Associate Quality Engineer

Seaway Plastics•Vadnais Heights, MN

10d•$75,000

About The Position

The Associate Quality Engineer is an entry-level opportunity for an engineering professional looking to build a career in Quality Engineering within a manufacturing environment. This role provides hands-on exposure to quality systems, process validation, root cause analysis, CAPA, continuous improvement, and manufacturing processes while working alongside experienced Quality, Engineering, and Production team members. Recent engineering graduates are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline preferred.
0–2 years of experience in quality, engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical environment preferred.
Exposure to or an interest in learning process validation activities, including IQ, OQ, and PQ.
Basic understanding of root cause analysis, corrective action, and problem-solving techniques.
Basic ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Good written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Eagerness to learn, take initiative, and develop a career in Quality Engineering.
Valid identification and ability to legally work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Relevant internships, co-op experience, or academic projects may be considered.
Familiarity with quality systems or regulated manufacturing environments is a plus.
Exposure to ISO 13485, FDA quality requirements, cGMP, or cGDP is preferred but not required.
Exposure to GD&T is preferred.
Experience or exposure to ERP systems such as Epicor is a plus.
Familiarity with document control, change control, and revision control is preferred.

Responsibilities

Support development and sustaining quality activities for assigned programs, including part validation, qualification, and ongoing compliance.
Participate in the organization’s Stage-Gate approach to product realization and new product introduction.
Assist with validation activities, including IQ, OQ, and PQ protocols and reports, under the guidance of experienced Quality and Engineering team members.
Support quality planning activities, including Process Flow Diagrams, Process FMEAs, Control Plans, work instructions, and inspection instructions.
Assist with customer quality concerns, investigations, documentation, and corrective actions.
Participate in CAPAs, SCARs, RMAs, and other quality improvement activities.
Support the review and disposition of internally produced nonconforming material.
Work collaboratively with Manufacturing, Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain teams to identify and resolve quality issues.
Participate in internal, customer, ISO 13485, and regulatory audits, including audit preparation, documentation, and follow-up activities.
Analyze quality and production data to identify trends and opportunities to improve product and process performance.
Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma principles to help reduce defects, scrap, rework, and customer complaints.
Participate in structured problem-solving activities such as 8D, DMAIC, A3, and root cause analysis, with guidance from senior team members.
Assist Production, Engineering, and Processing teams with updating Control Plans, work instructions, inspection methods, and other quality documentation.
Support shop-floor quality initiatives and help reinforce adherence to established processes, procedures, and quality standards.
Assist with NCR and MRB activities, including investigation, documentation, disposition, risk assessment, corrective actions, and closure.
Develop knowledge of quality engineering tools, regulatory requirements, manufacturing processes, and continuous improvement methodologies through hands-on experience and mentorship.