Quality Engineer

pridgeonandclay; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental & Vision plans

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Pridgeon and Clay in Grand Rapids seeks a Quality Engineer to lead quality initiatives from concept to production, ensuring robust APQP/PPAP execution and strong customer relations. You will own 8D/5-Why problem solving, update PFMEA/Control Plans, and drive corrective actions with cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes lean manufacturing with Six Sigma and standardized work, along with maintaining data-driven quality improvements and on-floor presence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or 10 years of engineering experience.
• Experience with automotive suppliers and strong customer relations.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills; exposure to APQP/PPAP.

Responsibilities

• Own customer and internal quality concerns from receipt to closure using 8D/5-Why.
• Maintain PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flows and inspection sheets post-launch.
• Lead weekly 8D reviews and drive corrective-action closure.
• Support lean initiatives and standard work; drive departmental efficiency.

Skills

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

SPC

MSA

GD&T

DOE

Minitab

Data analysis

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

10 years of engineering experience

Tools

Minitab

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Are you looking for a challenging yet rewarding job that allows you to utilize your skills to their fullest potential? Do you want to join a team of hardworking, enthusiastic and creative people and enjoy working with a company that recognizes and embraces diversity? Do you take pride working with a company that is committed to being a great corporate citizen and playing a role in producing the highest quality products and services?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Pridgeon and Clay is the place for you...

Founded in 1948 by John Pridgeon and Donald Clay, we are one of the largest independent, value-added manufacturers and suppliers of automotive stamped and fine-blanked components in the United States.

Objective:

The Quality Engineer supports the organization as a quality resource with proactive process analysis and resolution, continually improving quality methodology according to the Company Quality Policy.

Qualified candidates will possess the following Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor's Degree in engineering (or a related field), or 10 years of experience in an engineering role
• Experience with an automotive supplier
• Ability to establish and maintain good customer relations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Exposure to the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process and associated quality documents
• Experience with blue print reading, datum schemes, geometric dimensioning and tolerance (GD&T) and Design of Experiment (DOE)
• Experience with AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA)
• Strong computer proficiency (including Windows, Outlook, Excel)
• Experience with statistical software programs (such as Minitab)
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment and willingness to work a flexible schedule
• An excellent work record, including attendance

Outstanding candidates will possess the following Desired Requirements:

• Previous experience in the quality environment of a stamping supplier
• Experience problem-solving using 8D and 5 Why methods
• Robust experience creating and maintaining Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA's), Control Plans, Process Flows and inspection check sheets
• Experience with lean manufacturing including 5S, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement Activities, and standardized work

(Minimum requirements are updated annually to meet the demands of various positions; employees hired prior to the latest revision update may not meet all current requirements.)

Essential Functions:

Production/Manufacturing:

• Support manufacturing operations for all quality activities and provide accurate and timely information, data and reports as requested.
• Provide presence on the production floor and develop positive relationships with manufacturing personnel. Attend all production meetings as scheduled.
• Timely review and disposition of all non-conforming material.
• Support manufacturing operations for all quality activities and provide accurate and timely information, data and reports as requested.
• Participate in production sign off and capability runs to verify that new projects meet part design and quality requirements through review of capability run results.
• Continue to increase necessary technical knowledge.

Quality/Problem-Solving/Lean:

• Own customer and internal quality concerns from receipt to closure. Lead investigation to determine root cause using 8D or 5-Why problem solving tools. Implement permanent corrective actions. Verify implementation and standardization across the plant.
• Conduct weekly 8D review meetings and drive closure of Customer Concerns.
• Works in conjunction with the Launch Quality Engineers to maintain Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, Process Flows, and inspection check sheets to ensure customer specific specifications and standards for products, application, and documentation are included after launch.
• Own quality-related goals and drive improvement to key measures.
• Participate in lean initiatives, including Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement Activities, 5S, and standardized work. Suggest, document, and implement ideas to increase personal or plant efficiency.
• Suggest and implement ideas to increase personal and departmental efficiency.
• Anticipate problems and work to eliminate them before they happen.

Professionalism/Communication/Safety:

• Consistently exhibit appropriate attendance habits, working the necessary hours to perform the job.
• Organize and maintain efficiency of personal work area.
• Communicate verbally and in writing using appropriate language and tone.
• Effectively communicate with co-workers and management personnel to enhance teamwork and communication initiatives.
• Treat all co-workers with dignity and respect.
• Consistently adhere to, and support, company policies and procedures, including ISO, AIAG, IATF16949, and safety regulations.
• Assist in maintaining company values (Integrity, People, Customers, Ownership, We Can If..., Safety) daily, through thoughts and actions.

In return, Pridgeon and Clay will provide:

• A competitive total compensation including a comprehensive benefit plan including premium medical and prescription coverage starting at just $5.00 per week for employee coverage, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and tuition reimbursement.
• A safe, team oriented work environment with a leadership team that treats you like family and values your input
• An opportunity to participate in shaping the success of the organization through continuous improvement and problem solving events
• A positive work/life balance
• An opportunity for career growth – Over 70% of our leaders have been promoted from within