Quality Engineer

Gulf Wind Technology•New Orleans, LA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring high quality standards in composite manufacturing methods and processes for large composite components. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, the role focuses on maintaining APQP, ISO 9001, and AS9100 quality management systems and applying Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement. The engineer works with cross-functional teams to maintain compliance, optimize processes, improve product reliability, and report on KPIs and quality metrics that support a lean, high-quality manufacturing environment. The role includes sustaining the quality management system and supporting compliance with industry regulations, customer requirements, and internal standards. It also involves improving process and product quality through quality-data analysis, corrective and preventive actions, PPAP submissions, root cause analysis, and collaboration with engineering and production teams. Supplier support includes evaluating materials and components and assisting with supplier audits, performance monitoring, and defect resolution. The position is primarily based in a manufacturing environment, with exposure to production areas. Occasional travel is required for supplier audits, site visits, and customer visits. The company describes a collaborative work environment involving colleagues from multiple disciplines and backgrounds, with perspectives and viewpoints valued and respected.

Requirements

Minimum 1–5 years of experience in quality engineering within manufacturing or a related field, such as composites, aerospace, or automotive.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
Experience with root cause analysis methods such as 8D, 5Why, and Fishbone.
Proficiency in statistical analysis and quality tools such as SPC, MSA, and DOE.
Familiarity with manufacturing inspection techniques and non-destructive testing (NDT) for composites.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Project management experience.
Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
Ability to act as a change agent.
Prior experience in a customer-facing role.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
Proactive mindset and drive for continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, AS9100, and ISO 9001.
Strong understanding of composite materials and manufacturing processes.
Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt; ASQ preferred).
Certification as a Quality Engineer or Reliability Engineer.
Experience with ERP and QMS software.

Responsibilities

Sustain AS9100, ISO 9001, and APQP standards within the quality management system.
Ensure compliance with industry regulations, customer requirements, and internal quality standards.
Conduct and support internal and external audits.
Develop and maintain control plans, FMEAs, and value stream maps (VSMs) for manufacturing processes.
Use Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles to identify and implement process improvements.
Analyze quality data and trends to drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Develop, review, and validate PPAP submissions for new product introductions and supplier quality.
Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for process deviations and customer complaints.
Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve composite material processes.
Identify potential shortfalls in design processes and develop corrective actions to reduce defects.
Lead cost-of-poor-quality (CoPQ) reduction actions and monitor and audit their effectiveness.
Evaluate and approve raw materials and components for composite parts.
Support supplier quality activities, including audits, performance monitoring, and defect resolution.
Work with design and manufacturing engineers to ensure material specifications and quality requirements are met.
Generate and present reports on quality KPIs and non-conformances.
Maintain and update quality documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures, and inspection criteria.
Assist with customer communication and resolution of quality-related concerns.
Perform other duties as assigned.