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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Quality Control Engineer

💰 $75,000 - $115,000

EngineeringQuality AssuranceManufacturingProcess Improvement

🎯 Role Definition

As a Quality Control Engineer, you are the cornerstone of our commitment to excellence. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust quality assurance systems and processes that ensure our products not only meet but exceed customer expectations and regulatory standards. This role requires a meticulous, proactive, and analytical mindset, as you'll be deeply involved in every stage of the product lifecycle, from design and development to manufacturing and post-market surveillance. You will be a key driver of our continuous improvement culture, using data-driven insights to solve complex problems and enhance operational efficiency.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Quality Control Technician / Inspector
  • Junior Manufacturing or Process Engineer
  • Engineering Intern / Co-op

Advancement To:

  • Senior Quality Engineer / Lead Quality Engineer
  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Supplier Quality Engineering Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Process Improvement Engineer / Continuous Improvement Specialist
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Supplier Quality Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive quality control plans, inspection procedures, and testing protocols to ensure products meet stringent company and customer specifications.
  • Lead and document root cause analysis (RCA) investigations for product non-conformances, utilizing methodologies like 8D, 5 Whys, and Fishbone diagrams to implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing processes by applying Lean Six Sigma principles to reduce defects, minimize waste, and enhance overall product quality and efficiency.
  • Manage the calibration program for all inspection, measurement, and test equipment (IM&TE), ensuring all devices are calibrated, certified, and maintained in compliance with industry standards.
  • Serve as the primary quality liaison during internal and external audits (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949), preparing necessary documentation and representing the quality department to auditors.
  • Perform advanced statistical analysis on production data using Statistical Process Control (SPC) to monitor process capability, identify trends, and drive data-informed decisions for process adjustments.
  • Create and manage detailed quality documentation, including work instructions, inspection reports, control plans, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) documents.
  • Collaborate directly with the design and R&D teams to provide critical input on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and ensure quality requirements are integrated early in the product development lifecycle.
  • Oversee the supplier quality management process, including supplier qualification audits, performance monitoring, and collaborating with suppliers to resolve quality issues and improve material conformity.
  • Train production staff, technicians, and inspectors on quality control procedures, standards, the use of measurement tools, and visual inspection criteria to foster a quality-first culture.
  • Manage the Material Review Board (MRB) process to disposition non-conforming materials and products, ensuring proper documentation and follow-up actions are completed.
  • Utilize and interpret Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) from engineering drawings to develop inspection methods and ensure part compliance.
  • Drive the resolution of customer complaints by leading investigation teams, communicating findings to stakeholders, and ensuring corrective actions prevent recurrence.
  • Develop and report on key quality metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to senior management, providing clear insights into quality performance and improvement activities.
  • Validate new or modified manufacturing processes, equipment, and test methods to ensure they are capable of consistently producing products that meet established requirements.
  • Review and approve engineering change orders (ECOs) and deviations, assessing their impact on product quality and compliance.
  • Lead gauge R&R (Repeatability and Reproducibility) studies to assess the viability and precision of measurement systems.
  • Interface with customers and regulatory bodies on quality-related matters, acting as a technical expert and representative of the company.
  • Conduct risk assessments on products and processes to proactively identify potential quality failures and implement mitigation strategies.
  • Author, review, and approve validation and verification protocols and reports for new products and process changes.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to uncover hidden quality trends.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader data strategy and roadmap, advocating for quality data integrity.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate customer feedback and data needs into tangible engineering requirements.
  • Participate actively in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies within the cross-functional product teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep understanding and practical application of quality management systems and standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or IATF 16949.
  • Proficiency in quality engineering methodologies including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA.
  • Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis tools (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone/Ishikawa diagrams) and implementing CAPAs.
  • Strong knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings.
  • Hands-on experience with a variety of metrology and inspection equipment, such as CMMs, vision systems, calipers, and micrometers.
  • Competency in statistical analysis software (e.g., Minitab, JMP) for process capability studies and data-driven problem-solving.
  • Experience in leading or participating in internal and external quality audits.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a meticulous, detail-oriented approach to identifying and resolving quality issues.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication abilities, capable of collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams including engineering, production, and supply chain.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for creating clear documentation and presenting technical information to diverse audiences.
  • Strong leadership and project management capabilities with the ability to influence others and drive initiatives to completion.
  • A proactive, self-motivated mindset with a relentless drive for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
  • Adaptability and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in an engineering or technical discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in Engineering or a related field.
  • Professional certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Six Sigma Green or Black Belt (CSSGB/CSSBB).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of direct experience in a quality engineering role within a manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a highly regulated industry such as aerospace, medical device, automotive, or electronics manufacturing.
  • Proven track record of leading significant process improvement projects with quantifiable results.
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