Quality Engineer

KDV Label Co., Inc.; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

KDV Label Co., Inc. is seeking a Quality Engineer to lead customer complaint investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions. You will work with Operations, Sales, and suppliers to ensure quality standards, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction in a manufacturing environment.

The role emphasizes data-driven quality improvements, internal audits, and collaboration across departments to maintain high standards in a fast-paced labeling operation.

Qualifications

• Root cause analysis tools knowledge and CI methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data interpretation.
• Printing industry experience in flexographic and/or digital printing preferred.
• Color management experience preferred.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions, diagrams, specifications, and math concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality investigations and root cause analysis for customer complaints.
• Develop and verify corrective actions and communicate results to stakeholders.
• Analyze quality data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Conduct internal audits and drive quality system improvements.
• Collaborate with operations to ensure consistent quality practices.
• Ensure compliance with AIB/GFSI standards and GMP requirements.
• Support supplier quality activities and performance monitoring.
• Lead first-time run items and customer trials.
• Uphold quality and safety regulations across the organization.
• Maintain quality records and reports for compliance and continuous improvement.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Continuous improvement

Analytical problem solving

Printing industry experience

Color management

Interpret technical instructions

Collaboration

ERP systems

MS Office

Customer service

Task prioritization

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing, or related field

Job description

At KDV Label, we’re passionate about what we do and hold ourselves, and one another, accountable to living our core values each day: craftsmanship, care, collaboration, creativity, and curiosity. This creates a friendly and rewarding work environment where you can grow your career and truly be part of the team!

KDV Label has production facilities in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Loveland, Colorado and Sugar Grove, Illinois. We have become a leader in the label industry by maintaining our strong reputation for quality, consistency, and performance.

Job Summary

Reporting to the VP of Operations & Quality, this position leads customer complaint investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, supplier quality programs, third-party certification activities, and first-time order verification. The Quality Engineer partners closely with Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and suppliers to ensure quality standards are consistently achieved while supporting customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

Duties/Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Lead investigations into quality issues and customer complaints using root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
• Develop, implement and verify the effectiveness of complaint-related corrective actions and communicate outcomes to internal stakeholders and customers as appropriate.
• Analyze quality and test data using statistical methods to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Conduct internal audits and implement quality system improvements.
• Collaborate with Operations to ensure consistent quality practices.
• Ensure compliance with AIB (or GFSI) standards, prerequisite programs, and GMP requirements, and promptly elevate safety concerns.
• Support supplier quality activities, including specification development, supplier qualification, and performance monitoring.
• Lead and verify first-time run items, and customer trials.
• Champion all quality and safety regulations throughout the organization.
• Maintain quality records, documentation, and reporting to support compliance and continuous improvement objectives.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Working knowledge of root cause analysis tools and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collect, interpret, and evaluate data to draw valid conclusions.
• Printing industry experience, particularly in flexographic and/or digital printing, strongly preferred.
• Color management experience preferred.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions, diagrams, specifications, and mathematical concepts.
• Exhibit and uphold KDV’s Core Values in all situations.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and communicate across all levels.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business software, including email, Microsoft Office, and ERP systems.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to professionally resolve customer questions and complaints.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing, or a related field and two to three years of relevant experience; or
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible quality or manufacturing experience; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move reports, files, office supplies, etc. weighing up to 50 pounds.

This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments. The employee may be exposed to production equipment, moving machinery, varying temperatures, and standard manufacturing noise levels. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when working in production areas.