Quality Engineer (Supplier)

American Rheinmetall•Lapeer, MI

About The Position

The Supplier Quality Engineer supports new product and process development, product launch, and manufacturing by applying quality engineering techniques. The role manages multiple projects and tasks and ensures products meet quality standards consistent with regulatory requirements. The engineer represents the organization and regularly interfaces with suppliers, supports plant activities involving supplier issues, and initiates corrective actions focused on process improvement. The position supports the quality management system and maintains quality documentation, including procedures and work instructions. It participates in APQP and cross-functional reviews of contracts, drawings, routings, purchase orders, work instructions, and production and development plans to meet customer quality requirements. The engineer determines inspection characteristics and methods, supports product qualification and launch, prepares inspection and submission documentation, coordinates measurement evaluations and tests, and leads or participates in corrective and preventive action efforts. The role also supports audits, nonconforming material disposition, inspector and associate training, continual improvement, customer submissions, Certificates of Conformance, and quality activities for assigned ECNs/PCRs.

Requirements

Associate degree in quality, or bachelor’s degree in quality, mechanical engineering, or industrial engineering, and five years of related experience and/or training; an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
Problem-solving and analytical skills.
Knowledge of the use and application of statistical process control.
Ability to carry out written, oral, or diagram-based instructions using common-sense understanding.
Ability to address problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Ability to produce accurate work meeting company standards with little to no rework.
Ability to seek out new tasks and expand capability to perform assigned tasks without direct supervision.
Punctuality and attendance.
Willingness and cooperativeness with coworkers and supervisors, and ability to accept constructive criticism.
Knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 14001 and ability to follow quality and environmental policies.
Ability to follow safety procedures and security protocols and wear proper PPE.
Ability to read and interpret drawings.
Ability to use and understand GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
Ability to use handheld and surface-plate measurement devices.
Computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
Must meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, and controlled substance testing.

Nice To Haves

ASQ (American Society for Quality) certification.

Responsibilities

Support adherence to quality management systems.
Create and maintain quality documents, procedures, and work instructions.
Participate in APQP for assigned projects and parts, reviewing contracts, drawings, process routings, purchase orders, work instructions, and related production and development plans with a cross-functional group.
Review assigned contracts for customer-specific requirements.
Keep assigned Plex workflow actions current.
Determine the metrics and product characteristics to be inspected.
Determine inspection methods and devices.
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers to assess critical product characteristics to be measured.
Apply statistical process control (SPC) tools and methods as required.
Assist with qualification of new products and launch activities.
Prepare product inspection and sample-submission documentation, including PPAPs, FAIs, FMEAs, Control Plans, Check Sheets, and Quality Alerts.
Conduct or coordinate measurement evaluations and tests, including FAI, Gage R&R, and MSA.
Lead and participate in Corrective/Preventive Action teams addressing customer, supplier, and production concerns.
Work with representatives to eliminate defects using root cause and corrective actions, lean techniques, A3s, countermeasures, Six Sigma, poka-yoke, and error-proofing.
Maintain working knowledge of government, customer, and industry standards and specifications.
Communicate significant issues identified during quality activities and recommend process improvements to the team and management.
Participate as a Material Review Board member to determine timely dispositions of nonconforming material and ensure controls verify rework performed.
Participate in Core Process audits, implement corrective actions, and recommend process improvements.
Support and instruct inspectors and create work instructions.
Train associates on product key characteristics to improve quality awareness.
Participate in and initiate continual improvement activities.
Complete customer submissions and uploads and create Certificates of Conformance for products.
Perform assigned quality-related activities for ECN/PCR.
Follow quality and environmental policies, safety procedures, and security protocols, and wear proper PPE.