Quality Engineer

Ducommun • Joplin, MO

46d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the guidance of the Quality Assurance Manager, this role assures the planning and execution of cost-effective quality programs that help ensure contractual compliance to quality requirements and the integrity of delivered product. The Quality Engineer reviews contract documentation for quality-related requirements, ensuring proper flowdown and satisfaction through design and manufacturing/test documentation review and development of inspection plans. They also ensure customer requirements reflecting digital product definition using CAD/CAM/CAI Data are met when authorized, and that all First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements are current or identified as necessary. The position supports the organization's leadership on Lean implementation, evaluates new and improves current processes for capability, efficiency, and productivity, and participates in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP). The Quality Engineer serves as the primary interface for customers, source inspectors, and suppliers, working cooperatively to ensure contractual quality requirements are satisfied. They provide training and feedback to Quality personnel, evaluate process robustness and risk, and lead cross-functional teams in problem-solving for non-conformance product, quality escapements, and process capabilities, establishing root cause and corrective actions. The role also involves executing product containment actions, leading root cause and corrective action investigations from Material Review Board (MRB) activity, and participating in the maintenance of Quality Systems Registration and internal audit programs. Analysis, review, and reporting of data are key, as is the development and updating of quality documents like the Control Plan, PFMEA, and Inspection Instructions. The Quality Engineer is responsible for complying with quality system requirements (ISO 9001, AS 9100, Nadcap) and Aerospace OEM system requirements, submitting tags to customers, and closing out rejection reports. They are responsible for the proper handling of hazardous waste and work independently with minimal supervision on highly technical or major start-up programs. The role may involve inspecting product when needed and mentoring other quality engineers. Other duties are directed by the Quality Assurance Manager.

Requirements

• Five S, Continuous Improvement Process, Kaizen, SPC and ISO 9001 / AS 9100 and Aerospace OEM Specifications and Drawings.
• Strong analytical and communication skills for internal/external customers and suppliers.
• Ability to work independently and a good memory for detail
• Conscientious, organized and meticulous – records must be accurate and maintained
• Read and understand internal procedures and policies
• Understand and follow through on both verbal and written instructions
• Team oriented with a continuous improvement outlook
• Bachelor of Science or four-year technical degree required.
• Up to five (5) years technical experience is required, including a minimum of two (2) years in Quality Engineering (preferably within the aerospace or automotive industry).
• Must possess strong mechanical aptitude, ability to utilize measuring equipment, and hands-on capabilities to work on multiple projects at the same time without supervision.
• Good math skills, familiarity with personal computer, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Internet, and Baan (MPR system) required.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Annual eye exam is required.
• Must be able to effectively communicate.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Safety glasses (ANSI Z87 compliant) required in all manufacturing areas.
• Hearing protection must be worn in designated areas.
• Safety Footwear shall be in accordance with the following: ASTM standard F2413-05 with minimum impact resistance, compression resistance and metatarsal designation ratings of 75 foot pounds (i.e. ASTM F2413-05 I/75 C/75 Mt/75), which are viewable on the inside tag of footwear.

Responsibilities

• Review contract documentation for quality-related requirements; assure proper flowdown and satisfaction of these requirements through review of design and manufacturing/test documentation and development of inspection plans.
• Ensure any customer requirements reflecting digital product definition using CAD/CAM/CAI Data, are met when authorized by the customer for its use.
• Ensure that all FAI requirements (including delta) are current, or are identified as necessary to perform.
• Participates in quality assurance proposals and cost estimates.
• Support the organization leadership on Lean implementation using Lean Systems as the principal tool.
• Evaluate new processes and improve current process capability, efficiency, and overall productivity in all areas of manufacturing.
• Participate in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and develop documents and test data, as required.
• Provide primary customers, source inspectors and suppliers interface, and must work cooperatively with them and his/her program team to ensure that all contractual quality requirements are satisfied.
• Providing training and feedback to Quality personnel to ensure uniform process and inspection methods.
• Evaluate the robustness and risk of process and recommend improvement actions where appropriate.
• Lead cross-functional teams in problem solving for non-conformance product, quality escapements, and process capabilities (but not limited to) and establish definitive root cause and effective corrective action(s).
• Execute product containment actions to protect the customer from non-conforming material arriving at their facilities.
• Lead in root cause and corrective action investigation efforts, resulting from MRB Activity.
• Participates in the maintenance of the Quality Systems Registration, and highlighting areas for continuous improvement.
• Participates in internal audit programs.
• Analyze, review and prepare necessary reports/data summaries, as required.
• Develop and update quality documents such as the Control Plan, PFMEA, and Inspection Instructions, as required.
• Responsible for complying with quality system (ISO 9001, AS 9100, Nadcap) and Aerospace OEM system requirements.
• Ability to submit tags to customers; closes out rejection reports.
• Responsible for the proper handling and management of hazardous waste generated in their work area.
• Works independently with minimal supervision. Incumbents are typically assigned highly technical and/or major start-up programs that require the coordination of top resources in each of the functional areas.
• Inspects product when/if there is a need and requested by Quality Manager.
• Proficient at mentoring other quality engineers with evaluating and resolving process issues.
• Other duties as directed by the Quality Assurance Manager

What This Job Offers

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