Quality Engineer

Job Summary:

The Quality Engineer (QE) plays an integral quality team role in maintaining and improving the quality of products.  This includes responsibility of identifying, implementing, and measuring quality improvements, quality system compliance, process controls, failure analysis, risk management, supplier quality, and customer satisfaction.  The QE will also support, and sometimes lead, the Internal Auditing, CAPA, SCAR, MSA, SPC, and complaints handling programs for the plant.  This role in the organization will be developed to utilize OpEx (Six Sigma / Lean) tools to improve yield, increase cost savings, and grow customer satisfaction. 

Essential Job Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential functions/duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties/functions may be added or assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Operations:

• Provides hands-on leadership and participation to drive quality improvement activities associated with manufacturing yields, customer return rates, customer complaints, quality system efficiencies, and in-process failures, using statistical analysis.
• Report on plant metrics associated with quality.
• Perform deviation investigations into quality issues involving design, production, and suppliers.
• Participate in Item Qualification / Commercialization activities from protocol development, to testing, to a completed final report.
• Support manufacturing initiatives associated with overall manufacturing quality.
• Support internal QMS requirements around internal auditing, supplier quality, CAPAs, Management Review, complaints, etc.
• Act as the backup Certified SQF (Safe Quality Food) Practitioner according to the current SQF code.
• Accountable for daily Quality Lab operations including Calibration, Gage R&R, SPC, and Advanced Quality Data Systems
• Work with Operations team to develop a PFMEA process.
• Assist with the implementation of current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs) related to food contact packaging, and aligned to any SQF requirements.
• Provide input to outsourced product performance requirements and recommend and implement applicable improvements (for products the plant purchases).
• Provide quality audit support for new suppliers and processes for new products.
• Must be able to interact and build relationships with various departments and customers.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and cost reduction.

Safety:

• Complies with the EH&S Policy and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Reports conditions or practices that are either unsafe or that may adversely impact the environment, to ensure prompt resolution of potential hazards.
• Attends scheduled EH&S training programs.
• Actively supports the organization’s efforts to meet or exceed EH&S goals and plans.
• Recommends improved EH&S practices.
• Practices safe work habits and follows general safety procedures such as proper lifting and bending, ergonomics, proper use of equipment and the use of personal protection equipment (PPE).
• Ensures that all fall protection procedures are strictly adhered to including but not limited to the use of harnesses, platform ladders, railings, lifts, etc.
• Ensures lockout procedures are followed any time the equipment is being cleaned or maintained.

Product Safety and Quality:

• Follows Product Safety and Quality standards.
• Follows GMP’s regarding food contact packaging as it pertains to the employee.
• Follows IPC product defense standards and complies with all SQF requirements.

Minimum Requirements (include education, experience, special skills, licenses and/or certifications required.)

The list below represents the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• BS degree or equivalent degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or other related field of study; or minimum of 3 years’ experience in Quality Assurance. 
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) preferred. 
• Six Sigma or Lean certification or training preferred. 
• Must be able to work independently and keep abreast of quality issues on the production floor. 
• Working knowledge of software programs - Microsoft Office Suite.  Minitab or other statistical software experience is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to proactively take initiative and complete tasks in a timely manner. 
• Effectively lead Change Management efforts. 
• Excellent oral/written communication skills.  Good problem-solving skills, analytical and statistical problem-solving tools. 
• Strong collaboration, negotiating, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills with the ability to work well with both technical and non-technical personnel, and influence the direction of projects. 
• Self-starter and the ability to plan and organize workload under minimum supervision.

Essential Physical Demands and Frequency:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. Inline Plastics Corp. is an EO employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.