Job Description
The Quality & Manufacturing Engineer designs and implements the processes, procedures, and equipment involved in manufacturing. They are key contributors to planning, measuring, and improving quality through both short-term and long-term initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Implement production processes that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure safety (Lean Projects).
- Assess raw materials for manufacturing and propose changes to improve product quality and reliability while reducing costs.
- Participate in cross-functional teams focused on product design improvements, new product development, and field testing.
- Research automation techniques, test new systems for efficiency, and plan factory layouts to optimize production.
- Contribute to the design of tools, machinery, or processes that increase productivity and efficiency.
- Implement process validation plans, perform failure mode effect analysis, and prepare control plans for products.
- Conduct tests for alternative materials, parts, tools, or systems to introduce improvements.
- Document changes to production parts or processes through engineering changes and deviations.
- Evaluate returned goods for manufacturing defects, non-conformances, and product issues (RMA processes).
- Perform dimensional and functional reviews of manufactured and purchased parts.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement related to customer quality experiences.
- Lead continuous improvement projects and teams.
- Assist in developing and maintaining quality KPIs, metrics, and reports.
- Design and source gauges and other measurement methods for existing and new products and processes.
- Represent the quality function on New Product Development teams as needed.
- Assist in developing and maintaining the Quality Management System (QMS).
- Communicate with internal and external customers, escalate issues, and lead efforts to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Work with suppliers to improve incoming quality levels and manage SCARs with vendors.
- Validate accuracy of Bills of Material and other aspects of Product Data Management.
This list is not exhaustive; other duties may be required within the scope of the role.
What you will need to succeed:
Education & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or industrial engineering.
- 2-3 years of experience in manufacturing processes, production, and Quality Assurance.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification; Black Belt is a plus.
- Experience with CAD and/or CAE software is a plus.
- Experience with automation equipment, PLCs, sensors, actuators, etc.
- Experience with plastic injection molding and plastic part design is a plus.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer relation skills.
- Experience leading lean transformation and quality improvement projects.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Organizational skills and ability to multitask.
- Ability to read blueprints and use calibrated gauges, tools, and fixtures.
Key Performance Indicators:
- Develop procedures to solve standard problems and analyze information.
- Contribute to team development and demonstrate interpersonal skills.
- Collaborate across departments and adapt to continuous improvement techniques.
- Achieve performance targets related to KPIs and audit findings.
- Use tools and equipment effectively and document results accurately.
- Complete work on time.
Compensation:
Travel:
Location:
Physical Requirements:
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching.
- Frequent lifting up to 50 pounds, maneuvering up to 100 pounds.
- Occasional lifting up to 125 pounds.
- Use of hand tools and working with small parts.
Why Join Kinetico:
- Comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, wellness programs, educational assistance, and more.
Our Commitment and Difference:
Founded in 1970, Kinetico is a global leader in water treatment systems, committed to innovation and customer satisfaction. As part of the Axel Johnson Group, we uphold high standards of quality and performance, with products certified by third parties and backed by extensive warranties.
Kinetico is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment authorization.