Apparel Product Quality Specialist

Meijer Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Scheduling flexibility

Paid parental leave

Education assistance

Team member discount

Development programs

Job summary

Meijer Inc. in Grand Rapids is seeking an Apparel QA Engineer Specialist to establish QA processes for our Own Brand Apparel, focusing on fabric quality, construction, and performance.

You will partner with Product Development, Sourcing, and overseas factories to build testing protocols, review lab results, and drive corrective actions.

A strong background in apparel QA, AQL standards, and vendor collaboration is required, with leadership in quality initiatives.

Qualifications

• 7 years of apparel QA experience in retail or private-label environment.
• 3+ years guiding or leading quality functions or initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of apparel quality management systems and preventive QA practices.
• Working knowledge of AQL standards and their application to apparel.
• Experience with overseas agents, indirect vendors, and global manufacturers.

Responsibilities

• Build and execute foundational QA processes and testing infrastructure for Meijer Own Brand Apparel.
• Develop and maintain product requirements and construction standards for general wearing apparel.
• Create testing protocols aligned with industry best practices.
• Coordinate with testing labs and vendors to ensure testing per Meijer protocols.
• Review failures, perform root-cause analysis, and propose corrective actions.
• Lead QA best practices for apparel across the organization.
• Collaborate with overseas agents and manufacturers to align on quality expectations.
• Support vendor qualification and contribute to vendor scorecard development.
• Lead post-launch product evaluation including returns and in-store reviews.

Skills

Apparel quality assurance

Cross-functional collaboration

Quality leadership

AQL standards

Root-cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Apparel & Textile Technology and Quality Assurance

BS in Engineering or Physical Science

Masters or advanced degree (Materials/Textiles/Chemical)

Professional Quality Certifications (ASQ CQE/Lean Six Sigma)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

SharePoint

PLM

Job description

## Apparel Product Quality SpecialistApplyremote type: Hybridlocations: Grand Rapids, MItime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R000684608As a family company, we serve people and communities. When you work at Meijer, you’re provided with career and community opportunities centered around leadership, personal growth and development. Consider joining our family – take care of your career and your community! **Meijer Rewards*** Weekly pay* Scheduling flexibility* Paid parental leave* Paid education assistance* Team member discount* Development programs for advancement and career growthPlease review the job profile below and apply today!The Apparel QA Engineer Specialist plays a key role in establishing and advancing quality assurance processes for Meijer Own Brand Softlines. This role focuses on building QA infrastructure, ensuring product integrity, and partnering closely with Product Development, Technical Design, Sourcing, Merchandising, Compliance, and global vendor partners to ensure all Own Brand products meet Meijer’s standards for quality, safety, and performance. Position will follow our hybrid schedule: Monday-Wednesday in Grand Rapids MI office, Thursday-Friday remote.**What You’ll Be Doing:*** Responsible in building and executing foundational QA processes, infrastructure, technical standards and training for Meijer’s Own Brand Quality Program for Apparel products.* Develop and maintain product requirements and construction standards for general wearing apparel.* Create and refine testing protocols, aligning with apparel industry best practices.* Partner with the Apparel Compliance Specialist to ensure regulatory requirements are accurately reflected in testing protocols and tech packs.* Coordinate with testing labs and vendors to ensure products are tested and inspected according to Meijer protocols and standards.* Review testing and inspection failures, conduct root‐cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions.* Acting business lead for quality assurance related best practices for apparel.* Work with overseas agents, direct vendors, and manufacturers to align on quality expectations and resolve production issues.* Support vendor qualification efforts and contribute to the development of Meijer’s vendor scorecard and quality management system.* Participate in the selection of approved labs and provide input on vendor and manufacturer capability assessments.* Communicate with internal teams, stores, vendors, labs and overseas agents on quality topics, production issues, and product investigations.* Execute quality initiatives and program direction as defined by the QA Apparel Manager.* Lead post‐launch product evaluation strategies, including analysis of customer returns, complaints, and in‐store product reviews.* Identify quality risks early and recommend preventive actions.* Contribute to the development of scalable QA processes and tools that improve product consistency and reduce defects.* Provide technical guidance to cross‐functional partners to strengthen product integrity across categories.* This job profile is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.**What You'll Bring With You:*** Bachelor’s degree, with a preference for a degree in Apparel and Textile Technology and Quality Assurance* **7 years of direct Apparel quality assurance experience in a retail or private‐label environment, with strong leadership in quality initiatives and cross‐functional collaboration preferred*** **At least 3 years of experience guiding or leading quality functions or initiatives.*** **Strong knowledge of apparel quality management systems and preventive QA practices.*** Working knowledge of AQL standards and their application specific to the Apparel industry.* Solid understanding of garment construction for cut‐and‐sew knits, sweater knits, wovens, denim and related materials.* Experience partnering with overseas agents, indirect vendors, and global manufacturers.* Proven ability to identify quality risks early and implement effective preventive actions.* Thrives in building new processes and influencing adoption in a fast‐paced environment.* Able to produce accurate, high‐quality work quickly and support others in doing the same.* Comfortable working across all divisions and organizational levels.* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.* Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint; PLM experience is a plus.* Strong independent problem‐solving, analytical, and assessment skills.* BS in Engineering or Physical Science Masters or Advanced Degree (Materials, Textiles, Chemical) a plus* Professional Quality Certifications preferred (ASQ CQE, CRE, Lean Six Sigma, etc.)