Quality Engineer

Kennametal; Orwell Township (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal is seeking a Quality Engineer to support the Quality Management System across assigned centers. You will focus on customer satisfaction, scrap reduction, first-pass yield improvement, and timely responses to quality events through data analysis and effective containment.

Lead cross‑functional teams, apply root cause analysis and 8D methodology, drive process changes, and ensure alignment with ISO standards while improving quality metrics and financial performance.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience using SAP and Microsoft Office.
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent.
• Knowledge of ISO standards and requirements.
• Ability to read drawings and specifications; interpret charts.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality improvement efforts for targeted business metrics with cross-functional teams.
• Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, FMEA, etc).
• Analyze product and process data to support improvements.
• Coordinate with Sales, Engineering and Production to resolve customer complaints using CRM and 8D.
• Maintain and audit ISO QMS documentation and participate in internal audits.

Skills

Problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

CQE Certification (ASQ) preferred

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position will cover job functions for the quality department supporting compliance to the Quality Management System for the assigned area. This includes customer satisfaction (complaints, response time, ePPM) and financial performance of Quality (scrap, first pass yield, rework) for his or her area of the campus (specific work centers, product families, etc).

• Customer Satisfaction - Utilize the CRM system and generate 8D's on time to customers after quality events which impact customers. Assist management to identify systemic opportunities for continuous improvement
• Financial Performance of Quality (scrap, first pass yield, rework) - Utilize the MRB process to disposition suspect material and drive problem solving to prevent recurrence on major issues. Assist management to identify systemic opportunities for continuous improvement
• Quality Management System - Work with management to maintain policies, procedures, control plans, failure catalogs, audits, metrology, et al, in a way that fosters an atmosphere of compliance in the area and continually improves customer satisfaction and quality financial performance
• Flawless launch & change - Ensures risks are identified and mitigated ahead of launch for newly developed product or process or product changes in his or her assigned area
• Weekend coverage / support may be required at times.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate quality improvement efforts for targeted business metrics. Work with cross functional teams (site and corporate) to address root cause and drive improvement.
• Facilitate and promote the use of appropriate problem-solving techniques for root cause analysis and successful corrective action.
• Analyze product and process data to support improvement efforts.
• Determine when process stability and capability studies should be performed on existing processes. Recommend changes to processes and perform follow up to verify effectiveness.
• Disposition non-conforming products and recommend containment and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with Sales, Engineering, and Production to resolve customer complaints utilizing the CRM system and 8D process. Support quality management in diagnosing top level causes of customer complaints to support continuous improvement efforts in his or her assigned area.
• Perform duties in accordance with quality system requirements as the voice of Kennametal's customers.
• Provide support for updating, auditing, and maintaining the ISO Quality Management System. Engage with regional and global QMS leadership to ensure conformance to corporate procedures.
• Participate in Internal Quality Audits and Layered Process Audits (LPAs).
• Establish and maintain Process Control Plans
• Provide technical assistance to develop and improve inspection methods. Utilize Measurement System Analysis (MSA) to verify measurement system capability.
• Participate in the development of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Support & Lead new product qualification and PPAP efforts for flawless product launches to meet customer requirements. This also includes verification of effectiveness on changes to existing products and processes.
• Performs tasks utilizing quality core tools (root cause analysis, FMEA, Control Plan, SPC, LPA, MSA, DOE, etc)
• Must have a base knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP
• Must have strong problem-solving skills
• Must be able to create process documents and audit processes to requirements, openly communicating findings
• Must be able to work within cross functional teams through complex tasks exercising strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively with various levels of the organization (operators, supervision, plant leadership, engineering, quality management, operational excellence management, director levels) and customers
• Basic project management skills required to drive actions for targeted improvement

Education, Work Experience, Skills, Certificates

• 3-5 years of relevant work experience required.
• Must be able to use required computer software including but not limited to SAP, Microsoft Office.
• 3-5 years of experience required.
• Requires Bachelors Degree or equivalent industry experience.
• Knowledge of ISO standards and requirements
• Must be able to use gages and measurement devices that determine compliance to drawing and product specifications. Must be able to retrieve and interpret drawings & specifications
• Must be able to read and understand insert identification chart, routings and operating procedures. Is able to use 30X scoMust be able to determine insert defect criteria with product engineering.
• Applies experience and skills to complete assigned work within own area of expertise (core tools)
• Works within standard operating procedures and/or scientific methods
• Six Sigma, ASQ Certification, CQE preferred