Quality Engineer

Nokian Tyres•Dayton, TN

20d•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Engineer analyzes quality performance and compares tire specifications with manufacturing capability using statistical analysis. The role sets continuous improvement goals and executes projects to improve product quality, analyzes cured tire defects, and conducts test series and ramp-ups for new rubber compounds in cooperation with headquarters R&D specialists. The engineer interprets and communicates test results, including regular communication with the tire development team, and ensures accurate, complete quality data in relevant IT systems. The position maintains uniformity machines and TBM recipes, inspects machines and equipment for operational performance and utilization, and establishes and maintains production-material and process standards based on control plans and procedures. It addresses customer, internal production, and component quality concerns through corrective actions and cross-functional teamwork. The engineer also prepares or revises control plans, FMEAs, flow charts, and work instructions; develops strategies to improve process capability and reduce variation on mixed stock; and upholds Nokian’s mission and values. Other duties may be assigned. The position is primarily office-based within a manufacturing facility, with routine presence in production areas. Production areas may involve noise, moving machinery, industrial vehicles, seasonal temperatures of approximately 65–100°F, industrial odors, and airborne particulates. Appropriate personal protective equipment is required in designated production areas. The role may require travel up to 15%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university; preferably in Engineering.
At least 2 years of related work experience.
Ability to perform root cause analysis and apply statistics to problem solving.
Strong problem-solving skills using methodologies such as 8-D, 5-Why, and Ishikawa.
Time-management and organizational skills.
Attention to detail.
Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and Minitab; proficiency with the MS Office application suite and basic knowledge of computer-based manufacturing applications.
Proven technical skills.
Good to excellent laboratory and analytical techniques.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Knowledge of laboratory instrumentation.
Understanding of SPC analysis.
Ability to communicate effectively and work in a team environment.
Ability to work independently and under pressure.
Commitment to excellence, high standards, ethical business conduct, and continuous improvement.
Must be willing to travel up to 15%.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; Nokian Tyres will not provide visa sponsorship.
Ability to move through office and manufacturing environments, including walking, standing, and occasionally using stairs or work platforms and varied walking surfaces.
Ability to sit for extended periods and use hands and fingers for keyboarding, writing, handling documents, and operating standard office equipment.
Ability to occasionally lift or move items up to 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to inspect equipment, processes, and work areas and recognize hazards, non-conformances, safety signals, alarms, and changing conditions.
Ability to receive, understand, and communicate work instructions, technical information, and safety-related information.

Nice To Haves

Certified Quality Engineer certification.
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Experience with Oracle.

Responsibilities

Routinely analyze quality performance and use statistical analysis to compare tire specifications with manufacturing capability.
Set continuous improvement goals and execute projects to improve product quality performance.
Analyze cured tire defects.
Conduct test series and ramp-ups for new rubber compounds in cooperation with headquarters R&D specialists.
Interpret and communicate test results, including regular communication with the R&D tire development team.
Ensure accurate and complete quality data in relevant IT systems.
Maintain uniformity machines and TBM recipes.
Inspect machines and equipment to ensure operational performance and optimum utilization.
Introduce and maintain detailed standards for production materials and processes based on control plans and procedures.
Address quality concerns by writing corrective actions, interacting with customers, and working with a core team to resolve issues promptly.
Address internal production concerns by reviewing rejects and working with a core team to resolve issues promptly.
Notify component engineers of component concerns and review corrective actions for closure.
Prepare or revise control plans, FMEA, flow charts, and work instructions to ensure product, process, and specification conformance.
Use hand measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers.
Develop and execute strategies to improve process capabilities and reduce variation on mixed stock.
Uphold Nokian’s mission and values and demonstrate supporting behaviors in day-to-day actions.
Perform other duties as assigned.