Quality Engineer - 2nd Shift

Polaris Industries; Alabama; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Inc. in Alabama is seeking a Quality Engineer to lead technicians and drive continuous quality improvements across assembly production.

You will ensure safety and quality standards, coordinate with suppliers, and support new product initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in science/engineering and at least 3 years in quality or process engineering, with Six Sigma/Kaizen knowledge and experience in root cause analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Science/Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in quality or process engineering.
• Experience in automotive or assembly manufacturing preferred.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma, Kaizen, control plans, and print reading.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Proven ability to lead hourly technicians or specialists.

Responsibilities

• Lead Quality Technicians and line staff in troubleshooting and corrective actions for production quality issues.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards across internal processes and external suppliers.
• Manage and report quality performance metrics and drive continuous improvement.
• Own and support quality processes for new product development, including startups and supplier certification.
• Participate in root cause analyses and implement corrective actions.
• Develop inspection and testing processes and define equipment requirements.
• Create and maintain quality procedures and work instructions.
• Coordinate with suppliers to address defective materials or components.
• Support organization quality initiatives and safety programs.
• Travel up to 10% as needed.

Skills

Quality leadership

Root cause analysis

Project management

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Science/Engineering

Tools

Minitab

SPC

Job description

At Polaris Inc., we have fun doing what we love by driving change and innovation. We empower employees to take on challenging assignments and roles with an elevated level of responsibility in our agile working environment. Our people make us who we are, and we create incredible products and experiences that empower us to THINK OUTSIDE.

Position Overview:

You will provide quality engineering leadership and line support for assembly production, ensuring that products and processes meet defined safety and quality standards. In this role, you will lead technicians and specialists while driving both proactive and reactive quality improvements across assigned processes. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to resolve issues, support new product initiatives, and maintain strong quality performance. This position offers the opportunity to influence production quality, process effectiveness, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment with significant operational impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Quality Technicians and Torque Specialists in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation for production quality issues.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards across internal manufacturing processes and external suppliers.
• Manage and report on quality performance metrics, identifying trends and leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Own and support quality processes for new product development, including production start-ups, tool validation, and supplier certification.
• Participate in or lead failure analysis investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Develop inspection and testing processes, including defining equipment requirements and inspection criteria.
• Generate and maintain quality procedures and work instructions to support process validation and issue containment.
• Coordinate with suppliers to inspect and address defective materials or components as needed.
• Support implementation of organizational quality initiatives and programs.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and promote safe work practices in all activities.
• Manage assigned quality activities within approved budget parameters.

Desired Competencies:

• Problem Solving: You identify issues, assess root causes, and implement practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and risk.
• Communication: You clearly convey information, ideas, and expectations to diverse audiences, adjusting your message to ensure understanding and alignment.
• Accountability: You take ownership of your responsibilities, follow through on commitments, and hold yourself to high standards for quality and results.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Science, Engineering, Operations, or related field required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in quality, process engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in automotive or similar assembly manufacturing environments preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of process improvement and quality methodologies, including Six Sigma, Kaizen, control plans, and print reading.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Proven ability to lead or supervise hourly technicians or specialists in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment with significant plant-floor presence.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% based on business needs.
• This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

To qualify for this position, former employees must be eligible for rehire, and current employees must be in good standing.

We are an ambitious, resourceful, and driven workforce, which empowers us to THINK OUTSIDE.

At Polaris we put our employees first, by offering a holistic approach to their health and financial wellbeing. Polaris is proud to offer competitive compensation, including a market-leading profit-sharing plan that is fundamental to our pay-for-performance culture. At Polaris, employees are owners of the company through company contributions to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan and discounted employee stock purchases plan. Employees receive a generous matching contribution to 401(k), financial wellness education and consultation to plan for their financial future. In addition to competitive pay, Polaris provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, paid time off, gym & personal training reimbursement, life insurance and disability offerings. Through the Polaris Foundation and our Polaris Gives paid volunteer time off, we support employees who actively volunteer their time, efforts, and passions to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they live, play and work. Employees at Polaris drive our success and are rewarde