Quality Engineer: Metrology & NPI for Precision Machining

MRA-The Management Association; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; Full time

Job description

An MRA Member is looking for...
Quality Engineer
Cincinnati, OH

Company Overview
A leading precision manufacturing organization specializing in machined components and assemblies for OEM customers across the United States.
Role Summary
The Quality Engineer is a key technical role responsible for developing, documenting, and maintaining effective quality plans to ensure customer, regulatory, and industry requirements are met throughout the manufacturing process. This position serves as a liaison between customer requirements, engineering, and production-translating technical specifications into practical inspection and control strategies that support efficient, high-quality manufacturing.
This role requires strong technical judgment in selecting appropriate inspection methods at various stages of production, balancing accuracy, repeatability, and operational efficiency across both shop floor and laboratory environments.
Primary Responsibilities
Quality Planning & New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Lead quality planning efforts during New Product Introduction (NPI), ensuring requirements are clearly translated into inspection and control plans.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and contractual requirements to define inspection methods and acceptance criteria.
• Conduct risk-based analysis (e.g., PFMEA, control plans) to identify critical characteristics and inspection points.
• Develop measurement strategies aligned with part features, tolerances, and functional requirements.
• Perform hands-on measurements during NPI and early production to validate conformance and support capability studies (Cp/Cpk).
• Utilize data to validate and refine inspection methods and quality plans as processes mature.

Inspection Methods & Metrology Strategy

• Determine and document optimal inspection methods based on risk, feature criticality, and production practicality.
• Evaluate measurement solutions considering shop floor usability and lab capabilities (e.g., CMM).
• Support design and development of custom gages and fixtures when needed.
• Define requirements for gage R&R, capability studies, and ongoing measurement system monitoring.

Customer & Industry Compliance

• Develop and maintain First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., AS9102).
• Prepare and submit customer-required quality documentation (e.g., PPAP, PSW).
• Interpret and apply relevant quality standards (e.g., AS9100) and customer requirements.
• Ensure ongoing compliance as specifications and requirements evolve.

Manufacturing Support & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure inspection plans are effective and practical.
• Train production personnel on inspection procedures and measurement techniques.
• Analyze SPC and inspection data to monitor process capability and identify improvement opportunities.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
• Identify and implement improvements in inspection processes and overall quality performance.
• Provide backup support for inspection activities as needed.
• Review and verify quality documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance for shipments.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
Technical Competencies

• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and tolerance requirements.
• Experience developing inspection plans from customer and industry specifications.
• Knowledge of metrology principles and measurement system analysis.
• Familiarity with CNC machining processes (turning and milling).
• Experience with CMM programming and inspection (e.g., PC-DMIS).
• Understanding of SPC and statistical analysis tools.

Systems & Tools

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Experience with quality management systems/software preferred.
• Ability to interpret CAD models for inspection planning.

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication across technical and operational teams.
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation skills.
• Ability to balance quality, efficiency, and business needs.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours).
• Occasional lifting up to 35 lbs.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to oils, coolants, and moderate noise.