Quality Engineer

Cst Industries, Inc.; Parsons (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cst Industries, Inc. in Parsons, Kansas is seeking a Quality Engineer focused on reducing COPQ across manufacturing operations. You will lead investigations, implement corrective actions, and drive prevention to improve product conformity and process capability.

You will collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality Leadership to advance data-driven decisions and continuous improvement while ensuring adherence to internal standards and customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (Quality/Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial).
• 3–5 years of quality engineering or manufacturing quality experience preferred.
• Familiarity with quality management systems, inspections, nonconformance, and CAPA processes.

Responsibilities

• Implement QA program, including process design and inspection plans.
• Analyze quality data to identify improvement opportunities and drive results.
• Lead cross-functional investigations of quality events to identify root causes.

Skills

Quality engineering

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Statistical methods

Measurement tools

Cross-functional

Documentation

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quality Engineering

3-5 years experience

ISO 9001 knowledge

Tools

Gauges and calipers

Inspection methods

Quality software

Dimensional measurement

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Quality Engineer is responsible for reducing Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) through investigation, analysis, and prevention of quality issues across manufacturing operations. This role serves as the facility's primary Quality Assurance resource, identifying root causes of quality events, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions, mitigating process risks, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The Quality Engineer works cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Construction, and Quality Leadership to improve process capability, increase product conformity, and strengthen quality performance through proactive problem-solving and data-driven decision making.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement Quality Assurance program, including process design, inspection plans, and statistical process control, to meet company and customer specifications.
• Analyze quality data (such as defects, scrap, rework, and warranty exposure) to identify improvement opportunities and drive measurable results.
• Lead cross-functional investigations of quality events (nonconformances, customer concerns, and process failures) to identify root causes and risk mitigation opportunities.
• Execute and verify risk mitigation actions to prevent recurrence of quality events, improve process performance, and lower COPQ.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect prevention, process capability, product reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Support improved effectiveness of the Quality Management System through audit participation, documentation, and alignment with continuous improvement activities.
• Assist or conduct supplier quality activities (selection, assessment, audits) to ensure alignment between supplier capabilities and customer requirements.
• Serve as a leader and resource for cross-functional risk assessment, problem solving, control plans, and guidance on quality concepts, tools, and standards.
• Report risks, opportunities, and updates on related activities to Quality and Manufacturing Leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• Three to five years of experience in quality engineering, manufacturing quality, or a related industrial environment preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, and relevant manufacturing quality experience may be considered.
• Working knowledge of quality management systems, inspection methods, nonconformance management, and corrective action processes.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, customer specifications, applicable codes, and manufacturing requirements.
• Experience with internal audits, document control, and continuous improvement initiatives preferred.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, applicable API standards, and customer-specific quality requirements preferred.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of quality engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and defect prevention.
• Ability to conduct structured root cause analysis and develop effective corrective actions.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, welding requirements, dimensional tolerances, specifications, and inspection documentation.
• Working knowledge of dimensional measurement equipment, gauges, calipers, and other inspection tools.
• Ability to analyze quality data, identify trends, and develop practical improvement plans.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other applicable quality or business software.
• Ability to develop and maintain procedures, inspection plans, reports, and quality records.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents, engineering drawings, standards, and customer specifications.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professional technical reports, procedures, and corrective action documentation.
• Ability to communicate quality requirements and technical findings effectively to employees, management, customers, and suppliers.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to perform arithmetic calculations involving whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to interpret dimensional tolerances, measurement results, percentages, statistical trends, and quality performance data.
• Ability to apply basic statistical and analytical methods to evaluate manufacturing and quality performance.

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to analyze complex quality issues, identify contributing factors, and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Ability to apply sound judgment when evaluating product conformity, process performance, and customer requirements.
• Ability to interpret and apply written, verbal, and diagrammatic instructions.
• Ability to make data-driven recommendations, prioritize risks, and elevate issues when necessary.
• Ability to balance production requirements with quality standards without compromising product conformity or customer requirements.

LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION:

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
• Ability to influence process improvements and drive accountability without relying solely on direct authority.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and training to Quality Inspectors and manufacturing personnel.
• Ability to communicate quality concerns professionally and resolve disagreements using documented requirements and objective evidence.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Regularly required to walk, sit, talk, and hear.
• May require standing for extended periods and walking throughout manufacturing and warehouse areas.
• May require regular use of dimensional inspection equipment and other measurement tools.
• Must be able to access manufacturing areas safely and use required personal protective equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise and non-air-conditioned work areas.
• Frequent interaction with fabrication, welding, machining, assembly, coating, and shipping operations.
• Exposure to active forklift traffic and other industrial equipment.
• Fast-paced environment requiring flexibility, sound judgment, and effective prioritization.
• Must comply with all company safety policies and applicable site requirements.