Quality Engineer

Wolverine Advanced Materials, LLC; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wolverine Advanced Materials in Blacksburg, VA is seeking a Quality Engineer to support, plan, develop, and maintain quality systems across the manufacturing process.

The ideal candidate brings strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to mentor quality lab staff and drive continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with IATF 16949 standards. This on-site role requires travel as needed and a focus on data-driven quality improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in related field.
• Experience in Quality Engineering; a metallurgical background is a plus but not required.
• Strong knowledge of and experience applying problem-solving and statistical tools, including DOE, FMEA, Six Sigma, internal IATF 16949 auditing, Control Plans, Corrective Action Reporting, MSA/Gage R&R, APQP, PPAP, Lean methodologies, and Layered Process Audits (LPA).
• ASQ certification (CQE, CQM, or SSBB) preferred.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and multi-task while maintaining established quality standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface with all levels of personnel, including customers.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to customers and suppliers as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare required PPAP documentation, including PFMEA, control charts, capability studies, dimensional data, and certifications.
• Collect and analyze statistical data related to process performance; report on and recommend areas for improvement.
• Lead and support problem solving of customer complaints using root cause analysis and tools such as 5 Whys, 8D, and Fishbone to resolve and prevent recurrence.
• Review specifications, blueprints, and customer requirements, and develop associated inspection procedures.
• Support the Quality Manager with monthly reporting and provide weekly/monthly quality reports to the organization.
• Serve as Quality Manager or Department Head in the Quality Manager's absence.
• Support the organization's IATF 16949 Quality Management System, including internal and external auditing.
• Monitor incoming (receiving) quality and provide direction and training on inspection and disposition of incoming product.
• Design part-specific gauges and fixtures and participate in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Support the facility's measurement systems, including MSA, calibration, annual validations, and workforce training.
• Supervise and mentor Quality Lab and Auditing personnel and activities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

DOE

FMEA

Six Sigma

IATF 16949 auditing

PPAP

MSA/Gage R&R

APQP

Control Plans

LPA

Job description

Wolverine Advanced Materials produces and sells performance-critical, specialty elastomer-coated metals used in gaskets for automotive & industrial applications; automotive brake noise insulators and NVH (noise, vibration & harshness) damping solutions for automotive.

Wolverine employs approximately 600 people worldwide and has manufacturing operations in Virginia, Florida, Germany, and China, as well as sales & technical offices in Michigan, Germany, Japan, China, Brazil, and India.

Wolverine Advanced Materials, an entity of Center Rock Capital, is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance materials. Our core competency is in performance-critical, specialty elastomer–coated metals that offer damping and seal-ability solutions in the automotive and gasket industries.

Center Rock Capital is a company where they see potential where others may not look; and as a team we can find the right solution to the right challenge.

The Quality Engineer supports, plans, develops, implements, and maintains WAM's quality systems and procedures throughout the manufacturing process at our Blacksburg, Virginia plant. This role manages and mentors' quality lab activities and personnel, and drives quality improvement plans based on the collection, organization, and analysis of process-related data. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes, develop effective corrective actions, and drive sustainable process improvements.

This position is located in Blacksburg, VA and is not telework eligible.

What you'll do

• Prepare required PPAP documentation, including PFMEA, control charts, capability studies, dimensional data, and certifications.
• Collect and analyze statistical data related to process performance; report on and recommend areas for improvement.
• Lead and support problem solving of customer complaints using root cause analysis and tools such as 5 Whys, 8D, and Fishbone to resolve and prevent recurrence.
• Review specifications, blueprints, and customer requirements, and develop associated inspection procedures.
• Support the Quality Manager with monthly reporting and provide weekly/monthly quality reports to the organization.
• Serve as Quality Manager or Department Head in the Quality Manager's absence.
• Support the organization's IATF 16949 Quality Management System, including internal and external auditing.
• Monitor incoming (receiving) quality and provide direction and training on inspection and disposition of incoming product.
• Design part-specific gauges and fixtures and participate in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Support the facility's measurement systems, including MSA, calibration, annual validations, and workforce training.
• Supervise and mentor Quality Lab and Auditing personnel and activities.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in related field.
• Experience in Quality Engineering; a metallurgical background is a plus but not required.
• Strong knowledge of and experience applying problem-solving and statistical tools, including DOE, FMEA, Six Sigma, internal IATF 16949 auditing, Control Plans, Corrective Action Reporting, MSA/Gage R&R, APQP, PPAP, Lean methodologies, and Layered Process Audits (LPA).
• ASQ certification (CQE, CQM, or SSBB) preferred.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and multi-task while maintaining established quality standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface with all levels of personnel, including customers.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to customers and suppliers as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods (4–8 hours depending on workflow).
• Ability to walk on the production floor, between workstations, storage areas, and equipment.
• Capacity to bend, reach, and crouch to access low or high shelves.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 40lbs.

**Wolverine Advanced Materials is an Equal Employment Opportunity Company**