Process Quality Engineer - Melt

Grede • Reedsburg, WI

1d

About The Position

Grede is seeking a Process Quality Engineer to prevent defects, control process risk, and improve manufacturing quality in a high-volume ductile iron green sand-casting environment. The role advances process discipline through data ownership, standardization, and continuous improvement, while ensuring alignment with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements.

The engineer owns and analyzes shop-floor process quality data, improves process capability, and works with Melt, Maintenance, and Quality teams to reduce variation, delays, and scrap. The position also supports core quality systems and documentation, audits process adherence, and leads containment and rework activities for internal quality issues.

The work involves general office conditions with infrequent shop exposure or travel 10–30% of the time. The employee must be willing and able to wear all required PPE. Grede encourages applications from military veterans, Spanish-speaking candidates, and individuals seeking stable employment as a second chance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Metallurgical, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical experience in foundry manufacturing.
• Minimum 3–5 years of manufacturing quality or production experience, or related educational background.
• Demonstrated experience with internal defect reduction and process control.
• Demonstrated experience with PFMEAs, Control Plans, and process audits.
• Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Approach work assignments positively and function as a team member.
• Be willing and able to wear all required PPE.

Nice To Haves

• Automotive industry experience, with OEM or Tier 1 experience preferred.
• Foundry environment experience, with green sand casting strongly preferred.
• Spanish-speaking ability.
• Military service experience; transitioning service members and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Own shop-floor process quality data, ensuring its accuracy, visibility, and actionability.
• Monitor and improve process capability, including “Monetizer” SPC outputs.
• Analyze trends and use data to reduce variation and improve process and product quality.
• Hold weekly meetings to communicate trends with Melt, Maintenance, and Quality.
• Assist Maintenance in monitoring Melt furnaces and equipment.
• Assist the Melt department in identifying and eliminating delays and scrap.
• Ensure alignment among PFMEAs, process control plans, work instructions, process parameters, and inspection standards.
• Conduct control plan audits and layered audits to verify process adherence.
• Lead containment activities for internal quality issues.
• Develop and issue containment and rework instructions to production and quality teams.
• Support escalation processes for internal defects affecting customer deliveries.
• Supervise diversified work, operations, or procedures and make decisions within applied technology.

Benefits

• Up to $1,000 sign-on bonus.
• Base pay plus incentive pay and, for eligible positions, shift, weekend, and job premiums.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and supplemental life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Wellness programs and access to a Worksite Wellness Center, including for family members.
• 401(k) match.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• PPE allowances.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level