Quality Specialist

Kalmar Corporation; Ottawa (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

401K matching

Bonus program

Paid time off (3 weeks)

11 holidays

Job summary

Kalmar Ottawa is seeking a quality-focused professional to drive process quality improvements across production and supplier interfaces. You will lead cross-functional teams, implement quality controls, and leverage data analytics to forecast and prevent defects.

Responsibilities include managing NCRs, coordinating with engineering and production during PTRs/ECRs, and ensuring ISO 9001 standards are met while promoting sustainable practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, industrial, or quality) or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of quality standards and regulations (ISO 9001).
• Ability to read blueprints and understand manufacturing processes; proficient with quality tools like FMEA and SPC.

Responsibilities

• Improve robustness and capability of the process related to quality.
• Develop, implement, and monitor quality control systems and procedures throughout production and product lifecycle.
• Analyze design and processes to ensure quality standards are met.
• Lead cross-functional teams to solve production quality issues and drive root cause analysis.
• Coordinate PTRs and ECRs with Engineering and Production.
• Utilize ERP LN and QLM data to track quality performance.
• Administrate and coordinate the Deviation process.
• Provide detailed quality reports to management.

Skills

Quality management

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Data analysis

Statistical methods

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Google Suite

ERP LN

L2L

Empower QLM

Job description

At Kalmar, we are moving goods in critical supply chains around the world. As the forerunner in sustainable material handling equipment and services, we set the industry benchmark for a zero-emission future. We are driven by teamwork, innovation, and taking ownership to deliver results. With our global reach and local expertise, our success starts with a strong focus on the customer, ensuring their needs guide our daily work. We are dedicated to respecting others and fostering an inclusive culture where all voices are heard, empowering us to succeed together. With us, your work has an impact. Your work moves the world!

Join us and take your career to the next level

Purpose of the Position:

Improve process quality performance to produce products or sub-assemblies according to specification.
Provide a combination of technical expertise and leadership abilities to ensure the highest standards of quality in all production processes. Work cross-functionally to optimize manufacturing quality, drive continuous improvements, training and lead problem-solving activities.
Support with coordinating activities that are related to processing supplier non-conforming materials (NCR). This includes subsequent processes or activities that are required to be addressed due to the supplier NCRs

What are your key responsibilities:

Quality Management:

• Improve robustness/ capability of the process (incl. control plan, methods, tools) related to quality
• Develop, implement, and monitor quality control systems and procedures throughout the production process and product lifecycle.
• Analyze product design and processes to ensure quality standards are met.
• Utilize statistical methods to analyze quality data and identify trends or anomalies.
• Lead cross-functional teams to solve production quality and customer issues, implement corrective actions and drive root cause analysis.
• Develop sampling plans, quality related documentation.
• Collaborate with multiple departments to develop solutions with Production Trial Runs (PTR’s) and Engineering Change Requests (ECR).
• Utilize database management and ERP systems to track and manage production quality data.
• Ensure that quality standards align with sustainability practices, optimizing resource utilization and reducing waste.
• Employ advanced analytics techniques to analyze Quality control results and data visualizations to forecast potential quality issues and drive proactive measures.
• Provide detailed quality reports and performance analysis to the Management Team.
• Administrate and coordinate the Deviation process.

Supplier Quality Management:

• Develop SQA processes such as Internal NCR process, Supplier Warranty Claim process, Incoming Quality Control (IQC), Initial Sample Inspection Request (ISIR) process, etc.
• Supplier NCR (Nonconformity report) (LN system).
• Coordinate claims for supplier NCR with the stakeholders.
• Update the NCR information and status in LN, QLM and NCR Master list and close when addressed.
• Measure and control cost reduction due to inhouse rework and scrap disposition for supplier NCR.
• Supplier Warranty Claim (QLM system)
• Ensure that Supplier Warranty Claim process is carried out effectively.
• Ensure proper communication with all stakeholders and records for supplier warranty claims according to Ottawa Retention Plan such as POFR (Purchase Order for Return) /RGA (Return Good Authorization), supplier failure analysis reports (or equivalent), supplier CAPA and CoPQ reports.
• Ensure warranty claims are credited/ reimbursed back to Kalmar Ottawa according to agreed warranty terms and conditions e.g. Kalmar General Purchasing Agreement,
• Claim Golden Rules and Annex 2 Quality Requirements.
• Measure, monitor and report monthly supplier warranty claim performance.

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and quality excellence across the manufacturing process.
• Lead Voice of Customer at the plant.
• Foster a learning environment and improve team performance. Train problem-solving methods like 8D or A3, Fishbone, 5 Why, 6 Ms.

What we offer you:

"People who move together"

• Purpose that drives change: You'll have a direct impact on Kalmar’s future and contribute to solutions that
  transform global trade, creating environmental and operational breakthroughs.
• Competitive Benefits: You will have comprehensive healthcare options, matching 401K, performance based annual bonus system, 3 weeks paid time off and 11 holidays.
• People who move economies: You'll collaborate with a global team, build strong relationships, solve
  challenges, celebrate wins, and connect with colleagues and clients in an open, sustainable culture.
• Safety that moves us forward: Beyond physical safety, you'll benefit from the stability of a long-standing
  company, established in the 1940s, offering strong job security and a reliable foundation for your career.

What you bring to the role:

Education:

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as engineering (mechanical, industrial, or quality) or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
  High School Diploma or GED

Experience:

• 2+ years of relevant experience from a manufacturing environment
• Accuracy, Claims Adjusting, Multi Tasking, Customer Service, Database, Facilitation and Data Entry, Problem Solving and Root Cause analysis

Technical Skills:

• Ability to read blueprints, understand manufacturing processes, and use quality tools like FMEA and SPC.
• Knowledge of Google Suite, ERP LN, L2L and Empower QLM desired
• Knowledge of clerical and administrative procedures and systems.
• Knowledge of quality standards and regulations (ISO 9001).

Attention to Detail:

• A meticulous eye for detail is crucial for reviewing documentation and ensuring accuracy.
• Focus and remain on task in a fast-paced environment, multitask with ease
• Team-player and network building, experience of working with people from different background and culture
  Independent and enthusiastic approach to work

Analytical Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues.
• A strong ability to work with numbers/ data.
• Identify and address/ elevate opportunities for improvement.

Communication Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively between internal and external stakeholders.

Attention to Detail:

• A meticulous eye for detail is crucial for reviewing documentation and ensuring accuracy.
• Focus and remain on task in a fast-paced environment, multitask with ease

Other:

• Team-player and network building, experience of working with people from different background and culture
• Independent and enthusiastic approach to work

Cross-functional collaboration with:
Suppliers
QEHS
Production
Materials and Planning
R&D; Engineering
Sourcing, Supplier Development
Customers and other external stakeholders

About Kalmar

Kalmar (Nasdaq Helsinki: KALMAR) is moving goods in critical supply chains around the world, with the vision to be the forerunner in sustainable material handling equipment and services. The company offers a wide range of industry shaping heavy material handling equipment and services to ports and terminals, distribution centres, manufacturing and heavy logistics. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Kalmar operates globally in over 120 countries and employs approximately 5,300 people. In 2025, the company's sales totalled approximately EUR 1.7 billion.www.kalmarglobal.com