Senior Quality Engineer

Smardt; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Benefits from day 1

401K matching

Collaborative global environment

Job summary

Smardt in Phoenix, AZ, is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to drive manufacturing excellence across NPI, supplier quality, and in-process manufacturing.

You will lead cross-functional problem solving (8D, 5 Whys), develop PFMEA/Control Plans, CAPA, and rigorous quality controls to ensure first-pass success and on-time release. 5+ years required; ISO 9001 knowledge preferred. Join a global team delivering energy-efficient HVAC solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical or manufacturing engineering.
• Six Sigma, Kaizen, ISO is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional rapid response to manufacturing, supplier, customer, and field quality issues.
• Analyze NCAR/nonconformance, process, test, RMA, and field-failure data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement priorities.
• Lead structured problem solving using 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, and other appropriate methods; implement and verify CAPA and effective containment.
• Develop and implement process standardization and quality controls, including Production Control Plans, PFMEA, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Drive in-process quality control, process capability, and Poka-Yoke/error-proofing to reduce defects, waste, and rework.
• Develop or support product test plans, commissioning, and test-rig performance testing; validate process changes through trials and capability studies.
• Lead product pre-shipment readiness reviews to ensure critical quality, test, documentation, and technical issues are resolved prior to release.
• Support supplier audits and supplier corrective actions with Supplier Quality and Procurement to reduce recurring defects and failures.

Skills

Quality engineering

Cross-functional leadership

Root cause analysis

CAPA

PFMEA/Control Plans

Process capability

SOPs/work instructions

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical or manufacturing engineering

Tools

ISO 9001

UL

ASME

RoHS

Job description

As a global pioneer in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology with an expanding portfolio of thermal management solutions, Smardt is dedicated to delivering high-efficiency and energy-saving systems for industries, real estate developments, health care and educational centers worldwide. We operate manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, China, and Australia, with a team of over 900 employees. With a focus on reliability, performance, and environmental stewardship, Smardt continues to redefine industry standards through advanced engineering and a commitment to a more sustainable future.

The Senior Quality Engineer is a key technical member of the Quality team, driving manufacturing excellence through a data-driven, fact-based approach across the product lifecycle - from NPI and supplier quality through in-process manufacturing, final test, shipment readiness, and after-market quality.

The role leads cross-functional issue resolution, process standardization, root cause and corrective action, and continuous improvement to reduce waste, rework, defects, and customer impact.

What You’ll Do

• Lead cross-functional rapid response to manufacturing, supplier, customer, and field quality issues.
• Analyze NCAR/nonconformance, process, test, RMA, and field-failure data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement priorities.
• Lead structured problem solving using 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, and other appropriate methods; implement and verify CAPA and effective containment.
• Develop and implement process standardization and quality controls, including Production Control Plans, PFMEA, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Drive in-process quality control, process capability, and Poka-Yoke/error-proofing to reduce defects, waste, and rework.
• Develop or support product test plans, commissioning, and test-rig performance testing; validate process changes through trials and capability studies.
• Lead product pre-shipment readiness reviews to ensure critical quality, test, documentation, and technical issues are resolved prior to release.
• Support supplier audits and supplier corrective actions with Supplier Quality and Procurement to reduce recurring defects and failures.

Experience

What You’ll Bring:

• Minimum 5+ years of relevant quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Manufacturing quality and quality systems experience, with complex engineered products and HVAC equipment.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional RCA, corrective action, nonconformance resolution, and continuous improvement.
• Hands-on experience with in-process quality controls, process capability, PFMEA/Control Plans, standardized work, and error-proofing.

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical or manufacturing engineering.
• Six Sigma, Kaizen, ISO is an asset

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of New Product Development / NPI and stage-gate reviews.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, UL, ASME, and RoHS requirements.
• Knowledge of reliability analysis, product/system qualification, and RMA processes.
• Working knowledge of PFMEA, Production Control Plans, SOPs/work instructions, process capability, and in-process quality control.
• Ability to develop/review product test plans, commissioning requirements, and test-rig performance results.

Core Competencies

• Proven ability to work independently and lead effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Data-driven, fact-based, analytical, and critical-thinking approach with a strong sense of urgency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including customer-facing technical discussions.
• Collaborative, practical change leader with a continuous-improvement mindset.

What We Offer: EDIT TO REFLECT REGION AND OFFERING

• Competitive compensation.
• Health and Dental Benefits from day one.
• 401K matching program.
• A collaborative global environment with opportunities for growth.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Smardt is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

As part of our hiring process, Smardt conducts background checks in compliance with applicable laws.

Please note that Smardt does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Services Agreement with agency/recruiter, we will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee.