Quality Engineer Nonwoven -1445

SP Associates•Greenville, SC

19h

About The Position

A leading nonwoven textiles manufacturer is seeking a Quality Engineer with 2–3 years of hands-on experience in nonwoven / extrusion-based nonwoven production or textile manufacturing quality. This role supports quality engineering activities to ensure consistent fiber and fabric performance across spunbond and/or meltblown processes. The Quality Engineer will work closely with production, engineering, and quality teams to monitor process performance, investigate quality issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Experience with hygiene-grade nonwoven extrusion is highly desirable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
2–3 years of experience in quality engineering, manufacturing quality, or textile/nonwoven production.
Understanding of extrusion-based nonwoven manufacturing processes, including spunbond and/or meltblown technologies.
Knowledge of textile structure-property relationships and nonwoven fabric performance characteristics.
Understanding of polymer processing, preferably polypropylene.
Experience with quality tools including root cause analysis, SPC, FMEA, and corrective action processes.
Ability to interpret technical specifications, drawings, testing requirements, and customer standards.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
Ability to work effectively with production and engineering teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with hygiene nonwoven applications such as diapers, wipes, medical textiles, or filtration materials.
Familiarity with multilayer nonwoven structures such as SMS and SMMS.
Knowledge of ASTM/ISO textile testing standards for nonwoven materials.
Experience supporting Six Sigma or continuous improvement initiatives.
Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent training.

Responsibilities

Support quality activities across extrusion, fiber spinning, web formation, and bonding processes.
Monitor and analyze textile performance characteristics including basis weight (GSM), fiber diameter, filament distribution, tensile strength, elongation, and fabric uniformity.
Perform quality inspections and support the identification and resolution of fabric defects such as streaks, holes, thin/thick areas, and contamination.
Assist with structured problem-solving activities using tools such as 5 Whys, 8D, root cause analysis, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
Collect and analyze process data using Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods to identify trends and reduce process variation.
Work with production teams to optimize extrusion process parameters including temperature, throughput, quench air, and draw ratios.
Develop and maintain quality documentation including control plans, inspection standards, work instructions, and testing procedures.
Perform and review nonwoven fabric testing including tensile, tear, air permeability, thickness, and uniformity testing.
Support product trials, process improvements, and new product introductions.
Assist with internal audits and maintain compliance with quality standards such as ISO 9001.
Support customer complaint investigations and corrective/preventive action activities.
Provide technical support and training to quality technicians and production employees.