Lead Quality Engineer

VEGA Americas; Kentucky; On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

VEGA Americas is seeking a Lead Quality Engineer to serve as the primary technical leader for the Quality Engineering team. You will coach and guide engineers across multiple quality disciplines, drive problem-solving initiatives, and ensure consistent application of quality standards throughout product development, manufacturing, and supplier interactions.

You will lead cross-functional teams, oversee RCCA activities, monitor KPIs, and support NPI and product launches to sustain high quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• 5+ years of Quality Engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with RCCA methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone).

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to Quality Engineers.
• Lead RCCA and CAR processes to resolve quality issues.
• Drive continuous improvement in product quality and process performance.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Supply Chain.

Skills

Quality leadership

Root cause analysis

ISO 9001

Cross-functional collaboration

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Quality tools

Job description

The Lead Quality Engineer serves as the primary technical leader for the Quality Engineering team, providing coaching, guidance, and quality oversight across product development, manufacturing, supplier quality, and corrective action processes. The role leads company-wide problem-solving initiatives, drives continuous improvement, supports new product introductions, and helps ensure consistent application of quality standards and best practices throughout the organization.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to Quality Engineers across electronic, mechanical, supplier, and calibration quality disciplines.
• Support onboarding, training, and development of Quality Engineering personnel.
• Assist with prioritization and coordination of Quality Engineering activities to support business objectives.
• Lead company-wide problem-solving initiatives using structured quality methodologies and root cause analysis tools.
• Lead and facilitate the Corrective Action Request (CAR) process, ensuring timely and effective resolution of quality issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, process performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor product quality performance and support quality improvement efforts throughout the product lifecycle.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to resolve quality-related challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
• Support manufacturing operations through investigation and resolution of product and process quality issues.
• Monitor, analyze, and communicate quality metrics, trends, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Support supplier quality activities, including issue resolution, corrective actions, and supplier performance improvement initiatives.
• Provide oversight and support for incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and project onboarding activities to ensure quality requirements are effectively implemented.
• Participate in risk assessments, PFMEAs, control plan reviews, validation activities, and product launch readiness efforts.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality management system requirements, customer specifications, and regulatory standards.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree from a 4 year College or University
• AND 5 years of related experience in Quality Engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-3 years experience working within ISO9001 Quality Management System or equivalent.
• Experience collaborating with global teams or working within an international manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong technical leadership skills with the ability to guide, coach, and mentor Quality Engineers across multiple quality disciplines.
• Demonstrated expertise in Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) methodologies, including 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone.
• Ability to lead cross-functional problem-solving activities and drive effective resolution of complex quality issues.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills with the ability to identify trends, measure performance, and recommend improvements.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, specifications, standards, and technical documentation.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills with the ability to effectively influence cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and drive actions to closure.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations, supplier quality activities, and new product introduction processes.

VEGA Americas manufactures, distributes, and services process instrumentation to measure level, density, weight, and pressure. Our products have been making industrial processes safer and more efficient for over 60 years.

As an employee, you'll find VEGA Americas commits itself to the highest quality standards and respect for the individual needs of employees, customers, vendors, and shareholders. Don’t take it from us alone, VEGA has been awarded a Cincinnati Enquirer’s Top Workplace Award for 10 years running!

Our Mission:

With innovative technologies and services, we develop solutions that inspire. Through our sense of simplicity and our focus on people, we are looking to the future with curiosity. Locally grounded and globally connected, together we give values a home.

Our Values:

Curiosity, Humanity, Simplicity, Connectivity

VEGA Americas, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy that we will not discriminate against any person based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, or veteran status.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE AA Minority/Female/Vet/Disability