Quality Engineer - Forging

Job Description

Location:

Houston, TX
Industry: Custom Forging (Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Industrial)
Position Type:
Full-Time, On-Site

We are a premier custom forging facility based in Houston, serving the critical demands of the Oil & Gas, Aerospace, and heavy industrial sectors. We specialize in producing high-performance forged components where failure is not an option. We pride ourselves on our metallurgical expertise, speed to market, and adherence to the strictest quality standards. We are seeking a hands‑on Quality Engineer to champion our commitment to excellence from the raw billet to the finished part.

The Quality Engineer will play a dual role: managing our Quality Management System (QMS) and providing hands‑on technical support on the production floor. You will act as the bridge between engineering requirements and manufacturing reality.

The ideal candidate is not a “desk engineer”—you will be expected to read complex blueprints, apply GD&T principles to verify parts, participate in NDT processes, and maintain our certifications (ISO/AS/API). You will lead root‑cause investigations and drive continuous improvement in a high‑mix, low‑volume job shop environment.

• GD&T Expert: Interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME Y14.5) to design inspection plans and verify product conformity.
• Shop Floor Support: actively troubleshoot manufacturing issues; perform First Article Inspections (FAI) and in‑process inspections using precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, CMM).
• Forging Validation: Oversee verification of forging processes, including dimensional checks, hardness testing, and coordination of Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) such as UT, MT, and PT.
• Material Certification: Review and approve Material Test Reports (MTRs) and ensure traceability of heat lots from mill to shipment.

• Compliance Lead: Maintain and improve the QMS to ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015
  , AS9100D (Aerospace), and API Q1 (Oil & Gas) standards.
• Auditing: Plan and execute internal audits; serve as the primary point of contact during external customer and registrar audits.
• Corrective Action: Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) using 5 Whys, Fishbone, or 8D methodologies. Implement effective Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to prevent recurrence of non‑conformances.
• Documentation: Prepare PPAPs, control plans, PFMEAs, and quality procedures tailored to specific customer requirements.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical experience.
• Experience: 3–7 years of Quality Engineering experience in a heavy manufacturing environment.
• Industry Background: Prior experience in Forging
  , Heat Treating
  , or Machining is highly preferred. Experience with Oil & Gas (Subsea/Downhole) or Aerospace specifications is a strong plus.

• GD&T Proficiency: Advanced understanding of GD&T is required. Must be able to interpret tight tolerances and datum structures.
• Standards Knowledge: Working knowledge of ISO 9001 is mandatory. Familiarity with AS9100, API Q1, or ASTM testing standards is strongly desired.
• Metrology: Hands‑on experience with standard inspection tools and CMM programming/operation (e.g., FARO Arm, Hexagon) is preferred.
• Software: Proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems.

• Hands‑On Attitude: Willingness to get dirty and work in a non‑climate‑controlled shop environment when necessary.
• Communication: Ability to speak effectively with shop floor machinists/forgers as well as customer engineering teams.
• Detail‑Oriented: A strict eye for detail regarding material traceability and certification paperwork.