Lead Quality Engineer — Lean, Data-Driven Quality Leader

Utility Metals; Louisville, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wage with annual increases

Performance-based annual bonus

401(k) retirement plan

Health, dental, & vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Utility Metals is seeking a Lead Quality Engineer to guide and continually improve our quality systems, ensuring products meet internal standards, customer expectations, and industry requirements. This role blends engineering, Lean principles, and data-driven problem solving to enhance product quality and reduce waste, acting as a technical leader for the QMS.

Cross-functional collaboration with production, engineering, sourcing, and leadership is required to drive a culture of continuous

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in a quality engineering role within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly prints, and technical specifications.
• Strong communication across all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain inspection methods, testing procedures, and process controls to ensure consistent product quality.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, customer requirements, and applicable industry quality standards.
• Guide and mentor a team of quality technicians to partner with the broader manufacturing organization.
• Lead preparation for and execution of third-party quality audits and certifications.
• Maintain documentation, procedures, and quality records supporting effective quality management and traceability.
• Drive Lean quality initiatives to reduce defects, improve process capability, and increase operational efficiency.
• Utilize RCA, SPC, and VSM to resolve complex quality issues.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Root cause analysis

SPC

Value stream mapping

Quality metrics

Education

Engineering degree preferred

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Job description

Utility Metals is seeking a Lead Quality Engineer to guide and continually improve our quality systems, ensuring products meet internal standards, customer expectations, and industry requirements. This role blends engineering, Lean principles, and data-driven problem solving to enhance product quality and reduce waste, acting as a technical leader for the QMS.

Cross-functional collaboration with production, engineering, sourcing, and leadership is required to drive a culture of continuous