Quality Engineer

Actalent; McMinnville (OR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent, based in McMinnville, OR, is seeking a Quality Engineer to join a proactive, data-driven quality team focused on reducing scrap and customer returns. The role centers on RCCA investigations, DOE, and CAPA to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.

You will partner with production and engineering, develop and standardize inspection and control plans, and support Zero Defect initiatives to improve product reliability. This is a contract-to-hire position onsite.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related technical field.

Responsibilities

• Lead root cause investigations for scrap, nonconformances, and customer returns.
• Apply 5-Why, 8D, Pareto, and other quality tools.
• Collaborate with production and engineering to implement corrective actions.
• Verify effectiveness of actions with objective evidence.
• Develop and standardize control plans and inspection methods.
• Support zero-defect and operational excellence initiatives.
• Analyze process data to find systemic quality improvements.
• Conduct DOE and process capability evaluations.
• Investigate high-scrap events and manufacturing escapes.
• Perform internal audits and quality assessments.

Skills

RCCA investigations

5-Why Analysis

8D Problem Solving

CAPA

GD&T reading

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers)

Job description

Job Title: Quality Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Quality Engineer to join a high-impact Quality team focused on transforming manufacturing operations from reactive problem-solving to a proactive, data-driven quality culture. This individual will play a critical role in reducing internal scrap, improving product quality, minimizing customer returns, and driving continuous improvement initiatives through robust root cause analysis and corrective actions. The ideal candidate is a hands-on quality professional who thrives on solving complex manufacturing problems, partnering cross-functionally with production and engineering teams, and implementing sustainable process improvements that prevent issues before they occur.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate complex root cause investigations related to internal scrap, nonconformances, and customer returns.

• Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies including 5-Why Analysis, 8D, Pareto Analysis, and related quality tools.

• Partner with manufacturing, production, inspection, and engineering teams to identify corrective actions and validate effectiveness.

• Verify objective evidence that corrective actions have resolved issues and prevented recurrence.

• Develop, implement, and standardize Control Plans, inspection methods, and quality documentation across manufacturing processes.

• Support Zero Defect and operational excellence initiatives aimed at reducing variation and improving product reliability.

• Analyze process performance data and identify opportunities for systemic quality improvements.

• Conduct Design of Experiments (DOE) and process evaluations to improve product and process capability.

• Partner closely with production teams, inspectors, and manufacturing personnel to resolve quality issues in real time.

• Investigate high-scrap events and manufacturing escapes to identify root causes and corrective actions.

• Conduct internal process audits and quality assessments using inspection data and statistical analysis techniques.

• Support compliance with quality management system requirements and regulatory standards.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.

• 3+ years of experience in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related quality-focused manufacturing environment.

• Demonstrated experience leading Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations and driving sustainable corrective actions.

• Strong understanding of quality tools and methodologies, including 5-Why Analysis, Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagrams, 8D Problem Solving, and Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA).

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications, including GD&T.

• Experience supporting manufacturing environments and cross-functional production teams.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• AS9100 auditing experience or certification.

• Experience in aerospace, high-reliability manufacturing, medical device, or regulated industries.

• Knowledge of quality management systems and document control processes.

• Experience conducting Design of Experiments (DOE), process capability studies, and statistical analysis.

• Familiarity with inspection equipment such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, and electronic test equipment.

Work Environment

The work environment is a mix between manufacturing and office settings. The role involves collaboration with production, engineering, and inspection teams, providing opportunities for technical growth and professional development. The position offers a chance to drive meaningful changes in quality culture and operational excellence.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of McMinnville, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $50.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in McMinnville,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 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.