Senior Quality Engineer

Smardt•Phoenix, AZ

9d•Onsite

About The Position

As a global pioneer in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology with an expanding portfolio of thermal management solutions, Smardt is dedicated to delivering high-efficiency and energy-saving systems for industries, real estate developments, health care and educational centers worldwide. We operate manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, China, and Australia, with a team of over 900 employees. With a focus on reliability, performance, and environmental stewardship, Smardt continues to redefine industry standards through advanced engineering and a commitment to a more sustainable future. The Senior Quality Engineer is a key technical member of the Quality team, driving manufacturing excellence through a data-driven, fact-based approach across the product lifecycle - from NPI and supplier quality through in-process manufacturing, final test, shipment readiness, and after-market quality. The role leads cross-functional issue resolution, process standardization, root cause and corrective action, and continuous improvement to reduce waste, rework, defects, and customer impact.

Requirements

Minimum 5+ years of relevant quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
Manufacturing quality and quality systems experience, with complex engineered products and HVAC equipment.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional RCA, corrective action, nonconformance resolution, and continuous improvement.
Hands-on experience with in-process quality controls, process capability, PFMEA/Control Plans, standardized work, and error-proofing.
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical or manufacturing engineering.
Knowledge of New Product Development / NPI and stage-gate reviews.
Knowledge of ISO 9001, UL, ASME, and RoHS requirements.
Knowledge of reliability analysis, product/system qualification, and RMA processes.
Working knowledge of PFMEA, Production Control Plans, SOPs/work instructions, process capability, and in-process quality control.
Ability to develop/review product test plans, commissioning requirements, and test-rig performance results.
Proven ability to work independently and lead effectively across cross-functional teams.
Data-driven, fact-based, analytical, and critical-thinking approach with a strong sense of urgency.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including customer-facing technical discussions.
Collaborative, practical change leader with a continuous-improvement mindset.

Nice To Haves

Six Sigma, Kaizen, ISO is an asset

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional rapid response to manufacturing, supplier, customer, and field quality issues.
Analyze NCAR/nonconformance, process, test, RMA, and field-failure data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement priorities.
Lead structured problem solving using 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, and other appropriate methods; implement and verify CAPA and effective containment.
Develop and implement process standardization and quality controls, including Production Control Plans, PFMEA, SOPs, and work instructions.
Drive in-process quality control, process capability, and Poka-Yoke/error-proofing to reduce defects, waste, and rework.
Develop or support product test plans, commissioning, and test-rig performance testing; validate process changes through trials and capability studies.
Lead product pre-shipment readiness reviews to ensure critical quality, test, documentation, and technical issues are resolved prior to release.
Participate in design/NPI reviews for manufacturability, testability, component reliability, and quality risk.
Support supplier audits and supplier corrective actions with Supplier Quality and Procurement to reduce recurring defects and failures.