Quality Engineer

Valmont Industries, Inc.; Claremore (OK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid time off

Employer-paid life insurance

Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year

Job summary

Valmont Industries, Inc. is seeking a Quality Engineer in Claremore, Oklahoma, responsible for ensuring quality standards, interpreting specifications, and leading quality improvement initiatives. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree along with relevant experience in quality assurance or control, and strong problem-solving skills.

This position involves collaboration across teams, customer interaction, and managing quality metrics. The role offers an inclusive work environment with various benefits including healthcare, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience, or Associate's degree with 5+ years, or 9+ years combined experience.
• Experience in quality assurance or quality control required.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering prints and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Identify and mitigate risks related to engineering specifications.
• Lead and participate in formal problem-solving events.
• Drive quality improvement processes using tools such as PFMEA.
• Interface with customers to eliminate nonconformance.

Skills

Quality assurance

Six Sigma Green Belt certification

Statistical analysis

LEANS principles

Problem-solving skills

Project management

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Customer interaction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Associate’s degree with significant experience

Tools

MiniTab

Quality Management System (QMS)

Job description

Essential Functions

• Identify and eliminate or mitigate risks related to codes, engineering specifications, and customer specifications, ensuring proper processes and procedures are documented, implemented, and executed.
• Serve as a quality liaison between QA, supply chain, operations, and design engineering when quality problems arise.
• Interpret Valmont quality requirements, including QMS documents, specifications, engineering prints, and external standards (e.g., AISC, ASTM, AWS).
• Lead and participate in formal problem‑solving events, including leading team members who do not report directly to the QE position.
• Drive quality improvement processes using tools such as PFMEA, process flow charts, control plans, capability studies, part layouts, MSA/Gage R&R, SPC, etc.
• Apply LEAN principles to minimize waste in QC activities.
• Define quality processes for new product introductions as needed.
• Lead quality teams through process improvement events.
• Develop, communicate, and implement best practices related to quality.
• Interface with customers to eliminate nonconformance, including occasional job‑site visits.
• Work directly with QA and Operations management to establish quality metrics and ensure achievement.
• Seek cost‑saving opportunities related to quality improvements.
• Prepare and report quality activity updates for management.
• Participate in customer specification reviews.
• Conduct business in full compliance with applicable laws.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; most frequent lifts up to 20 pounds.
• Perform manual labor while in the field, wear necessary PPE, and work in various weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience, or Associate’s degree with 5+ years, or 9+ years of combined experience.
• Experience in quality assurance or quality control.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• Deep understanding and practical application of statistics related to quality (sampling plans, data analysis, SPC, process capability).
• Proficiency with Six Sigma tools (pFMEA, CP, root‑cause analysis, MSA).
• Experience using MiniTab or equivalent statistical software.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering prints and specifications.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Lead cross‑functional projects including mid‑level managers.
• Work effectively with all levels of the organization and with certifying body auditors.
• Customer‑direct work to support quality efforts.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to deliver group presentations and training.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Work autonomously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Perform manual labor in the field, lift 50 pounds, withstand various weather conditions.

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering with 5+ years of relevant experience in a metals manufacturing environment, including structural welding.
• Five years of QA or QC experience.
• Experience in metals fabrication with structural welding.
• Manufacturing experience with transmission, distribution, traffic and lighting, communication, and substation products.
• Experience dealing with customers and auditing agencies.
• Detailed understanding of AISC, ISO, and DOT requirements.
• Six Sigma Green, Black, or Master Black Belt.
• Experience with MiniTab.
• Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) experience – VT, MT, and UT.

Working Environment

Quality Engineer works in an office and factory floor setting, with occasional visits to field installations and customer sites. Work is performed in a fast‑paced, demanding environment. The role may require standing or walking, ergonomic safeguards, and lifting of up to 20 pounds regularly, with occasional lifts of 50 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception. Field work requires PPE and exposure to weather elements.

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer‑paid life insurance
• Employer‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability, including maternity leave
• Work‑Life Support
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs (tobacco cessation, type 2 diabetes reversal, one‑on‑one health coaching, mortgage services, and more)

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require assistance in completing the application for employment, please email [e-mail].