Quality Engineer Lead

Software Placement Group; McKenzie (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Placement Group in Tennessee seeks an experienced Quality Engineer Lead to guide quality initiatives across a high-volume manufacturing plant. You will drive ISO 9001:2015 compliance, CAPA execution, and process improvements on the factory floor.

You will work hands-on with production, engineering, customers, and suppliers to reduce defects and improve capability, using 5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D, and data-driven methods.

Qualifications

• Five+ years in quality engineering in manufacturing.
• Experience with ISO 9001 quality management system.
• Strong root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specs.
• Experience with precision measurement equipment.
• Excellent communication with production, engineers and suppliers.
• Proven record leading quality projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality engineering activities across manufacturing operations.
• Maintain and improve ISO 9001 QMS compliance.
• Investigate quality issues and drive CAPAs and corrective actions.
• Lead root cause analysis using 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D.
• Develop control plans, inspection procedures, and docs.
• Support manufacturing processes and supplier quality.
• Lead internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Provide guidance to quality technicians and inspectors.
• Drive continuous improvement and accountability.

Skills

Quality engineering

ISO 9001

Root cause analysis

Reading drawings

Measurement equipment

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SPC

MSA/Gage R&R

PFMEA

Job description

Location: Mckenzie, TN | Schedule: Full-time, on-site

Overview

A high-volume manufacturing operation is seeking an experienced Quality Engineer Lead to guide quality initiatives across the plant. This role is central to maintaining product quality, improving manufacturing processes, resolving customer and production quality issues, and supporting the facility's ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. The ideal candidate brings a strong manufacturing quality background and is comfortable working hands-on with production, engineering, customers, and suppliers.

What you'll do

• Lead quality engineering activities supporting manufacturing operations and customer requirements
• Maintain and continuously improve the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
• Investigate internal and external quality issues and drive corrective and preventive actions
• Lead root cause analysis using tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D, and corrective action methodologies
• Develop and maintain control plans, inspection procedures, work instructions, and quality documentation
• Support quality requirements for manufacturing processes including heat treating, forging, forming, machining, coating, and fabrication
• Analyze scrap, defects, rework, customer complaints, and process data to identify opportunities for improvementPartner with Production and Engineering to improve process capability and reduce variation
• Lead or support internal, customer, and third-party quality audits
• Ensure proper product and material traceability throughout the manufacturing process
• Oversee measurement systems, calibration requirements, and inspection equipment
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and quality requirements to ensure manufacturing compliance
• Support new product introductions and process changes from a quality perspective
• Work directly with customers to resolve quality concerns and communicate corrective actions
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to quality technicians, inspectors, and production personnel
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and accountability for quality throughout the facility

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 Quality Management System
• Strong knowledge of root cause analysis, corrective actions, process improvement, and problem-solving methodologies
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, and customer requirements
• Experience with precision measurement and inspection equipment
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and process controls
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with production employees, engineers, management, suppliers, and customers
• Demonstrated ability to lead quality projects and drive issues through resolution

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field preferred
• Experience with SPC, capability studies, control plans, PFMEA, MSA/Gage R&R, and quality data analysis preferred
• Steel, metal fabrication, forging, heat treating, machining, or other heavy industrial manufacturing experience is highly desirable
• Experience in steel processing, heat treating, forging, machining, or metal fabrication would be particularly valuable

Why this role

This is an opportunity for a hands-on Quality Engineer who enjoys time on the manufacturing floor to lead quality initiatives and drive corrective actions across multiple departments in a high-volume manufacturing environment.