Quality Assurance Engineer

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Plans, coordinates, and facilitates quality assurance program, analysis and activities designed to ensure continuous production of products consistent with established quality standards by performing the following duties. Actively participates as a vital member of the Plant Quality Steering Committee.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

- Develops and analyzes statistical data and product specifications to determine present standards and establish proposed quality and reliability expectancy of finished product.

- Formulates and maintains quality assurance objectives and coordinates objectives with production procedures in cooperation with Plant Quality Steering Committee to maximize product reliability and minimize costs.

- Assists,directsandcoachesworkers engaged in auditing, receiving inspection and testing activities to ensure continuous control over materials, facilities, and products. Usesstrong analytical and statistical skills in problem solving and sampling requirements.

- Routinelyutilizesa variety of analytical measuring systems and devices to check product conformance to customer and company specifications.

- Identifies, promotes, andassistsin training activities related to product quality and reliability.

- Investigates customer complaintsregardingquality.

- Works as an active participant in concurrent engineering of new products, revised products, and existing products to ensure superior product design and effective corrective and preventive action on existing products.

- Reviews technical publications, articles, and abstracts to stay abreast of technical developments in the industry.

- Responsible formaintainingor havingmaintainedplant copies of product specifications, drawings, and other quality standard data.

- Trains and instructs quality assurance auditors and inspectors. Periodically review quality personnel performance and develop and plan training to upgrade skill levels as needed.

- Guides and directs receivinginspection,requiredvendor audits, and calibrationprogram.

- Member ofthe PlantQuality Steering Committee. Work with committee on preventive and corrective actions, analyzing problems, and developing solutions. Work with committee, engineering, and plant teams on continuous improvement programs.

- Responsible formaintainingproduct quality records, files, and required reports. Manages plant Corrective Action Program, both internal and vendor CARs.

- Work with QSC on Plant ISO 9001 program. Review required documentation tomaintainprogram and ensure quality processes and products. Serves as plant leaderonmaintainingISO certification.

- Work with corporate Quality and Engineering personnel and Quality Assurance personnel from other Preformed Line Products plants asrequiredtoassistin developing and enhancing quality programs, resolving quality problems,establishingqualityproceduresand resolving customer complaints.

- Develops qualitysystemaround a core principle of proactive defect prevention. Works with manufacturing staff as a teacher, trainer,facilitatorand problem solver.

- Works in a collaborative effort with the manufacturing staff toensure that the quality system addresses quality problems before they can occur consistent with the plant’s philosophy of continuous improvement, ISO 9001principlesand Lean Manufacturing concepts.

- Develops Inspection and Test Plans (ITP’s) in conjunction with Corporate Quality Assurance personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in engineering, industrial management, or related field from a four-year college or university.

EXPERIENCE

2- 5 years’ experience as a Q.A. Engineer, or similar position. Experience with a successful ISO quality program and Lean Manufacturing concepts is very desirable.

Knowledge of:

Must have a strong working knowledge of the Microsoft suite of business products with especially strong skills in Excel. Must have strong Excel skills in charts and formulas and analysis. Should have good working knowledge of project management software and have strong general project management skills. Experience in MiniTab statistical analysis software is highly desirable. Should have prior experience working in an engineering team environment with experience collaborating on joint projects with other team members.

Skill in:

Should have excellent problem solving and analytical skills. Should be able to facilitate team problem solving meetings. Should possess good analytical skills including decision making with the use of a variety of statistic and sampling techniques and analysis. Should be well-versed in analytical lab analysis and testing equipment and techniques. Should possess excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard plant and office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions, strength to lift and carry objects weighing up to 40 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.