Manufacturing Quality & Process Engineer

Nelson Global; Town of Arcadia (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Global is seeking a Manufacturing Quality & Process Engineer to design, validate, and improve manufacturing processes ensuring Right First Time production. You will partner with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality to develop robust processes meeting customer and IATF 16949 requirements.

Responsibilities include creating process documents, validating tools and methods, supporting Safe Launch, and leading problem-solving using 8D and RCA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years in manufacturing, process or quality engineering.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and RCA.
• Lean Manufacturing and IATF 16949 knowledge.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or welding cert a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and standardize manufacturing processes for new product launches, transfers, and existing production.
• Create Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, Control Plans, Standard Work Instructions, and visual work instructions.
• Lead process verification and validation prior to production release.
• Support Safe Launch planning and critical manufacturing steps.
• Coordinate welding process validation and documentation with Manufacturing Engineering.
• Train production personnel in processes and quality requirements.

Skills

Process development

Validation

Analytical skills

GD&T knowledge

Excel/Minitab

Statistical tools

Communication

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

CQI-15

Welding quality

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Excel

Minitab

Job description

Nelson Global engineers, manufactures, and distributes clean and efficient Air & Fluid Transfer, NVH, Complex Structural, Acoustic, and Thermal Management Solutions. Nelson Global partners with the world’s leading OEMs. With 22 global manufacturing and distribution facilities and unparalleled engineering and innovation capabilities, Nelson Global provides mission critical solutions with the highest degree of reliability at the lowest cost. Our dedication to serving our employees, partners, and the planet responsibly is realized across three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and governance. By empowering our people, reducing waste, and developing innovative and efficient systems, we support the communities and resources that spur the industries and technologies of the future.

Position Overview:

The Manufacturing Quality & Process Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, validating, and continuously improving manufacturing processes to ensure products are built Right First Time. This position partners with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Packaging, Welding, Paint, and Quality to develop robust manufacturing processes, support Safe Launch activities, validate process capability, and prevent defects before production. The role ensures manufacturing processes are capable, repeatable, and compliant with customer requirements, Nelson standards, and IATF 16949 requirements.

Primary Responsibilities & Duties:

• Develop and standardize manufacturing processes for new product launches, product transfers, and existing production
• Create and maintain Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, Control Plans, Standard Work Instructions, and visual work instructions
• Develop manufacturing processes for fabrication, welding, assembly, paint, packaging, and material flow
• Lead process verification and validation activities prior to production release
• Validate tooling, fixtures, gauges, inspection methods, and mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke) systems
• Support Safe Launch planning and verify all critical manufacturing process steps before production
• Support APQP, PPAP, First Article Inspection (FAI), and Engineering Change Management
• Lead structured problem solving using 8D, A3, and Root Cause Analysis
• Analyze manufacturing and quality data to reduce COPQ and improve process capability
• Support Layered Process Audits, Process Audits, and IATF 16949 compliance
• Support implementation and continuous improvement of AIAG CQI-15 Welding System Assessment requirements
• Coordinate welding process validation, parameter control, and documentation with Manufacturing Engineering
• Work with Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) and production teams to ensure welding process capability and compliance
• Train production personnel in manufacturing processes, quality requirements, and standardized work
• Support customer visits, audits, product transfers, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field (or equivalent manufacturing experience)
• 3–5 years of manufacturing, process engineering, or quality engineering experience
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and Root Cause Analysis
• Experience in fabrication, welding, assembly, paint, or packaging processes preferred
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and IATF 16949 Quality Management Systems
• Knowledge of AIAG CQI-15 requirements is highly desirable
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalent welding quality certification is a plus

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong manufacturing process development and validation skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Knowledge of AIAG CQI-15 and welding quality systems
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Minitab, and statistical analysis tools
• Effective communication, organization, and project management skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities

Key Performance Indicators:

• Safe Launch readiness
• Process validation completion
• PPAP approval success
• CQI-15 compliance
• Welding process capability improvement
• Customer PPM reduction
• First Pass Yield improvement
• COPQ reduction
• Process capability (Cp/Cpk)
• On time launch support

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in production areas