Quality Engineer

Actalent; Middlebury (IN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Six paid holidays

Three weeks of vacation

401(k) with employer match

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Quality Engineer in Middlebury, IN to ensure top quality across products and processes. You’ll lead corrective actions, perform capability studies, and support FAI while maintaining QMS documentation and inspection methods.

The role blends floor work (60%) with desk analysis (40%), working with engineering, production, and leadership to drive continuous improvement and robust manufacturing performance.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in engineering or welding.
• 3–5 years in welding/metals manufacturing.
• Experience with PPAP and ISO 9001 QMS.
• Quality engineering in manufacturing.
• Formal problem-solving training (8D or 5 Why).
• Capability studies, MSA/Gauge R&R.
• FAI activities experience.
• Use of metrology tools and instruments.
• Develop/maintain QMS docs, control plans, inspection methods.
• Strong analytical and root cause skills.
• Effective cross-functional communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead corrective actions and structured problem-solving for quality issues.
• Conduct capability studies, MSA, Gauge R&R, and audits.
• Support FAI documentation and inspections per specs.
• Develop and maintain QMS docs and control plans.
• Participate in design reviews and new product introductions.
• Drive continuous improvement for quality and efficiency.
• Investigate customer quality concerns and implement CAPAs.
• Assist with internal/external audits and follow-up on findings.
• Use metrology tools to verify product conformity and process capability.
• Create control plans and inspection methods for consistency.
• Promote team-based quality and cross-functional collaboration.
• Balance 60% floor work with 40% desk analysis and planning.

Skills

PPAP

ISO 9001 QMS

Quality engineering

8D / 5 Why

Capability studies

MSA / Gauge R&R

FAI support

Metrology tools

QMS documentation

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associate degree in engineering or welding

Tools

Precision measuring equipment

Job description

Job Title: Quality Engineer

Job Description

The Quality Engineer ensures that high quality standards are consistently maintained across products and manufacturing processes while driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role works closely with engineering, production, and leadership teams to resolve quality issues, support audits, develop and maintain quality systems, and enhance overall manufacturing performance. The position combines hands‑on work on the production floor with analytical and documentation responsibilities at the desk.

Responsibilities

• Lead corrective actions and structured problem-solving activities to address product and process quality issues.
• Conduct capability studies, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), Gauge R&R, and process audits to evaluate and improve process performance.
• Support First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements by preparing documentation, coordinating inspections, and ensuring compliance with customer and internal specifications.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Quality Management System (QMS) documentation, including procedures, work instructions, and forms.
• Participate in design reviews and support new product launches to ensure quality requirements are defined, understood, and integrated into manufacturing processes.
• Drive continuous improvement projects focused on improving product quality, process capability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Support customer quality issues by investigating concerns, identifying root causes, and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Assist with internal and external audit activities, including preparation, participation, and follow‑up on audit findings.
• Utilize precision measurement equipment and metrology tools to perform inspections, verify product conformity, and validate process capability.
• Develop control plans, process controls, and inspection methods to ensure consistent product quality and robust manufacturing processes.
• Support team‑based quality processes and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
• Spend approximately 60% of time on the production floor conducting capability studies, problem solving, and supporting manufacturing teams, and 40% of time performing desk‑based analysis, documentation, and planning activities.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree, preferably in engineering or welding.
• 3–5 years of experience in a welding manufacturing or metal manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Quality engineering experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Formal training in problem‑solving methodologies such as 8D or 5 Why (5Y).
• Ability to conduct capability studies and perform MSA/Gauge R&R.
• Experience supporting First Article Inspection (FAI) activities.
• Proficiency in using precision measurement equipment and metrology tools.
• Ability to develop and maintain QMS documentation, control plans, and inspection methods.
• Strong analytical and root cause analysis skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with engineering, production, and leadership teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Automotive industry experience preferred.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
• Familiarity with ISO, IATF, AIAG, or ASQ standards and guidelines.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt).
• ASQ certification in a relevant discipline.
• Experience participating in design reviews and new product introduction.
• in structured continuous improvement and team‑based quality initiatives.
• Interest in career development and progression into leadership roles.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role with a typical schedule of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The position involves approximately 60% time on the production floor and 40% time at a desk performing analysis, documentation, and planning. The manufacturing environment is focused on welding and metal fabrication, with frequent use of precision measurement equipment and metrology tools. The workplace offers a flexible schedule, casual dress, and a laid‑back atmosphere that emphasizes collaboration and continuous improvement. The organization provides extensive training and certification opportunities, supports career development, and encourages internal promotion, particularly from engineering into leadership roles. While on a contract‑to‑hire basis, employees receive six paid holidays, three weeks of accrued vacation, and a competitive benefits package with eligibility for medical, dental, and vision coverage on the first day of employment. Once converted to direct employment, additional benefits include a 401(k) with employer match, an Employee Assistance Program, an Educational Assistance Program, career development programs, company bonus potential of up to 10% per year (paid up to 5% every six months), ten paid holidays, three weeks of accrued vacation, and continued access to a comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits package.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middlebury, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $43.27/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 Middlebury,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 6, 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. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.