Quality Engineer

Alfa Laval • Richmond, VA

14d • $85,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Every day, we get opportunities to make a positive impact – on our colleagues, partners, customers and society. Together, we’re pioneering the solutions of the future and unlocking the full potential of precious resources. Trusted to act on initiative, we challenge conventional thinking to develop world-leading technologies that inspire progress in vital areas, including energy, food, water and shipping. As we push forward, the innovative, open spirit that fuels our 140-year-old start-up culture and rapid growth also drives our personal growth. So, as we shape a more resourceful, less wasteful world, we build our careers too. About the job As an integral member of our team, you will play a pivotal role responsible for developing quality, that is, strengthening our ability to deliver according to agreed customer requirements. The customers are large, global companies and world leaders in their industries, which makes quality work both business critical and developmental. You will have the opportunity to work in the factory, that is on a critical journey of quality excellence, and we need to build a stronger “Voice of Quality.” Your mission is to be a catalyst for this change. You will not just maintain standards, you will redesign processes, eradicate root causes, and instill a passion for “Right First Time” and Zero-Defect mentality across the organization. If you are driven by data, system thinking, and leading cultural change, this is your role. Currently, this is an Onsite opportunity located in Richmond, VA.

Requirements

• You have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science (Industrial, Metallurgical, Mechanical or related) with relevant experience, and:
• 3-5 years in quality engineering within an engineered to order manufacturing environment.
• Essential Mindset, a proactive, system-thinking problem-solver and strives for operational excellence.
• Be a collaborative coach who can influence technicians, managers, and internal suppliers without formal authority.
• Expert in quality core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC), preferred.
• Skilled in RCA methodologies and data analysis (Minitab, Excel), preferred.
• Excellent communicator who can translate data into compelling stories for action, preferred.
• High 5S standard, preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in cultural change initiatives is a major plus.
• ISO-9001 and ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), preferred.
• Six Sigma Yellow / Green Belt, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Champion a Problem-Solving Culture: Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) using 8D/A3 methodologies, focusing on systemic fixes, train others in this mindset. Drive the closure of Corrective/Preventive Actions (CAPA) with rigorous verification.
• Design & Optimize Quality Systems: Work with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning), that is, structural quality assurance of products and processes.
• Tighten Control Plans & FMEA: Transform them from detection-based checklists to prevention-focused blueprints by integrating mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke) and statistical controls.
• Build Robust Traceability: Spearhead projects to enhance digital traceability from raw material to finished goods, closing critical data gaps.
• Own Leading KPIs: Develop, monitor, and report on proactive metrics like First Time Through (FTT) Rate, Poka-Yoke Coverage %, and RCA Effectiveness.
• Manage the Internal Supply Chain with Rigor: Develop and implement an Internal Supplier Quality Scorecard for our European and Asian sister factories. Establish clear Quality Agreements and lead quality reviews to ensure incoming material excellence.
• Act as quality support in the industrialization of new products and new production equipment.
• Become the “Voice of Quality”: Proactively communicate quality goals, wins, and learnings via a “Quality Wall,” dashboards, and regular cross-functional meetings.
• Identify and lead Continuous Improvement (CI) projects using Lean/Six Sigma principles to reduce waste and improve process capability.

Benefits

• Our benefits-eligible associates enjoy healthcare, dental and vision plans, a robust wellness program, generous 401(k), paid holidays, paid time off benefits, and more.

What This Job Offers

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