QUALITY ENGINEER I

Pilkington North America Inc.; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilkington North America Inc. is seeking a Quality Leader at our Lexington, KY site to drive manufacturing quality and process excellence. You will lead root cause analysis, CAPA, and cross‑functional initiatives to meet customer and regulatory requirements.

You will develop and maintain quality documentation, support new product launches, monitor metrics, and coach hourly quality staff, ensuring adherence to IATF 16949 and company standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years manufacturing experience.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Understand customer systems: GM, Honda, Toyota & Nissan.

Responsibilities

• Ensure processes and products meet customer, regulatory, and company quality requirements.
• Lead root cause investigations and CAPA to address quality concerns.
• Develop and maintain quality documentation (Control Plans, PFMEAs, work instructions).
• Partner with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Suppliers to improve processes and reduce defects.
• Support new product launches via APQP; validate processes and ensure readiness.
• Monitor quality metrics, identify trends, and drive improvements to reduce scrap and complaints.
• Lead audits and support IATF 16949 compliance; ensure timely corrective actions.
• Support supplier quality activities and improve supplier performance.
• Promote safety, quality, and continuous improvement; ensure policy compliance.
• Lead, coach, and develop quality hourly employees; manage performance and attendance.
• Adhere to Pilkington Standards of Business Conduct and company values.
• Other duties as assigned by manager.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Data analysis

Quality systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Leadership

Travel readiness

Tools

IATF 16949

APQP

PFMEA

Job description

Lexington
1312 Russell Cave Rd
Lexington, KY 40505, USA

Lexington
1312 Russell Cave Rd
Lexington, KY 40505, USA

• Ensure manufacturing processes and products meet customer, regulatory, and company quality requirements.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve internal, supplier, and customer quality concerns.
• Develop and maintain quality documentation, including Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, work instructions, and other quality system documentation.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Suppliers to improve manufacturing processes, reduce defects, and drive continuous improvement.
• Support new product launches by participating in APQP activities, validating manufacturing processes, and ensuring production readiness.
• Monitor and analyze quality performance metrics, identify trends, and lead improvement initiatives to reduce scrap, defects, and customer complaints.
• Lead customer and internal audits, support IATF 16949 compliance, and ensure corrective actions are completed effectively and on time.
• Support supplier quality activities by investigating supplier-related concerns, implementing corrective actions, and improving supplier performance.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with company policies, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Lead, coach, and develop quality hourly employees by setting clear expectations, providing direction, managing performance, approving time and attendance, supporting employee development, and promoting accountability in accordance with company policies.
• Adherence to NSG/Pilkington Standards of Business Conduct and its Values and Principles
• Other duties as assigned by manager

Scope/Dimensions:

• Partners with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Materials, Suppliers, and Customers to resolve quality concerns, support new product launches, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Supports the plant's Quality Management System by maintaining quality documentation, leading problem-solving activities, and ensuring compliance with IATF 16949, customer requirements, and company standards.
• Monitors quality performance metrics, analyzes trends, and leads corrective and preventive actions to improve product quality, reduce defects, and support customer satisfaction.

Top 3 Competencies Needed for Success in the Role:

• Decision Making (Results): Uses data, root cause analysis, and sound judgment to identify problems, evaluate solutions, and make timely decisions that improve quality, reduce risk, and support business objectives.
• Customer Focused (Vision): Builds strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders by understanding requirements, responding to concerns, and delivering solutions that improve product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Passion for Excellence (Results): Maintains high standards of quality and performance by driving continuous improvement, promoting accountability, and delivering reliable, consistent results. Seeks opportunities to improve processes, reduce defects, and enhance operational performance.

Qualifications Required:

• Minimum 3-5 years related to manufacturing experience
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to effectively interact with all levels
• Excellent communication and human relation skills
• High energy, self-starting individual with ability to balance multiple priorities simultaneously
• Ability to travel
• Understand customer systems, GM, Honda, Toyota & Nissan

Qualifications Desired:

• Program management experience

Qualifications

Skills

Behaviors

Motivations

Education

Experience

Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.