Overview
The Advanced Quality & Process Engineer is responsible for supporting and improving product quality throughout the manufacturing process. This role drives corrective and preventive actions, manages nonconforming material activities, supports customer and supplier quality initiatives, and ensures compliance with quality management system requirements. Working closely with manufacturing, engineering, and operations teams, the Advanced Quality & Process Engineer analyzes quality data, investigates root causes, and implements effective solutions that improve product quality and customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor manufacturing processes and quality performance to identify trends, opportunities for improvement, and potential quality risks.
- Utilize quality tools and statistical methods to evaluate process capability and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Partner with manufacturing teams to improve product quality, reduce defects, and enhance overall operational effectiveness.
Nonconformance Management & Containment
- Coordinate containment activities for nonconforming materials, including inventory, work-in-process, and finished goods.
- Support disposition of nonconforming material and ensure appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
- Develop and maintain inspection methods and control plans to prevent recurrence of quality issues.
Corrective and Preventive Actions
- Lead root cause investigations and corrective action activities using structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Facilitate implementation and verification of corrective and preventive actions.
- Utilize quality tools such as FMEA, control plans, and inspection plans to improve product and process quality.
Customer & Supplier Quality Support
- Support customer quality concerns, returns, and corrective action requests.
- Work with suppliers to address quality issues and drive corrective actions when necessary.
- Serve as a quality liaison between internal teams, customers, and suppliers.
Quality Systems & Compliance
- Create and maintain Nonconformance Reports (NCRs), corrective actions, and quality system documentation.
- Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and document control activities.
- Participate in internal audits and maintain compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100, and customer-specific requirements.
- Assist with First Article Inspections (FAI) and quality record maintenance.
Shop Floor Support
- Provide day-to-day quality support for manufacturing operations.
- Participate in quality review meetings and present quality performance metrics.
- Assist with inspection activities, product evaluations, and resolution of production quality issues.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
- 3-5+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality environment.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality management systems.
- Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
- Familiarity with First Article Inspection (AS9102) requirements.
- Experience using precision measuring equipment and inspection tools.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or similar certification.
- Experience in aerospace, manufacturing, or regulated industries.
- Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), PFMEA, and control plan development.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
- Ability to analyze quality data and identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
- Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to make sound decisions based on data and technical information.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills in a cross-functional manufacturing environment.