Manufacturing / Quality Engineer

Small Precision Tools; Petaluma (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Small Precision Tools is seeking a Manufacturing & Quality Engineer to join a small, collaborative team in a hybrid role blending process engineering and quality engineering. You will develop and improve manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and quality systems to support precision manufacturing.

The role emphasizes solving problems across multiple disciplines, expanding knowledge in productivity, quality, process capability, and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering-related technical field (Mechanical, Industrial, etc.).
• Minimum five years of manufacturing and/or quality engineering experience or equivalent.
• Strong communication, organization, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve manufacturing processes to increase productivity, reduce scrap, and improve quality.
• Design tooling, fixtures, gauges, and manufacturing aids using 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Create and maintain engineering drawings, process documentation, work instructions, and SOPs.
• Support machining, ceramic injection molding, assembly, and inspection activities.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing equipment and process issues, determine cause and resolve problems.
• Support new product introductions, engineering changes, process and equipment validation.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering documentation, and project updates.
• ISO 9001: Maintain and improve the QMS, audits, and CAPA activities.
• Lead Lean, 5S, risk assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Production, Operations, Sales, Purchasing, and Suppliers.

Skills

Strong communication

Organization

Project management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in an engineering-related technical field

Tools

GD&T

Six Sigma

SPC

DOE

MSA

PFMEA

CAPA

Root Cause Analysis

ISO 9001

Job description

Description

SUMMARY

As a key member of a small, collaborative manufacturing team, the Manufacturing & Quality Engineer develops, implements, and continuously improves manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and quality systems to support precision manufacturing operations. This hybrid, hands‑on role combines process engineering and quality engineering responsibilities in approximately a 50/50 capacity. We are looking for a curious, hands‑on engineer who enjoys solving problems, wearing multiple hats, and expanding their knowledge across multiple aspects of manufacturing and quality operations while driving improvements in productivity, quality, process capability, and customer satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manufacturing/Process Engineer (Approximately 50%)

• Develop and improve manufacturing processes to increase productivity, reduce scrap, and improve quality.
• Design tooling, fixtures, gauges, and manufacturing aids using 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Create and maintain engineering drawings, process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Support machining, ceramic injection molding, assembly, and inspection activities.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing equipment and process issues, determine cause and resolve problems.
• Support new product introductions, engineering changes, process and equipment validation.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering documentation, and project updates.

Quality Engineer (Approximately 50%)

• ISO 9001: Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS), supporting internal and external audits.
• Manage and investigate customer complaints, supplier quality issues, and internal nonconformances, and lead root cause analysis, implementing corrective action plans.
• Perform First Article inspections, process capability studies, and analyze data.
• Develop process control plans, including sampling plans and inspection methods, and create and improve CMM programs.
• Maintain calibration systems and metrology activities.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, 5S, risk assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Production, Operations, Sales, Purchasing, and Suppliers to resolve technical issues.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Bachelor's degree in an engineering-related technical field (Mechanical, Industrial, etc.).
• Minimum five years of manufacturing and/or quality engineering experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong communication, organization, and project management skills.

Candidates with stronger experience in either Process Engineering or Quality Engineering who are eager to expand their knowledge across both disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Manufacturing / Process Engineering Experience

• Experience with precision manufacturing processes (preferably including machining, grinding, micro-EDM, injection molding, and micro-mechanical assembly).
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred, AutoCAD or equivalent acceptable).

Quality Engineering Experience

• Strong understanding of GD&T and blueprint interpretation, proficient in dimensional measurement.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, DOE, MSA, PFMEA, CAPA, and Root Cause Analysis preferred.
• Experience with ISO9001 requirements (or other QMS system), internal and external audits.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting up to 35 pounds. Ability to work safely around manufacturing equipment and use precision measuring instruments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works in both office and manufacturing environments with regular exposure to production equipment and machinery.