Quality Engineer

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.•Faribault, MN

34d•$75,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Tru Vue Inc., part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc., is seeking a Quality Engineer. Apogee Enterprises, Inc. is a profitable company with annual revenues approaching $1.5 billion, specializing in distinctive metal and glass solutions for commercial buildings and glass and acrylic solutions for picture framing and display applications. The Apogee Performance Surfaces segment has experienced significant growth and is a global leader in high-performance coatings. The Quality Engineer will provide subject matter expertise and training on visual inspection systems to production teams, develop and maintain quality equipment, and support the execution of quality programs to ensure product and process quality in accordance with quality principles, acceptance sampling, and measurement systems.

Requirements

An undergraduate degree in engineering, quality, business administration, science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Previous experience in manufacturing quality preferred.
Skill with programming (Visual Basics, Wonderware, or other programming language)
Effective verbal and written communication skills. Proven ability to compile information and produce accurate written documents and reports in a professional format.
Strong knowledge of quality management systems and related industry standards.
Auditing experience, experience developing and sustaining effective auditing systems.
Demonstrated skill in leading continuous improvement projects.
Demonstrated ability to develop and document processes.
Demonstrated creativity to explore and apply ideas and technologies in innovative ways.
Ability to read, write and understand work instructions (English).
Math and computer skills.
Ability to work and interact effectively with a variety of people at all levels inside and outside the organization.
Personal motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision.
Safely perform essential job responsibilities.
Eagerness to learn and grow.
Must be able to travel and work off-shifts as needed.

Nice To Haves

Formal Lean Six Sigma training preferred.
Working knowledge of statistical analysis software (i.e. Minitab, SPSS, JMP) preferred
Experience with development of data bases (i.e. SharePoint, MS Access) and interface tools (i.e. Power BI) is a plus.
American Society for Quality CQE certification preferred.
Vision Systems experience is a plus.
Strategic application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to drive business outcomes, enhance decision-making, and improve operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

Responsibility and ownership for the use of, accuracy, and effectiveness of automated inspection systems, including learning software to classify and mark defects according to product cosmetic specifications.
Continuously improve inspection system capabilities by analyzing defects, systems classifiers, and systems enhancements.
Provide site ownership of all inspection/vision systems, including in-line production systems and lab systems.
Ensure Quality Technicians, production leaders, and peers are adequately trained on SOP’s related to inspection systems.
Provide technical guidance, as required, in a 24/5 environment.
Maintain calibration & maintenance activities related to system performance.
Communicate regularly with systems manufacturer to stay current and improve knowledge.
Investigate industry trends and new technology related to vision and inspection systems.
Determine system capabilities and build supplemental quality processes to ensure customer requirements are met.
Provide support to quality resources assigned to production teams. Coach, train, and develop team to optimize quality support on shift. Provide input to the Quality Manager for administrative support of the quality team in terms of PTO, goal setting, performance reviews, etc. Work closely with shift Supervisors to ensure team is getting appropriate support from shift leadership.
Support the Quality Management System (QMS) components, including document control to manage work instructions, performing audits and completing audit reports, and following up on corrective actions.
Work closely with the quality team, support team and peers on quality initiatives. Lead efforts to publish, understand, and improve OEE yield metrics. Provide training and coaching on use of quality tools, process improvements and troubleshooting for day-to-day operations. Utilize statistical analysis and problem-solving techniques to reduce the cost of poor quality and resolve quality issues. Support and train others on identification of root causes of failures and low productivity, and implementation of solutions to prevent reoccurrence.
Lead projects to improve quality metrics.
Perform process capability studies to evaluate the design of new products and processes to validate and qualify for production. Develop standards and methods for inspection, testing, and evaluation. Work with Engineering and Operations personnel to review, update, and maintain procedures related to development of products/processes.
Provide quality updates to the organization through status reports including process verification, customer complaints, corrective and preventive action, internal audits, process capability, and product certification / rating status.
Make decisions based on collection of data; manage risks effectively; be aware of impact of decisions on other departments.
Interact and function effectively in a team environment.

Benefits

Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)
Incentive Plans
401(k) with employer contribution and match
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match
Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Wellness Program
Training and Career Progression