Quality Engineer

Brio Water Technology•City of Industry, CA

49d•$110,000 - $125,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Quality Engineer is responsible for developing test methods and protocols, validating supplier testing methods, and investigating technical issues with our water refrigeration and ice production products. This role serves as a critical link between engineering, manufacturing, and customer satisfaction—driving continuous improvement initiatives across all phases of the product lifecycle, from supplier qualification through final delivery. A central responsibility of this role is the rigorous investigation and resolution of product quality issues. The Quality Engineer is expected to lead all troubleshooting efforts with a structured, data-driven mindset—rapidly diagnosing failures in the field or on the production floor, identifying true root causes (not symptoms), and driving permanent corrective actions that prevent recurrence. Speed, thoroughness, and technical depth in problem-solving are core performance expectations for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related field
3–7 years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment; refrigeration, water treatment, or food-grade equipment preferred
Demonstrated knowledge of ISO 9001 QMS requirements and audit processes
Proven track record of leading structured root cause analysis investigations from problem identification through verified corrective action closure; must be able to provide examples of RCA reports and CAPA outcomes from prior roles
Hands-on proficiency with RCA and problem-solving methodologies: 8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa/fishbone, fault tree analysis (FTA), and DMAIC; ability to select and apply the right tool based on failure complexity
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electromechanical systems—including refrigeration cycles, water flow systems, and electrical controls—through logical, hypothesis-driven investigation rather than trial-and-error
Proficiency with quality tools: FMEA, PPAP, SPC, MSA, control plans, and inspection methods
Experience with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and the use of precision measurement instruments (calipers, CMM, pressure gauges)
Familiarity with NSF/ANSI certification processes and water-contact material requirements
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex technical RCA findings into clear corrective action plans for engineering, operations, and executive audiences

Nice To Haves

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification
Formal training or certification in 8D problem-solving, DMAIC, or advanced root cause analysis methodologies
Experience performing or overseeing teardown and failure analysis of refrigeration components (compressors, evaporators, condensers, water valves, control boards)
Familiarity with refrigeration system diagnostics including use of manifold gauge sets, pressure-temperature charts, superheat/subcooling analysis, and leak detection equipment
Experience with ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and quality management software (Intelex, MasterControl, ETQ)
Knowledge of ASHRAE refrigeration standards and EPA 608 technician certification
Exposure to commercial or industrial ice machine design, chiller systems, or water purification equipment
Experience managing CAPA systems with demonstrated effectiveness verification and long-term recurrence tracking

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and enforce Quality Management System (QMS) documentation including SOPs, work instructions, control plans, and inspection criteria in alignment with ISO 9001 standards
Lead internal and external audits; coordinate third-party regulatory inspections including NSF/ANSI, UL, and applicable EPA/FDA compliance reviews for water contact materials
Manage document control systems and ensure all quality records are current, accessible, and properly retained
Develop and execute inspection and test plans (ITPs) for refrigeration components, ice-making assemblies, water filtration systems, and compressor units
Apply statistical process control (SPC) methodologies to monitor manufacturing processes and identify variation trends before they result in non-conformance
Perform and oversee FMEA (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis) for new and existing products; develop and track risk mitigation actions
Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) using 8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa, and DMAIC methodologies for field failures and in-process defects
Serve as the primary technical lead for all product quality investigations, including in-process defects, warranty returns, field failures, and customer complaints related to ice production, water dispensing, refrigeration performance, and water quality
Conduct thorough, structured troubleshooting of refrigeration and ice system failures—including compressor faults, refrigerant leaks, ice bridging, water system contamination, evaporator fouling, and electrical control malfunctions—using both hands-on inspection and data analysis
Apply a systematic, layered RCA approach for every significant quality escape: begin with containment and symptom mapping, progress through data collection and hypothesis testing, and conclude with verified root cause identification before any corrective action is implemented
Utilize the full suite of structured problem-solving tools as appropriate to failure type and complexity: 8D reports, 5-Why analysis, Ishikawa (fishbone) diagrams, fault tree analysis (FTA), DMAIC, and is/is-not analysis
Distinguish consistently between root causes, contributing factors, and detection failures; ensure corrective actions address all three layers to prevent recurrence and strengthen the quality system
Perform or coordinate failure analysis of returned units and components, including teardown and inspection of compressors, ice-making mechanisms, water inlet valves, sensors, and control boards; document findings with photographs, measurements, and written technical reports
Analyze warranty and field failure data to identify systemic trends, failure patterns, and early warning signals; escalate repeat failures immediately and drive cross-functional response teams
Develop and maintain a structured CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) system; ensure every RCA results in a formal 8D or equivalent report with verified effectiveness checks at 30, 60, and 90 days
Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Service teams during troubleshooting investigations to gather process data, design documentation, and field observations that inform root cause determination
Lead or facilitate rapid-response quality reviews (24–48 hour containment) for critical customer escapes or field safety concerns, including coordinating product holds, sorting, and communication to affected customers
Build and maintain a living knowledge base of known failure modes, RCA outcomes, and corrective actions specific to water refrigeration and ice production systems to accelerate future troubleshooting and onboard new team members
Qualify new suppliers through on-site audits, PPAP submissions, and first-article inspection (FAI) reviews for components including compressors, heat exchangers, water valves, and refrigerants
Monitor supplier performance metrics (PPM, OTIF, CAR closure rates) and facilitate corrective action plans for underperforming vendors
Partner with Procurement to evaluate and approve alternative components while maintaining compliance with NSF/ANSI 61 and other water-contact safety standards
Ensure all ice and water-contact products meet NSF/ANSI 61 (drinking water system components) and NSF/ANSI 372 (lead-free) certifications
Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable refrigerant handling regulations (EPA Section 608) and environmental health & safety standards (OSHA, ASHRAE)
Track evolving regulatory requirements and advise Engineering and Product Development of impact to current and future product lines
Collaborate with R&D and Engineering on design-for-quality (DFQ) principles during NPI (New Product Introduction) phases
Present quality performance metrics, KPIs, and improvement roadmaps to senior leadership on a monthly and quarterly basis
Mentor and train manufacturing technicians and line leads on quality standards, measurement techniques, and defect identification