Works Quality Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and reliability of products throughout the manufacturing process. This position is responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining quality control systems and procedures at various stages of production to prevent defects, reduce waste, and ensure products meet design specifications and customer expectations. The In-Process Quality Engineer acts as a quality champion on the production floor, collaborating with manufacturing, engineering, and other departments to identify and resolve quality issues efficiently.
Responsibilities:
Quality System Implementation & Maintenance:
Develop, implement, and maintain in-process quality control plans, procedures, and work instructions (e.g., control plans, FMEAs, inspection criteria).
Ensure all in-process quality documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and readily accessible to production personnel.
Conduct regular audits of production lines and processes to ensure adherence to established quality standards and procedures.
Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement in in-process quality control.
Inspection & Testing:
Establish and validate in-process inspection points and methods, including visual, dimensional, and functional testing.
Train and qualify production operators on in-process inspection techniques and criteria.
Perform periodic in-process inspections and audits to verify product quality and process adherence.
Defect Prevention & Root Cause Analysis:
Monitor key process parameters and product characteristics for deviations from specifications.
Identify, document, and investigate in-process quality non-conformances, defects, and deviations.
Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) using tools like 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, Pareto charts, etc., to determine the underlying causes of quality issues.
Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and other teams to develop and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
Verify the effectiveness of implemented CAPAs and ensure their sustainability.
Data Analysis & Reporting:
Collect, analyze, and interpret in-process quality data (e.g., defect rates, yield, SPC charts).
Generate regular reports on in-process quality performance, trends, and key metrics.
Present quality data and findings to management and cross-functional teams.
Utilize statistical process control (SPC) techniques to monitor process stability and identify potential issues.
Collaboration & Training:
Work closely with QMM, production supervisors, and operators to resolve quality issues and implement improvements.
Provide training and coaching to production personnel on quality standards, inspection techniques, and defect prevention.
Participate in new product introduction (NPI) activities to ensure quality requirements are integrated into the manufacturing process from the outset.
Act as a resource and subject matter expert for in-process quality questions and concerns.
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
Experience:
8-10 years of experience in a quality assurance or quality control role within a manufacturing environment. Experience with Works quality is essential.
Technical Skills:
Strong understanding of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001).
Proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D).
Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis tools.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
Familiarity with various inspection and measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, CMM).
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles is a plus.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Soft Skills:
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
Proactive and results-oriented.
Ability to train and mentor others.
