Job Description
Manufacturing Quality Engineer
Permanent
Onsite in Billerica, MA
Responsibiliies:
- Own overall product quality performance and ensure alignment with customer and internal expectations.
- Act as the main point of contact for customer-facing quality issues and escalations.
- Identify product defects and non-conformances; lead root cause analysis and resolution.
- Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to prevent recurrence of issues.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce scrap, rework, and cost of poor quality.
- Collaborate with shop floor teams to define and maintain quality standards in production.
- Establish and optimize inspection processes, including sampling plans and acceptance criteria.
- Work with cross-functional teams (service, engineering, suppliers) on failure analysis and reliability improvement.
- Lead structured problem-solving efforts using methodologies like 8D and 5 Why.
- Ensure timely closure of quality issues and maintain compliance with internal processes.
- Conduct process and system audits to identify gaps and ensure adherence to standards.
- Monitor, analyze, and present quality metrics and performance trends to leadership.
- Support new product development by embedding quality requirements early in the lifecycle.
- Partner with suppliers to improve incoming material quality and performance.
- Contribute to lean and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
- Coordinate with global teams and support customer needs across different time zones.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline (or equivalent practical experience).
- Hands-on experience in manufacturing environments (machining, welding, fabrication, or assembly).
- Strong expertise in root cause analysis and structured problem-solving (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, DMAIC).
- Experience managing CAPA processes and resolving non-conformances.
- Working knowledge of quality management systems such as ISO 9001 (AS9100 is a plus).
- Proficiency in quality tools: SPC, FMEA, GD&T, control charts, and risk analysis methods.
- Experience with statistical analysis tools such as Minitab (or similar).
- Understanding of process capability studies, Gage R&R, and measurement system analysis.
- Familiarity with inspection planning, sampling techniques, and quality control processes.
- Exposure to supplier quality management and incoming inspection processes.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 6S principles.
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical thinking skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work across cross-functional teams.
- Effective communication skills for interacting with internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Flexibility to travel occasionally and support global operations when needed.