Overview
Quality Planning & System Management
- Quality Planning & System Management
- Develop and Implement QMS: Establish, document, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) based on standards like ISO 9001, AS9100 (aerospace), or IATF 16949 (automotive).
- Create Control Plans & ITPs: Develop detailed Quality Control Plans and Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs) that outline the what, how, when, and who of the inspection process.
- Define Metrics: Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for quality, such as First Pass Yield (FPY), Defect Rates, and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).
- Procedure Development: Write and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for inspection, testing, and calibration.
- Inspection & Testing (The Core Hands-On Work)
- Dimensional Inspection: Perform precise measurements using a variety of tools, including:
- Basic: Calipers, micrometers, height gauges, dial indicators.
- Advanced: CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine), optical comparators, laser scanners, and vision systems.
- First Article Inspection (FAI): Conduct and document FAIs to verify that the first part produced from a new setup or process meets all design specifications.
- In-Process Inspection (IPI): Monitor and inspect parts at various stages of the manufacturing process to catch defects early.
- Final Inspection: Perform the last comprehensive check on finished products before they are shipped to the customer.
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Oversee or perform NDT methods such as Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), and Radiographic Testing (RT).
- Material Verification: Check material certifications and may perform or oversee material testing (e.g., hardness, tensile strength, composition).
- Non-Conformance & Corrective Action
- Identify and Document Defects: Isolate and clearly document non-conforming products or materials.
- Manage the NCR Process: Initiate and manage the Non-Conformance Report (NCR) process, including tagging and quarantining suspect items.
- Lead Root Cause Analysis: Use structured problem-solving tools like 5 Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagrams, and 8D to find the root cause of failures.
- Implement Corrective & Preventive Actions (CAPA): Develop and verify the effectiveness of actions taken to fix the immediate problem and prevent its recurrence.
- Supplier & Customer Quality
- Supplier Evaluation: Audit and evaluate potential and existing suppliers to ensure they meet quality standards.
- Incoming Material Inspection: Inspect raw materials and components received from suppliers.
- Manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCAR): Issue SCARs to suppliers and track their effectiveness.
- Address Customer Complaints: Investigate quality issues raised by customers and lead the effort to resolve them.
- Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain Quality Records: Ensure all inspection reports, test certificates, calibration records, and NCRs are accurately completed and filed.
- Generate Quality Reports: Prepare regular reports on quality performance metrics for management review.
- Certification Management: Manage and provide necessary documentation for customer and regulatory audits.
- Calibration & Tool Control
- Manage Calibration System: Ensure all measuring and test equipment is calibrated on schedule and traceable to national standards.
- Control Gauge R&R: Perform Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility studies to ensure measurement systems are capable and reliable.
- Continuous Improvement
- Identify Improvement Opportunities: Proactively look for ways to reduce waste, improve processes, and enhance product quality.
- Apply Lean & Six Sigma Principles: Use methodologies like Six Sigma (DMAIC) and Lean Manufacturing to lead or participate in process improvement projects.
- Train Personnel: Train production and assembly staff on quality standards, inspection techniques, and the importance of quality.
Key Skills & Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
- Technical Knowledge:
- Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is critical.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical standards.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, welding, casting, fabrication).
- Knowledge of metallurgy and material science.
- Soft Skills:
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (to work with production, suppliers, and customers).
- Integrity and a firm, unbiased approach.
In essence, a Mechanical QC Engineer is a technical detective, a process guardian, and a driver of continuous improvement, all rolled into one. They are essential for building products that are safe, reliable, and fit for their intended purpose.