Quality Process Engineer

Heitkamp & Thumann; Nevada; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Heitkamp & Thumann is seeking a Quality Process Engineer to bridge quality assurance, advanced manufacturing, and production. You will drive process characterization, DoE, MSA, and engineering trials to sustain high-quality output.

You will lead statistical analyses, CP/CPK monitoring, and RCFA investigations while collaborating on APQP/PPAP activities with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical discipline.
• 3–5 years of manufacturing and engineering experience in high-speed environments.
• Proven ability to independently plan and execute DoE, MSA/Gage R&R, and formal engineering trials.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, RCFA, DMAIC, and 8D methodologies.
• Experience with ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 environments and quality training delivery.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and document formal engineering trials to validate processes and tooling changes.
• Design and execute DoEs to identify key process variables and optimize parameters.
• Lead MSA programs including Gage R&R across inspection and test equipment.
• Implement SPC charts and monitor CP/CPK to drive quality improvements.
• Perform RCFA and lead 8D/ Fishbone investigations for internal and customer issues.
• Collaborate on APQP/PPAP activities to establish control plans and PFMEAs.
• Support ISO 9001/IATF 16949 compliance and train plant personnel on methods.
• Interface with cross-functional teams including engineering, production, and account managers.

Skills

DoE planning

MSA/Gage R&R

Engineering trials

APQP/PPAP

FMEA

8D problem solving

Statistical analysis

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Minitab

JMP

Job description

Description

Position Summary

The Quality Process Engineer (QPE) is a technical leader in the organization, serving as a critical bridge between quality assurance, advanced manufacturing engineering, and production. While maintaining core quality standards, this role dives deep into process characterization, statistical optimization, and continuous improvement.

This position defines the technical direction for process improvements that impact quality performance, providing statistical analysis, designing and executing Design of Experiments (DoE), leading engineering trials, and performing rigorous Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) to ensure continuous production of products consistent with established standards and operational excellence.

Essential Functions

• Engineering Trials & Process Optimization: Plan, execute, and document formal engineering trials to validate new processes, tooling changes, or material variations. Monitor and evaluate manufacturing lines to reduce scrap and improve efficiency.
• Design of Experiments (DoE) & Statistical Analysis: Design and execute DoEs to identify key process variables, optimize operating parameters, and solve chronic quality issues using statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).
• Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA): Develop, lead, and maintain MSA programs (including Gage R&R studies) to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and reliability across all inspection and test equipment.
• Statistical Process Control (SPC): Implement and analyze SPC charts and CP/CPK metrics to monitor process stability and capability, driving proactive quality improvements.
• Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions: Conduct root cause failure analysis (RCFA) and lead structured problem-solving investigations (8D, Fishbone, 5 Why) for internal non-conformances and customer/RMA issues.
• Advanced Quality Planning (APQP / PPAP): Collaborate with engineering and production teams during New Product Introduction (NPI) to establish robust control plans, PFMEAs, and qualification runs.
• Quality Standards & Compliance: Support quality management system standards (ISO 9001 / IATF 16949) and assist in training plant personnel on test methods, procedures, and quality ideologies.
• Customer & Cross-Functional Interface: Support technical quality discussions, work alongside account managers when needed, and communicate effectively across all levels of the HTN organization

Requirements

Education, Experience, And Skill Required

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 to 5 years of manufacturing and engineering experience required, preferably in a high-speed, precision, or deep draw manufacturing environment.
• Advanced Technical Competencies: Proven ability to independently plan and execute Design of Experiments (DoE), Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA / Gage R&R), and formal Engineering Trials.
• Quality Core Tools: Knowledgeable of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, Root Cause Failure Analysis, DMAIC, and 8D methodologies.
• Software Proficiency: Experience with Mini-Tab, JMP, or equivalent statistical software, alongside strong computer skills (Work, Excel, etc.).
• Technical Interpretation: Ability to interpret engineering prints, instructions, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), and metrology methods.
• Standards & Regulations: Experience working in an ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 environment (automotive quality procedures preferred).
• Communication & Soft Skills: Strong presentation, oral, and written communication skills. Ability to train, instruct, and transfer technical knowledge, communicating effectively across all levels of management, operations, and global H&T locations.

Other Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned

Physical Responsibilities

• Regularly required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and walk.
• Employee is constantly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Ability to communicate, listen, and lift up to 35 lbs. occasionally.
• Close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus to set up inspection equipment and perform precision testing.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing and office environment with moderate noise levels and occasional exposure to mechanical parts.