Quality Engineer

Actalent; Akron (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Professional development assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Quality Engineer for a permanent, onsite role in Akron, PA. You will lead root-cause investigations and drive corrective actions in a high‑volume automotive/aerospace‑like manufacturing setting.

You will audit, document, and improve the quality system while collaborating with suppliers, customers, and cross‑functional teams. The role emphasizes APQP/PPAP, FAI, and continuous improvement using SPC/MSA data to reduce defects and ensure robust quality performance throughout

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in Quality Engineering within manufacturing.
• Experience in automotive quality engineering or similar high‑volume environments.
• Hands-on with IATF/AS9100 and quality system audits.
• Proficient in APQP/PPAP, FMEA, and control plan development.

Responsibilities

• Lead root cause investigations for quality issues using structured problem solving.
• Develop and manage CAR/SCAR to address nonconformances.
• Conduct internal, supplier, and quality system audits for compliance.
• Support supplier quality management and drive improvements with key suppliers.
• Prepare and review PPAP, FAI, and quality documentation for new/changed products.

Skills

Quality engineering

Root cause analysis

IATF/AS9100

APQP/PPAP

FMEA

MSA/SPC

Audits

Documentation

Drawing interpretation

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Keyence

Nikon

Calipers

Gauges

Job description

Job Description

The Quality Engineer supports and drives product and supplier quality in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role leads root cause investigations, manages corrective and preventive actions, conducts internal and supplier audits, and ensures compliance with quality standards such as IATF and AS9100. The Quality Engineer works closely with suppliers, customers, manufacturing, and quality teams to improve product quality, support new product introductions, and maintain robust quality system documentation.

Job Title: Quality Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead root cause investigations for internal, supplier, and customer quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D.
• Develop, implement, and manage corrective and preventive actions (CAR/SCAR) to address nonconformances and prevent recurrence.
• Conduct internal, supplier, and quality system audits to ensure compliance with IATF, AS9100, and company quality standards.
• Support supplier quality management by monitoring supplier performance, managing supplier scorecards, and driving improvements with key suppliers.
• Collaborate with suppliers and customers to resolve quality concerns, ensuring timely communication and effective issue resolution.
• Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities and new product introductions, including development of Control Plans and quality documentation.
• Manage and participate in Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities, including documentation review, submission, and approval for new and modified products.
• Perform and oversee First Article Inspections (FAI) and ensure accurate, complete quality documentation for new and existing products.
• Analyze quality data using SPC and other statistical tools to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Maintain and improve the quality management system, including procedures, work instructions, records, and compliance documentation.
• Interpret engineering drawings, prints, and specifications to define and validate product requirements and inspection criteria.
• Use metrology tools such as calipers, gauges, Keyence, Nikon, or similar measurement systems to perform dimensional inspections and verify product conformance.
• Develop and update work instructions, inspection plans, and quality reports to support manufacturing and quality operations.
• Partner with cross-functional manufacturing teams to address process issues, improve product quality, and optimize production efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles to reduce defects, improve processes, and enhance overall quality performance.
• Support new product launches in automotive, aerospace, or similar manufacturing environments, ensuring quality requirements are met throughout the product lifecycle.
• Communicate effectively with other Quality Engineers, supervisors, and cross-functional stakeholders to align on priorities and share quality performance updates.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of Quality Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience in automotive quality engineering or similar high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on experience with IATF and AS9100 quality standards.
• Proficiency in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
• Experience with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and development of Control Plans.
• Working knowledge of Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Demonstrated experience conducting internal, supplier, and quality system audits.
• Proven ability to lead 8D root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, prints, and specifications.
• Experience performing First Article Inspections (FAI) and managing related quality documentation.
• Hands-on metrology experience using calipers, gauges, Keyence, Nikon, or similar measurement systems.
• Experience managing supplier quality issues, including SCARs, CARs, and supplier scorecards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create clear work instructions and quality reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with customers and suppliers to resolve quality concerns.
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience leading process improvement and corrective action projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial, or a related field.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing is strongly preferred, particularly in high-volume production environments.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing, cable/wire manufacturing, construction-related manufacturing, agricultural equipment manufacturing, or other fast-paced production environments is beneficial.
• Experience working in a PPAP-driven environment with rigorous documentation and approval requirements.
• Practical understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and their application to quality and process improvement.
• Comfort working with suppliers, customers, and cross-functional manufacturing teams in a collaborative setting.
• Ability to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced production environment with strong attention to detail.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work closely with other Quality Engineers and quality leadership.

Work Environment

This role operates in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment with strong quality expectations. The Quality Engineer works standard 8-hour shifts, with flexibility for either 1st or 2nd shift depending on candidate preference and business needs; shift preference is discussed during the interview process. The work involves frequent interaction with production areas, suppliers, customers, and cross-functional teams, as well as use of metrology equipment such as calipers, gauges, Keyence, Nikon, and similar measurement systems. The culture emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and continuous improvement, and candidates from automotive or similar fast-paced production industries typically adapt well to the environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Akron, PA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $105000.00/yr.

• Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Referral program Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Akron,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team.