Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Northern Tool + Equipment; Faribault (MN); On-site; USD 72,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Tool + Equipment is seeking a Quality Engineer to support manufacturing operations in Faribault, Minnesota. This onsite role focuses on ensuring products meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and company quality standards.

The ideal candidate will lead quality systems, root-cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives across Engineering, Operations, and Suppliers, using structured problem-solving and data analytics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in Quality/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering or related role.
• Strong knowledge of root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
• Experience developing quality documentation and process controls.
• Ability to analyze technical data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency with measurement tools and inspection equipment.

Responsibilities

• Own quality systems, process improvements, corrective actions, and product quality performance across manufacturing operations.
• Lead investigations into defects, supplier issues, customer complaints, and field quality concerns.
• Utilize structured problem-solving methods (8D, A3, 5 Why, Fishbone, DMAIC, PDCA, statistical analysis).
• Drive containment, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Manage MRB activities and non-conforming materials.
• Analyze quality data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to improve manufacturability and reliability.
• Support PPAP submissions, First Article Inspections, Process Validation, and Launch Readiness Reviews.
• Participate in design reviews and engineering change activities to identify quality risks.
• Partner with suppliers to establish quality expectations and perform supplier qualification.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Quality systems

Measurement tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field

Tools

Minitab

Calipers

Micrometers

Job description

Please note that this position is ONSITE in Faribault, Minnesota. Candidates must currently live in or near Minnesota to be considered. Relocation is not available for this role.

Quality Engineer

Drive Quality. Solve Problems. Improve Products.

Northern Tool + Equipment is seeking a Quality Engineer to support our manufacturing operations by ensuring products consistently meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and company quality standards. This highly visible role partners with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Product Development, and Suppliers to drive quality improvements, solve complex problems, and support new product introductions.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and technical skills with a passion for continuous improvement. This individual will be a hands-on problem solver who can identify root causes, implement lasting corrective actions, and influence cross-functional teams to improve quality performance throughout the product lifecycle.

What You’ll Do

As a Quality Engineer, you will take ownership of quality systems, process improvement initiatives, corrective actions, and product quality performance across manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve quality management systems, procedures, and standards.
• Perform audits and process reviews to ensure compliance with quality requirements and manufacturing procedures.
• Create and maintain quality documentation including Control Plans, PFMEAs, DFMEAs, Process Flow Diagrams, Work Instructions, and Inspection Standards.
• Ensure inspection equipment, gauges, and measurement systems are properly calibrated and maintained.

Problem Solving & Corrective Action

• Lead investigations related to manufacturing defects, supplier issues, customer complaints, and field quality concerns.
• Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies including:
  • 8D
  • A3
  • 5 Why
  • Fishbone Diagrams
  • DMAIC
  • PDCA
  • Statistical Analysis
• Drive containment activities, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Manage non-conforming materials and Material Review Board (MRB) activities.
• Monitor corrective actions to ensure effective and sustainable solutions.

Continuous Improvement & Data Analysis

• Collect and analyze quality data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and communicate quality performance metrics, including:
  • Defect rates
  • First Pass Yield
  • Supplier performance
  • Warranty trends
  • Customer complaints
  • Corrective action effectiveness
• Lead initiatives to reduce defects, rework, scrap, warranty costs, and overall Cost of Poor Quality.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement events.

Product & Process Quality Engineering

• Establish quality requirements, inspection methods, critical-to-quality characteristics, and acceptance criteria.
• Support new product introduction activities including:
  • PPAP submissions
  • First Article Inspections
  • Process Validation
  • Launch Readiness Reviews
• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations teams to improve manufacturability, reliability, and product performance.
• Participate in design reviews and engineering change activities to proactively identify quality risks.

Supplier Quality

• Partner with suppliers and internal stakeholders to establish quality expectations and performance standards.
• Support supplier qualification, first article inspection, and supplier corrective action activities.
• Investigate supplier‑related quality concerns and verify corrective action effectiveness.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a technically strong, detail‑oriented engineer who enjoys solving problems, analyzing data, and driving measurable improvements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Product Quality, or a related role.
• Strong knowledge of root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
• Experience developing quality documentation and process controls.
• Ability to analyze technical data, identify trends, and make data‑driven decisions.
• Proficiency with dimensional measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and other inspection equipment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with statistical analysis software such as Minitab or similar platforms.
• Ability to communicate effectively with manufacturing team members, engineers, suppliers, leadership, and external customers.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ Certification (CQE, CQA, or related certification).
• Six Sigma Certification.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Experience with:
  • PFMEA
  • DFMEA
  • PPAP
  • MSA
  • SPC
  • Process Capability Analysis
  • Control Plans
• Experience leading cross‑functional continuous improvement projects.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and waste reduction methodologies.
• Experience supporting new product introduction and manufacturing launch activities.

Why Join Northern Tool + Equipment?

At Northern Tool + Equipment, quality is a critical part of our commitment to customers. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to influence products, manufacturing processes, supplier performance, and customer satisfaction while working alongside talented teams across the organization. The pay range for this position is $72,000 - $95,000 annually, dependent on experience and qualifications.

If you’re passionate about quality, enjoy solving complex problems, and want to make a measurable impact on manufacturing performance, we’d love to hear from you.