, software, database applications.