Principal Quality Engineer

Oshkosh Corporation, Inc.; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 83,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Oshkosh Corporation, a global leader in access equipment, seeks a Principal Quality Engineer. You will advance product quality, manufacturing capability, and process improvement across multiple product lines, applying advanced quality tools and cross‑functional collaboration.

Responsibilities include leading complex quality issues, developing robust processes, mentoring junior engineers, and driving Lean and Six Sigma initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Eight (8) or more years of progressive quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced knowledge of quality engineering principles, statistical methods, Lean process improvement, and continuous improvement tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex product, process, and supplier quality issues across multiple product platforms.
• Apply DOE, SPC, MSA, PFMEA, control plans, APQP/PPAP to drive process capability and product quality.
• Mentor and guide Quality Engineers, Inspectors, and Analysts in quality engineering and Lean methods.

Skills

Quality engineering principles

DOE

SPC

MSA

PFMEA

Control Plans

APQP/PPAP

Lean / Six Sigma

Cross-functional leadership

GD&T interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Master's degree in Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Quality tools suite

Job description

About JLG, an Oshkosh company JLG began in 1969, when our founder, John L. Grove set out to resolve growing safety concerns in the construction industry. Since then we have been committed to understanding the challenges and delivering innovative solutions to the access market. We partner with customers to provide quality equipment, training opportunities and trusted support within the access industry. We are a global company, and our products—including mobile elevating work platforms, telehandlers, utility vehicles and accessories—can be found all over the world.

The Principal Quality Engineer serves as a recognized technical expert responsible for advancing product quality, manufacturing capability, process improvement, and process performance across multiple product lines. This role applies advanced quality engineering principles, statistical methods, and structured problem‑solving techniques to develop robust manufacturing processes, improve product reliability, optimize operational efficiency, and drive continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle.

YOUR IMPACT

Serve as the technical expert for complex product, process, and supplier quality issues across multiple product platforms. Lead the resolution of complex quality issues using advanced structured problem‑solving methodologies and cross‑functional collaboration to drive sustainable process improvements. Lead continuous improvement of quality control testing, defect detection, defect prevention activities, and manufacturing processes. Design, develop, validate, and optimize complex manufacturing and quality processes to improve product quality, increase operational efficiency, and process capability. Apply advanced quality engineering tools including Design of Experiments (DOE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), process capability analysis, PFMEA, control plans, and root cause analysis. Analyze quality trends, process variation, and manufacturing data to identify systemic issues and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions that improve process performance. Mentor and provide technical guidance to Quality Engineers, Quality Inspectors, and Quality Analysts in quality engineering principles, Lean methodologies, and process improvement activities. Communicate effectively and collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Global Procurement & Supply Chain (GPSC), Sales, Contracts, Suppliers, and Operations to resolve complex quality‑related issues, streamline processes, and improve operational performance. Serve as a subject matter expert across multiple product platforms, providing technical guidance and support. Facilitate quality forums by providing business impact assessments, risk evaluations, and data‑driven recommendations to improve first‑pass yield, reduce defects per unit, improve process efficiency, and achieve strategic quality objectives. Identify and implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma improvement initiatives to eliminate waste and improve process capability. Lead defect reduction, process improvement, and system improvement projects using data‑driven analysis, advanced problem‑solving methods, and cross‑functional collaboration to improve quality, cost, and delivery performance. Perform advanced process capability studies, statistical analyses, and process validation activities for internal manufacturing operations and external suppliers. Design and improve process inputs to achieve desired manufacturing and quality outcomes while reducing process variation. Establish robust process controls and control plans to sustain improvements and prevent process backsliding. Analyze manufacturing process constraints and develop standards to improve product quality, eliminate waste, and operational performance. Benchmark industry best practices and emerging quality technologies and process improvement methodologies to enhance manufacturing and quality systems. Investigate customer and supplier quality concerns and implement effective corrective and preventive actions utilizing structured quality methodologies. Partner with Global Procurement & Supply Chain to establish supplier quality requirements, purchase specifications, APQP/PPAP activities, receiving inspection strategies, supplier audits, and contractual quality requirements. Support new product introductions by developing quality plans, validating manufacturing processes, and ensuring production readiness. Contribute to the maintenance of ISO, IATF, and other applicable quality management system certifications and compliance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Eight (8) or more years of progressive quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience resolving complex product, manufacturing, or supplier quality issues using structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Advanced knowledge of quality engineering principles, statistical methods, Lean process improvement, and continuous improvement tools.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent quality certification.
• Advanced ability to interpret technical drawings including GD&T, engineering specifications, process requirements, and product characteristics.
• Extensive experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), PFMEA, Control Plans, APQP, and PPAP.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including leading cross‑functional initiatives, managing timelines, and delivering results.
• Advanced experience applying statistical analysis and process improvement methodologies to improve manufacturing capability, operational efficiency, and product quality.
• Demonstrated success leading Lean, Kaizen, or continuous improvement initiatives that improve quality, reduce waste, and increase manufacturing efficiency.
• Experience supporting new product development, manufacturing process validation, and production readiness.
• Customer and supplier quality audit experience.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical mentorship and guidance to quality engineering teams.

Pay Range: $82,900.00 - $134,300.00

Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people‑first culture and offer various opportunities to support team member growth and success.

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability for any part of the employment process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit‑based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application. Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information. Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

Advance your career by advancing the world. For many of our team members, this is more than a career. It’s a calling. Oshkosh is home to thousands of difference-makers working together to build, serve and protect people and communities around the world. From the front lines to the firehouse, the people we serve are driven by a sense of purpose. The people who work here are no different. Our engineering and product innovation help keep soldiers and firefighters safe, is critical in building and keeping communities clean and helps people do their jobs every day. As part of a People First culture, you’ll be encouraged and empowered to take ownership of your work, develop your career and make a real impact on the world around you. Oshkosh is a global company that designs and manufactures some of the world’s toughest specialty and access equipment under the brands of JLG®, Hinowa, Power Towers, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL™, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, Oshkosh® AeroTech™ and Pratt Miller.