Lead Quality Assurance Engineer

Sterling St James LLC; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 800,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling St James LLC in Omaha, NE seeks a Senior Quality Engineer to lead APQP efforts, drive root cause analysis, and ensure ISO 9001 standards are sustained. You will work with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers to improve processes and ensure conformance of welded, machined, and formed metal products.

You will establish inspection plans and test protocols, mentor engineers, and champion a culture of quality planning across the site.

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering and 4+ years of related experience.
• 2+ years Certified Quality Engineer preferred.
• APQP experience preferred and knowledge of DFMEA/PFMEA.

Responsibilities

• Participates and leads Quality in APQP activities.
• Develops dashboards and QA systems.
• Develop control plans, PFMEA, and quality plans for products or projects.
• Manage Product and Process qualifications (CPK studies, Gage R&R).
• Monitor quality metrics and corrective actions (CARs).
• Lead Advanced Quality tools and processes (DMAIC, 8D, Mistake Proofing).
• Oversee QMS Certification compliance and internal audits.
• Lead design for quality assignments and escalate issues as needed.
• Train Quality Team in fundamental tools and methodologies.

Skills

APQP planning

Quality leadership

Root cause analysis

Statistical analysis

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

Tools

Minitab

SAS/JMP

Excel (Macros)

Power BI

Job description

Job Title: Senior Quality Engineer

Location: Omaha, NE

Salary: $80-1000K plus bonus

Job Summary of the Senior Quality Engineer: The Senior Quality Engineer will lead quality initiatives, drive root cause analysis, support new product introductions, and ensure our products consistently exceed customer expectations.In this role, you’ll partner with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers to improve processes, maintain ISO 9001 standards, lead quality improvement efforts, and champion a culture of Quality Planning. The Senior Quality Engineer is responsible for establishing controls to ensure welded, machined, and formed metal products meet engineering specs, welding codes, and customer tolerances. The Sr QE leads advanced product quality planning activities for the site assigned and ensures inspection and test plans are defined, implemented, and sustained in the manufacturing environment.

Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Senior Quality Engineer:

• Participates and leads Quality in advanced product quality planning (APQP) activities.
• Develops and maintains dashboards and QA systems.
• Develop control plans, PFMEA. Quality plans for legacy or new products or projects.
• Manage Product and Process qualifications (CPK studies, Gage R&R).
• Monitors Rejects and CARs performance and trends for US COE assigned to.
• Lead Advanced Quality (DMAIC, 8D, Mistake Proofing, Process Control, etc. ) through the organization.
• Drives advanced root cause.
• Oversees QMS Certification compliance.
• Manage Audit Schedule as assigned.
• Standardize tools and processes.
• Leads KATA, Coaches, & Value Stream Maps.
• Lead global quality initiatives.
• Leads design for quality assignments.
• Handle escalations from QE’s and Sales or other functions.
• Supervise direct employees and prioritize their work load.
• Train Quality Team in application of fundamental Quality tools.
• Conduct reviews and advise on development and training per individual.
• Mentor engineers and encourage skill development.

Education & Experience Requirements of the Senior Quality Engineer:

• 4-year degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering; and four or more years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2+ years Certified Quality Engineer
• 3+ years Practical experience in APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) is preferred
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, weldments, assemblies, and fabrication.
• Mechanical aptitude to assemble/disassemble per engineering drawings.
• Engineering drawing interpretation and GD&T proficiency.
• Proficiency with failure analysis and root cause investigation (3L5Ws, Fishbone, Fault Tree).
• Strong experience in Corrective Actions, 8Ds, MRBs, and Rapid Response Activities.
• Knowledge and familiarity of developing and utilizing DFMEA, PFMEA, and Control Plans.
• Professional customer and supplier communication and interfacing.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills.
• Advanced skill in Microsoft Office 365 with fluency in Excel is required.
• Ability to develop and utilize statistical and data analysis tools such as Minitab, Sas Jmp, Macro Excel Sheets, Power BI preferred.