Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Quality Engineer 2 is responsible for supporting and improving quality processes within an engineered-to-order electrical distribution products manufacturing environment. This position works cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure products meet customer requirements, engineering specifications, applicable industry standards, and internal quality expectations.
The Quality Engineer 2 independently investigates quality issues, leads corrective actions, supports inspections and testing, analyzes quality data, and drives continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing process.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Quality Engineering & Manufacturing Support
- Provide day-to-day quality engineering support for the manufacture and assembly of electrical distribution equipment.
- Review engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material (BOMs), work instructions, and customer requirements to identify quality requirements.
- Support quality activities involving switchgear, switchboards, power distribution equipment, busbar assemblies, enclosures, and related electrical and mechanical components.
- Establish and maintain inspection criteria, quality checkpoints, and acceptance requirements throughout manufacturing.
- Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering to identify and resolve quality concerns before they impact production or customers.
- Provide technical guidance to inspectors, assemblers, technicians, and other manufacturing personnel regarding quality requirements.
Nonconformance & Corrective Action
- Investigate internal and external nonconformances and determine appropriate containment actions.
- Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methods such as 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA).
- Develop, implement, and verify corrective actions in partnership with responsible departments.
- Maintain accurate documentation of nonconforming material and corrective action activities.
- Analyze recurring defects and recommend permanent corrective actions or process improvements.
- Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and assist in determining appropriate disposition of nonconforming material.
Inspection, Testing & Product Quality
- Support incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities.
- Develop and improve inspection plans, checklists, quality standards, and testing requirements.
- Review inspection and test results to verify product conformance.
- Support final product inspections and customer acceptance requirements.
- Investigate failures identified during manufacturing, testing, or final inspection.
- Ensure measuring and inspection equipment is appropriate for its intended use and properly controlled.
Quality Management System
- Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company's Quality Management System (QMS).
- Create and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, forms, inspection records, and other controlled documentation.
- Participate in internal audits and assist with preparation for customer, regulatory, and third‑party audits.
- Support compliance with applicable ISO 9001 principles and company quality procedures.
- Identify process gaps and recommend practical improvements.
- Assist with training employees on quality procedures, inspection requirements, and quality expectations.
Supplier Quality
- Investigate and support resolution of supplier-related quality issues.
- Work with Purchasing and Supply Chain to communicate supplier nonconformances and corrective action requirements.
- Review supplier corrective action responses and verify effectiveness.
- Analyze supplier quality performance and identify recurring issues or trends.
- Participate in supplier qualification and evaluation activities as needed.
Continuous Improvement & Quality Data
- Collect, analyze, and report quality performance data and trends.
- Monitor metrics including defects, rework, scrap, nonconformances, corrective actions, supplier quality, and customer complaints.
- Identify opportunities to reduce defects, rework, and variation within manufacturing processes.
- Lead or participate in continuous improvement and cross‑functional problem‑solving initiatives.
- Recommend improvements to manufacturing processes, inspection methods, documentation, and quality controls.
- Assist in developing quality KPIs and communicating quality performance to leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of quality engineering or manufacturing quality experience required.
- Experience in an engineered‑to‑order, low‑volume/high‑mix, or complex manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
- Experience within electrical distribution equipment, switchgear, switchboards, electrical equipment, industrial controls, or similar manufacturing is highly desirable.
- Equivalent combinations of education and relevant technical experience may be considered.
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing quality principles and practices.
- Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis, corrective action, CAPA, 8D, 5 Why, and Fishbone methodologies.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, BOMs, and technical documentation.
- Understanding of inspection methods, measurement equipment, tolerances, and manufacturing processes.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 or similar Quality Management Systems.
- Familiarity with electrical distribution industry standards, including UL, ANSI, IEEE, and NEMA, preferred.
- Strong analytical and structured problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to analyze quality data and identify meaningful trends.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively across Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and leadership.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic quality or ERP systems.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Quality-focused mindset and strong attention to detail
- Root cause analysis and problem solving
- Technical judgment and decision making
- Accountability and ownership
- Continuous improvement
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Clear and professional communication
- Ability to prioritize multiple quality issues in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
- Regular presence on the manufacturing floor is required.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout production areas as necessary.
- Ability to safely work around electrical manufacturing and testing operations.
- Must follow all required PPE and facility safety requirements.
- Occasional travel between company facilities, suppliers, or customer locations may be required.