Quality Engineer I

Socket.dev; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

HLBMA LLC is seeking an entry-level Quality Engineer I to support quality assurance across incoming, in-process, and outgoing products. You will perform inspections, analyze data, and help resolve non-conforming issues while working with senior staff to improve manufacturing yield.

The role emphasizes problem solving, cross-functional communication, and training to build expertise in laboratory methods and quality systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering is required; Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering preferred.
• 1–3 years in quality or manufacturing engineering; automotive or battery manufacturing preferred; internships considered.
• Experience with high-volume production, control plans, PFMEAs, and process controls preferred.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 16232 standards preferred.
• Experience with report writing in PowerPoint and graphical analysis in Minitab preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate incoming, in-process, and outgoing quality for compliance with standards.
• Perform inspections (preliminary, in-process, hidden damage, final).
• Conduct visual inspections and non-destructive testing where appropriate.
• Create, edit, and maintain SOPs for laboratory tasks and processes.
• Analyze data and prepare reports, statements, and projections.
• Correspond with customers and internal stakeholders on quality matters.
• Support training of others on analytical and laboratory equipment.
• Maintain a safe and efficient work environment and 5S3R standards.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Presentation skills

Critical thinking

Analytical problem solving

Microsoft Office

Minitab

Six Sigma

8D problem solving

Data analysis & reporting

Laboratory equipment troubleshooting

SOP creation & maintenance

Training others

Attention to detail

Flexibility in hours

Initiative & adaptability

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

Minitab

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Summary

The Quality Engineer I supports efforts to ensure products and components meet established standards for quality, performance, reliability, and usability. This role verifies quality standards in accordance with organizational requirements, supports inspection and testing activities across incoming, in-process, and outgoing quality, and helps identify and resolve non‑conforming product issues. Working under the direction of senior quality staff, the Quality Engineer I communicates across functions and levels of the organization to support timely resolution of quality issues and effective problem solving that improves manufacturing yield performance. This is an entry‑level engineering position with development opportunity into more advanced quality engineering responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate incoming, in-process, and outgoing quality for compliance with established standards
• Perform preliminary, in-process, hidden damage, and final product inspections
• Conduct visual inspections and non‑destructive testing where appropriate
• Complete precise measurements using specialized tools, gauges, and test equipment
• Inspect outbound shipments and conduct random sampling to verify product quality
• Identify and support resolution of non‑conforming product issues
• Monitor production operations for compliance with specifications and promptly report defects
• Identify defects during daily checks and reject products, materials, and equipment that do not meet specifications
• Approve conforming product in accordance with established quality standards
• Routinely check measuring equipment to resolve testing problems and perform maintenance
• Support maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment
• Maintain a high standard of workmanship by using only approved data, materials, tools, and test equipment
• Create, edit, and maintain standard operating procedures for laboratory tasks and processes
• Analyze data and prepare reports, statements, and projections
• Correspond with customers and internal stakeholders regarding quality matters
• Support training of others on analytical and laboratory equipment
• Maintain a safe and efficient work environment at all times
• Support a work environment focused on quality, communication, collaboration, integration, and teamwork
• Maintain regular and reliable on‑site attendance
• Maintain cleanliness at work‑site in accordance with 5S3R Standards (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain; Right Location, Right Quantity, Right Container)
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering required; Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering preferred

Experience

• 1 to 3 years of experience in a quality engineering or manufacturing engineering role, preferably in an automotive or battery manufacturing environment required
• Internship, co‑op, or equivalent hands‑on technical experience may be considered in lieu of full‑time experience
• Experience with high‑volume production, control plans, PFMEAs, and process controls preferred
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 16232 standards preferred
• Experience with report writing in Microsoft PowerPoint and graphical analysis in Minitab preferred
• Understanding of materials characterization and analytical methods strongly preferred
• Familiarity with sample preparation methods including sputtering, polishing, and mounting preferred
• Experience with elemental or compositional analysis using EDS, LIBS, XRF, FTIR, or similar methods preferred
• Non‑destructive testing experience using CT or other x‑ray and tomography methods preferred
• CAD or 3D voxel graphics knowledge is a plus
• Demonstrated reliable work history and consistent attendance in prior employment

Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for employment‑based visa sponsorship, now or in the future. Candidates must possess current, unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.

Skills

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
• Critical thinking and an analytical approach to problem solving
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Minitab
• Familiarity with Six Sigma methodology and 8D problem solving
• Ability to analyze data and prepare reports, statements, and projections
• Ability to maintain and troubleshoot a variety of laboratory equipment
• Ability to create, edit, and maintain SOPs for laboratory tasks and processes
• Ability to learn and train others on analytical and laboratory equipment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
• Ability to work flexible hours occasionally to support team and production needs
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to properly and continuously wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, steel‑toed shoes, hearing protection, and nitrile gloves, for periods of up to 12 hours
• Must be able to repeatedly lift, push, pull, and move materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs for periods of up to 12 hours
• Must be able to repeatedly stand, walk, crouch, kneel, stoop, and reach overhead as required to perform inspection and troubleshooting tasks
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods and navigate safely throughout manufacturing and production areas
• Must be able to use hands or fingers to operate tools, equipment, computers, and diagnostic devices

Work Environment

• Work is performed within a manufacturing facility and may include office, production, utility, maintenance, laboratory, and operational environments
• Frequent interaction with production and manufacturing equipment, automated systems, robotics, conveyors, and industrial machinery
• Exposure to noise, vibration, moving mechanical equipment, elevated temperatures, dust, and manufacturing‑related hazards may occur
• Work may involve handling or working in proximity to industrial chemicals, regulated materials, and battery manufacturing processes
• Strict adherence to company safety policies, PPE requirements, machine safety protocols, and Lockout/Tagout procedures is mandatory

HLBMA LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer that values the diversity of its workforce.