Job Description:
Quality Engineer
Job Summary
The Quality Engineer supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality systems, processes, and documentation within a manufacturing environment. This role partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Customer Support, and customers to ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and other applicable quality standards. The Quality Engineer drives corrective actions, supports APQP/PPAP activities, manages customer quality issues, and contributes to a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Management System & Documentation
- Develop, maintain, and revise quality system documentation, including procedures, work instructions, specifications, and controlled forms.
- Drive the implementation and ongoing administration of the document control system to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and compliance.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create and update Quality Management System (QMS) documentation.
- Review and improve existing work instructions and procedures to support operational effectiveness and standardization.
- Ensure all documentation aligns with IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
Customer Quality & Corrective Action Management
- Partner with Customer Support teams to ensure customer complaints are accurately documented, investigated, and tracked through resolution.
- Maintain customer complaint records, forms, databases, and reporting systems.
- Lead or support root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Initiate and facilitate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) when required.
- Monitor complaint trends, quality metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs), providing regular analysis and reporting.
- Follow up on corrective actions to ensure timely closure and effectiveness.
Customer Support & Communication
- Support customer-related quality activities, including surveys, scorecards, and requests for quality data.
- Serve as a key quality contact for customers, providing timely status updates on quality concerns and improvement initiatives.
- Foster strong customer relationships through professional communication and issue resolution.
APQP / PPAP & New Product Introduction
- Support and facilitate Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities for new product launches and product changes.
- Assist in preparation and submission of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation.
- Coordinate with Engineering, Operations, and Customer Support teams to ensure successful completion of APQP and PPAP requirements.
- Monitor project milestones and customer deliverables to ensure compliance with quality expectations.
Audits & Continuous Improvement
- Support internal, customer, and third-party audits.
- Conduct internal process audits to evaluate compliance and identify improvement opportunities.
- Assist in preparing audit documentation, responding to findings, and implementing corrective actions.
- Drive closure of audit findings and verify effectiveness of corrective actions.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, process performance, and customer satisfaction.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Customer Quality, or a related operational environment.
- Experience in an automotive or highly regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
Technical Skills
- Working knowledge of quality management systems and quality improvement methodologies.
- Familiarity with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, APQP, PPAP, and corrective action processes.
- Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Experience with document control systems and quality management software is preferred.
Core Competencies
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
- Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Customer-focused mindset with a sense of urgency and accountability.
- Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and drive improvement initiatives across all levels of the organization.
Working Conditions
- Primarily based in a manufacturing environment with periodic office work.
- Requires regular standing, walking, and interaction with production operations.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
- Occasional lifting, carrying, or movement of materials may be required.
- Periodic travel may be required to support customer meetings, audits, or supplier visits.
ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
