Quality Engineer

Powerus; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Powerus in Rock Hill, SC seeks a Quality Engineer to develop and maintain quality systems ensuring products meet customer, regulatory, and company requirements. You'll partner with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and customers to drive continuous improvement.

You will lead root cause analyses, CAPA, and supplier quality, implement PFMEA/MSA, support audits, and help build a data-driven quality culture across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field required.
• 3–7 years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with quality management systems and process improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting production operations and customer quality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, FDA, or other applicable quality standards.
• Develop and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, control plans, and inspection criteria.
• Participate in internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Support document control and quality record management processes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP systems

QMS software

Job description

Powerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-consequence environments. The company combines advanced autonomy, manufacturing capability, operational expertise, and strategic acquisitions to support defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations globally.

Mission

Our mission is to deliver resilient autonomous technologies that strengthen national security, improve operational safety, and expand the capabilities of organizations operating in complex environments.

Why Join Powerus

Powerus is entering a significant period of operational growth, corporate development, and organizational scaling. As the company expands across multiple entities, manufacturing activities, and federal engagements, disciplined quality systems, reliable processes, and scalable manufacturing operations are becoming increasingly important. This is an opportunity to own meaningful day-to-day quality engineering work and help build the operational backbone of a fast-moving company.

About the Role

The Quality Engineer develops, implements, and maintains the quality systems and processes that ensure our products meet customer, regulatory, and company requirements. You will partner with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and customer teams to drive continuous improvement, reduce defects, improve process capability, and support operational excellence — playing a key role in root cause analysis, corrective actions, supplier quality, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with applicable standards and customer requirements.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, FDA, or other applicable quality standards.
• Develop and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, control plans, and inspection criteria.
• Participate in internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Support document control and quality record management processes.

Process Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve product quality and process performance.
• Lead root cause investigations using methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone Diagram, and Fault Tree Analysis.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address quality issues.
• Use statistical tools to evaluate process capability and identify trends.
• Lead and support Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives.

Product & Process Validation

• Develop and execute validation plans for new products and manufacturing processes.
• Conduct Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and support Design FMEA activities.
• Support Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions when applicable.
• Perform capability studies and Measurement System Analysis (MSA).
• Validate process changes and ensure compliance with quality requirements.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve quality issues and improve performance.
• Participate in supplier audits and qualification activities.
• Monitor supplier quality metrics and corrective action effectiveness.
• Review supplier quality documentation and certifications.

Customer Quality

• Investigate customer complaints and non-conformances.
• Lead customer corrective action responses and containment activities.
• Analyze warranty, field return, and customer performance data.
• Support customer audits and quality reviews.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze quality metrics, defect trends, and process performance data.
• Prepare quality reports and presentations for management review.
• Track key performance indicators and improvement initiatives.
• Maintain quality dashboards and documentation.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field required.

Experience

• 3–7 years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with quality management systems and process improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting production operations and customer quality requirements.

Required Skills

Technical skills

• Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies: SPC, Process Capability Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, MSA, Control Plans, and PPAP (where applicable).
• Proficiency in quality data analysis and reporting.
• Experience with ERP and quality management systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and projects.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Detail-oriented, with a focus on accuracy and continuous improvement.

Preferred Skills

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) through the American Society for Quality (ASQ).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Lead Auditor certification.
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, medical device, plastics, textile, or industrial manufacturing.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or regulated manufacturing environments.