Quality Engineer

Valmont Industries, Inc. • Valley, NE

73d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Quality Engineer (QE) is responsible for developing, managing, and/or supporting quality engineering-related efforts within the Quality Assurance (QA) and/or Quality Control (QC) organizations. The area of focus encompasses all QA/QC functions, including process development and documentation, root cause analysis and corrective action, implementing alternatives to existing methods, and project management. Additionally, this Individual Contributor will work directly with multiple departments, and interact with managers, supervisors, and other individual contributors, such as design engineering, operations, and customers, to drive continuous improvements as they relate to quality and the overall operations performance, which includes establishing and achieving quality metrics. At times, this position may be called upon to assist with supplier evaluation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s with 3+ years of relevant experience or an associate’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience or 9+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience working in quality assurance or quality control.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• In-depth understanding and practical application of statistics as they relate to quality, such as sampling plans, data analysis, SPC, process capability analysis, etc.
• Proficient with Six Sigma tools such as pFMEA, CP, root cause analysis, MSA, etc.
• Ability to utilize Minitab or equivalent statistical analysis software.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering prints and specifications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to lead projects involving cross-functional team members, including mid-level managers.
• Ability to work with people at all levels throughout the organization, as well as certifying body auditors.
• Ability to work directly with customers as needed to support quality efforts.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, as well as organizational and follow-up skills.
• Proven ability to create and deliver effective group presentations and training.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to perform manual labor while in the field, including lifting 50 pounds and working in an environment where there is exposure to weather elements.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial or mechanical engineering with 5+ years of relevant experience in a metals manufacturing environment, which includes structural welding.
• Five years of experience working with QA or QC.
• Experience in metals fabrication, including structural welding.
• Relevant manufacturing experience as it pertains to transmission, distribution, traffic, lighting, communication, and substation products.
• Knowledge and experience working with DOT certification requirements by state jurisdiction.
• Experience dealing with customers and auditing agencies.
• Detailed understanding of AISC, ISO, and DOT requirements.
• 6-Sigma Green, Black, or Master Black Belt.
• Experienced in Minitab.
• NDT experience - particularly VT, MT, and UT.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and eliminates and/or mitigates risks as they pertain to achieving codes, engineering specifications, and customer specifications. This includes ensuring proper processes and procedures are documented, implemented, and executed.
• Serves as a quality liaison between QA, supply chain, operations, and design engineering when quality problems exist that affect product quality.
• Interprets Valmont quality requirements, including but not limited to, quality management system (QMS) documents, specifications, engineering prints, and external standards (e.g., AISC, ASTM, AWS).
• Leads and participates in formal problem-solving events. This includes leading team members who do not report to the QE position.
• Drives quality improvement processes using the appropriate tools (PFMEAs, process flow charts, control plans, capability studies, part layouts, MSA/Gage R&R, SPC, etc.) as required.
• Utilizes LEAN principles to minimize waste as it pertains to QC activities.
• May be called upon to define quality processes for new product introduction.
• Lead quality teams through process improvement events.
• Develop, communicate, and implement best practices as they pertain to quality.
• Interface with customers as needed to eliminate any nonconformance. This may, at times, include job-site visits.
• Work directly with QA and Operations management to establish quality metrics and ensure the metrics are achieved.
• Seeking cost savings opportunities related to quality improvements.
• Prepare and report quality activity updates for management to keep them apprised of quality initiatives and concerns.
• Participating in customer specification reviews.
• Conducts business on behalf of the Company in full compliance with the laws of the many jurisdictions in which we operate.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree