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The Apparel QA Engineer Specialist plays a key role in establishing and advancing quality assurance processes for Meijer Own Brand Softlines. This role focuses on building QA infrastructure, ensuring product integrity, and partnering closely with Product Development, Technical Design, Sourcing, Merchandising, Compliance, and global vendor partners to ensure all Own Brand products meet Meijer’s standards for quality, safety, and performance.
Position will follow our hybrid schedule: Monday-Wednesday in Grand Rapids MI office, Thursday-Friday remote.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Responsible in building and executing foundational QA processes, infrastructure, technical standards and training for Meijer’s Own Brand Quality Program for Apparel products.
- Develop and maintain product requirements and construction standards for general wearing apparel.
- Create and refine testing protocols, aligning with apparel industry best practices.
- Partner with the Apparel Compliance Specialist to ensure regulatory requirements are accurately reflected in testing protocols and tech packs.
- Coordinate with testing labs and vendors to ensure products are tested and inspected according to Meijer protocols and standards.
- Review testing and inspection failures, conduct root‑cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions.
- Acting business lead for quality assurance related best practices for apparel.
- Work with overseas agents, direct vendors, and manufacturers to align on quality expectations and resolve production issues.
- Support vendor qualification efforts and contribute to the development of Meijer’s vendor scorecard and quality management system.
- Participate in the selection of approved labs and provide input on vendor and manufacturer capability assessments.
- Communicate with internal teams, stores, vendors, labs and overseas agents on quality topics, production issues, and product investigations.
- Execute quality initiatives and program direction as defined by the QA Apparel Manager.
- Lead post‑launch product evaluation strategies, including analysis of customer returns, complaints, and in‑store product reviews.
- Identify quality risks early and recommend preventive actions.
- Contribute to the development of scalable QA processes and tools that improve product consistency and reduce defects.
- Provide technical guidance to cross‑functional partners to strengthen product integrity across categories.
- This job profile is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.
What You'll Bring With You:
- Bachelor’s degree, with a preference for a degree in Apparel and Textile Technology and Quality Assurance
- 7 years of direct Apparel quality assurance experience in a retail or private‑label environment, with strong leadership in quality initiatives and cross‑functional collaboration preferred
- At least 3 years of experience guiding or leading quality functions or initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of apparel quality management systems and preventive QA practices.
- Working knowledge of AQL standards and their application specific to the Apparel industry.
- Solid understanding of garment construction for cut‑and‑sew knits, sweater knits, wovens, denim and related materials.
- Experience partnering with overseas agents, indirect vendors, and global manufacturers.
- Proven ability to identify quality risks early and implement effective preventive actions.
- Thrives in building new processes and influencing adoption in a fast‑paced environment.
- Able to produce accurate, high‑quality work quickly and support others in doing the same.
- Comfortable working across all divisions and organizational levels.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint; PLM experience is a plus.
- Strong independent problem‑solving, analytical, and assessment skills.
- BS in Engineering or Physical Science Masters or Advanced Degree (Materials, Textiles, Chemical) a plus
- Professional Quality Certifications preferred (ASQ CQE, CRE, Lean Six Sigma, etc.)
