Quality Engineer

Position Summary

Quality Engineer I role at Milbank | Energy at Work
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• Education: Bachelor’s degree required, ideally related to quality or manufacturing or four to six years’ equivalent experience.
• Experience:
  • Required:
    
    Ability to develop into a Level II and III role within three years through a skills development plan.
  • Preferred:
    Three to five years’ experience in quality-related work, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
  • Understanding of basic quality core tools such as Control Plans, APQP, SPC, PPAP, FMEA and MSA.
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills along with verbal, writing and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience with nationally recognized testing laboratories such as UL.
  • Background in sheet metal manufacturing, welding, powder coating paint systems and electrical and electronic component assembly a plus; proficiency in blueprint reading and experience with union workforce.

Employee Training and Awareness:

• Lead quality‑related kaizen events with cross‑functional teams.
• Participate in PIT (Performance Improvement Team) activities.
• Work with all levels of associates to learn all manufacturing processes from raw materials to final assembly.
• Build the skill level of production personnel and verify proper gauge usage and data recording.
• Facilitate continuous improvement and learning through training and communication of quality initiatives.

Build Quality Into the Manufacturing Process:

• Use core tools to proactively incorporate quality into the process.
• Implement and maintain QAC (Quality Accountability Cycle).
• Responsible for quality control for new product development.
• Assist in the development of assembly fixturing and gaging.
• Develop Poka‑yoke processes throughout manufacturing.
• Audit quality management systems such as control plans, PPAP, FMEA, calibrations, etc.
• Audit receiving inspection procedures of vendor parts as necessary.
• Make quality decisions about suspect parts and disposition of defective material from suppliers and internal production.
• Manage and monitor a world‑class level of supplier quality.
• Develop and maintain in‑process and end‑of‑line testing programs throughout the manufacturing process.
• Develop and maintain calibration programs on gauges, torque wrenches, air tools, etc.
• Ensure compliance with nationally recognized testing laboratories such as UL.
• Serve as an internal quality consultant for product groups, management, New Product Development Engineering, Marketing and Sales.

Problem Troubleshooting:

• Investigate FR (field report) and CAP (corrective action plan) reports; lead investigations and work with cross‑functional teams to develop internal resolution and prevent recurrence.
• Investigate product quality problems, determine root cause, gather and analyze data, and implement corrective action to reduce or eliminate causes.
• Submit change requests to product engineering for drawing corrections, product assembly problems, etc.
• Track and measure First Pass Yield and develop action plans for improvement.

Continuous Improvement/Lean Enterprise:

• Develop and implement best practices leading to improvements in lean manufacturing concepts and product quality.
• Support the implementation of the 5S workplace organization process.
• Utilize frameworks and systems, including visual management, problem solving, standard work and kaizen.
• Adhere to and promote the HR Pledge.
• Cooperate and commit in a team environment to achieve goals and deliverables.
• Resolve difficult or complicated challenges using the problem‑solving process.
• Actively embrace core principles.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not routinely supervise others. The employee may occasionally fill in for absent production supervisory personnel, assigning and directing work, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Competencies:

• Speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; conduct meetings and presentations.
• Express complicated and technical matters clearly and concisely.
• Embrace a diverse working environment and leverage strength differences.
• Involve hourly production workers in problem solving and process improvement.
• Foster and encourage an atmosphere of responsibility,…