Quality Engineer

Socket.dev; Winona (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Core Molding Technologies is seeking a Quality Engineer to drive product and process quality through structured problem solving, data analysis, and continuous improvement. You will work with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams across Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, and Customer Support to resolve quality issues, identify root causes, reduce scrap, and improve processes.

The role supports the QMS, APQP activities, supplier quality, audits, and IATF 16949 compliance, leading

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related technical field, or equivalent combo of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience as a Quality Engineer or in a similar quality role preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills including root cause analysis.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 standards.
• Experience creating quality documentation, procedures, and work instructions.
• Knowledge of metrology, blueprint reading, and GD&T.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary quality contact for customers and suppliers on product and process quality.
• Lead timely responses to customer quality issues and complaints.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Analyze quality and failure data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Manage the Material Review Board (MRB) process.
• Participate in APQP activities and ensure on-time quality deliverables.
• Support IATF 16949 compliance and QMS processes.
• Drive continuous improvement focused on quality, scrap reduction, and cost improvements.
• Oversee supplier quality activities including supplier audits, PPAP reviews, and non-conformances.
• Support internal, customer, and certification audits.
• Develop and maintain PFMEAs, Control Plans, procedures, and work instructions.
• Apply structured problem solving and statistical analysis to quality issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable quality improvements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Customer focus

Communication

Collaboration

Adaptability

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Minitab

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)

Job description

Summary

Core Molding Technologies is seeking a Quality Engineer to drive product and process quality through structured problem solving, data analysis, and continuous improvement.

This role works closely with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams across Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, and Customer Support to resolve quality issues, identify root causes, reduce scrap, and improve processes. The Quality Engineer also supports the Quality Management System (QMS), APQP activities, supplier quality, audits, and compliance with IATF 16949 requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary quality contact for customers and suppliers regarding product and process quality concerns
• Lead and coordinate timely responses to customer quality issues and complaints
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities to identify and eliminate recurring quality issues
• Analyze quality and failure data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
• Manage and maintain the Material Review Board (MRB) process
• Participate in APQP activities and ensure quality deliverables are completed on schedule
• Serve as a QMS process owner and support ongoing compliance with IATF 16949 requirements
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, process performance, scrap reduction, and cost improvement
• Manage supplier quality activities, including supplier audits, approvals, PPAP reviews, and non-conformance resolution
• Support internal, customer, and certification audits
• Develop and maintain quality documentation, including PFMEAs, Control Plans, procedures, and work instructions
• Support implementation and improvement of quality processes and systems
• Apply statistical analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies to address complex quality issues
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement sustainable quality improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related technical, science, or manufacturing discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years of experience as a Quality Engineer or in a related quality role preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis
• Knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 standards
• Experience developing technical quality documentation, procedures, and work instructions
• Knowledge of metrology, blueprint reading, and GD&T
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to independently develop and execute project plans
• Ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams

Preferred

• ASQ certification
• Certified Internal Auditor experience
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience/certification
• Experience leading Kaizen or other continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience as a QMS owner for IATF 16949 or a similar automotive quality system
• Experience in automotive, heavy truck, plastics, or assembly manufacturing
• Proficiency with Minitab or other statistical analysis software

Key Competencies

• Operational excellence
• Disciplined approach
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Customer focus
• Collaboration and relationship management
• Adaptability and change management
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Accountability and execution

Why Join Us

• Make a direct impact on product quality and customer satisfaction
• Work across Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, and Customer Support
• Lead quality and continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment
• Opportunity to influence processes, systems, and long‑term operational performance

Job Details

• Position: Full‑time
• Schedule: Monday–Friday; occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required
• Work Environment: Office and manufacturing floor
• Travel: Up to 10%
• Physical Requirements: Occasionally lift or move materials and equipment up to 50 pounds