Senior Quality Engineer

Smardt Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Benefits from day 1

401K matching program

Collaborative global environment

Job summary

Smardt Inc. in the Phoenix area seeks a Senior Quality Engineer to drive manufacturing excellence across NPI, supplier quality, in-process manufacturing, final test, shipment readiness, and after-market quality.

You will lead cross-functional problem solving, implement CAPA and PFMEA, and standardize processes to reduce defects, waste, and customer impact. This role requires 5+ years in manufacturing quality and strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical or manufacturing engineering; ISO/NPI experience considered a plus.
• Six Sigma/Kaizen credentials are advantageous.
• Strong problem solving, data analysis, and process improvement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional rapid response to manufacturing, supplier, customer, and field quality issues.
• Analyze nonconformances, test data, and field failures to identify trends and priorities.
• Lead structured problem solving (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone) and implement CAPA with verification.
• Develop and implement Production Control Plans, PFMEA, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Drive in-process quality controls, process capability, and error-proofing to reduce defects and waste.
• Develop or support product test plans, commissioning, and test-rig performance testing.
• Lead product pre-shipment readiness reviews ensuring quality and documentation readiness.
• Participate in design/NPI reviews for manufacturability and quality risk.
• Support supplier audits and supplier corrective actions to reduce recurring defects.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Root cause analysis

Process capability

PFMEA/Control Plans

CAPA

8D problem solving

In-process quality control

NPI involvement

Data-driven decision making

Quality data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical or manufacturing engineering

Six Sigma

Kaizen

ISO experience

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.

What We're Looking For:

TheSenior 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.
• Participate in design/NPI reviews for manufacturability, testability, component reliability, and quality risk.
• Support supplier audits and supplier corrective actions with Supplier Quality and Procurement to reduce recurring defects and failures.

What You'll Bring:

Experience:

• Mminimum 5+ years of relevant quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Manufacturing quality and quality systems experience, with complex engineered products a nd 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.