Quality System Engineer

Mueller Water Products; Cleveland (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Mueller Water Products is seeking a Quality System Engineer to maintain the Quality Management System and ISO certification while driving continuous improvement across lean initiatives. You will collaborate with product engineering to set quality specifications for materials and processes, develop QC plans, and publish standards throughout the site.

The role emphasizes leading Kaizen events and Six Sigma projects, mentoring teams, and driving data‑driven decisions to raise productivity and

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing and demonstration of lean practices.
• Proactive, “take the reins” mentality for addressing supplier quality issues.
• Ability to build relationships internally and externally to the facility.
• Ability to build and execute a medium‑to‑mistake strategy for both quality and continuous improvement functions.
• Comfortable with change and developing new ideas; managing status quo is insufficient.
• Comfortable coaching, developing, and holding others accountable.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve goals through influence.
• Analytical mindset.
• Capability to adapt to system/technology changes and use of current systems.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to blend multiple data sources and provide recommendations.
• Exposure to global mindset and diversity.
• Ability to follow and challenge standard work processes daily.
• Ability to identify roadblocks in material/information flow and manage exceptions.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Risk awareness and mitigation.
• Knowledge of statistical process control techniques.

Responsibilities

• Drive process discipline and adherence to standards.
• Maintain ISO certification for the site.
• Manage the Quality Management System activities.
• Define and publish quality specifications and standards with engineering.
• Develop inspection and sampling techniques and QC plans.
• Develop and implement QMS adhering to ISO standards.
• Develop and implement an audit program.
• Drive Lean Six Sigma across the facility.
• Lead Kaizen and Six Sigma projects to optimize value streams.
• Engage cross‑functional teams for accountability and results.
• Lead projects to drive productivity and quality improvements.
• Monitor organizational performance metrics for continuous improvement.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Statistical process control

Excel skills

Analytical mindset

Change management

Influence

Data integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

Job Title

Quality System Engineer

Overview

Position within Mueller Water Products, Inc. (subsidiary Mueller Company) responsible for maintaining the Quality Management System, ISO certification, and driving continuous improvement through Lean Six Sigma.

Essential Functions / Responsibilities

• Drive process discipline, connect with stakeholders to increase ownership of process and adherence to standards.
• Maintain ISO certification for the site.
• Manage overall efforts and activities of the Quality Management System.
• Work with product engineering to define, establish and publish quality specifications, procedures and standards for raw materials, in‑process, and finished products.
• Develop and recommend inspection and sampling techniques, quality control plans, and process control procedures to ensure production meets quality specifications and standards.
• Develop and implement QMS adhering to all ISO standards.
• Develop and implement an audit program.
• Drive lean and statistical process control throughout the facility by ensuring standard utilization of Lean Six Sigma practices.
• Lead Kaizen Events and Six Sigma projects within and across operations to optimize Value Stream performance.
• Engage teams in other departments and divisions to foster high involvement, accountability, and results.
• Lead projects to drive change and achieve productivity and quality improvements.
• Develop, establish and monitor quantitative organizational performance measurement systems to drive continuous improvement.
• Facilitate high level employee participation on teams and in events.

Required Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing and demonstration of lean practices.
• Proactive, “take the reins” mentality for addressing supplier quality issues.
• Ability to build relationships internally and externally to the facility.
• Ability to build and execute a medium‑to‑mistake strategy for both quality and continuous improvement functions.
• Comfortable with change and developing new ideas; managing status quo is insufficient.
• Comfortable coaching, developing, and holding others accountable.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve goals through influence.
• Analytical mindset.
• Capability to adapt to system/technology changes and use of current systems.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to blend multiple data sources and provide recommendations.
• Exposure to global mindset and diversity.
• Ability to follow and challenge standard work processes daily.
• Ability to identify roadblocks in material/information flow and manage exceptions.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Risk awareness and mitigation.
• Knowledge of statistical process control techniques.

Desired Qualifications

• Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.
• Experience working with rubber injection and compression molding is a plus.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline preferred.

5+ years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment.

10+ years progressive work‑related experience with proficiency in multiple disciplines/technologies/processes related to the position.

Proven supervisory experience with ability to lead toward common goals.

Experience working in a Lean manufacturing environment in metal machining and fabrication.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in stationary or standing position for prolonged periods and alternate between.
• Ability to repeat gross or fine manipulation that may include the use of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, steel‑toed shoes, ear plugs while working in an industrial environment.
• Ability to communicate with others in person, via phone, or computer.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects up to 25 pounds in all directions.
• Ability to reach overhead or at or below shoulder level.
• Ability to work around hot, heavy machinery.
• Ability to work in an open warehouse environment with seasonal weather extremes.
• Must function in a high‑pressure production environment.

Travel Requirements

Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Well‑being program and Employee Assistance Program.
• Life insurance and supplemental group rates.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mueller Water Products, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

This employer participates in E‑Verify.