Job Summary

The Quality Engineer provides leadership and guidance to the organization acting as a change agent to drive process improvement across the organization in the achievement of an operational excellence environment. This is accomplished through application of knowledge in quality systems, driving adherence to disciplined systems and robust processes, and focused standardization of best practices; in conjunction with managing to a cohesive set of key performance metrics that provide an objective perspective on the business operating system health and effectiveness. The Quality Engineer also creates and maintains cross functional relationships needed to foster a proactive engagement culture amongst the business operations team and a productive working relationship with customers.

Essential Functions

Quality Systems

• Develop, maintain and implement quality systems procedures and work instructions in compliance to customer and regulatory requirements.
• Corrective / Preventive action leader and team player
• Standardize metrics and best practices within facility.
• Internal audit program leader

Product Quality

• Purchase order and specification review leader focused on negotiation of customer requirements, advanced product quality planning and translation of requirements to operator level
• Customer advocate (Voice of the customer)
• Process improvement leader focused on review, disposition and elimination of material review, concessions, corrective / Preventive actions and escapes.

Supplier Quality

• Purchase order and specification review leader focused on negotiation of customer requirements, advanced product quality planning and translation of requirements to supplier level
• Process improvement leader focused on review, disposition and elimination of material review, concessions, corrective / Preventive actions and escapes for supply chain purchased product.

Job Responsibilities

Core Competency :

• Assess health of the business systems against customer and/or industry standards through an efficient and effective internal audit/corrective and preventative action management system.
• Be a leader and team player and develop relationships, both internally and externally, to achieve the necessary engagement, influence and customer connections (both internal and external) required.
• One who is energized by consistently identifying and overcoming challenges, and possessing highly developed quantitative, as well as qualitative skills required.
• Problem Solving and Corrective / Preventive Action skills - Proactive approach (to foresee problems rather than reacting after the event)
• Ability to multi-task in a demanding environment and to work independently with little to no guidance required
• Business acumen (financials, linkage of quality impact to financials) required
• Possess practical understanding of manufacturing processes in order to objectively and independently analyze problems, communicate effectively and facilitate problem solving activities.

Business Competency:

• Possess production operation knowledge and experience relating to manufacturing, inspection, engineering and customer interaction.
• Ability to directly link, monitor and improve quality objectives with overall business objectives of the company,
• Ability to apply problem solving methodology to positively impact business objectives.
• Consistently demonstrate Alcoa values
  • Strong experience and proficiency in understanding ISO 9000 and/or AS9100 along with knowledge in Statistical Tools and Techniques, APQP and Measurement System Analysis required.

Job Competency:

• Strong experience in coordinating, developing and executing corrective / preventative /systemic action and process improvement activities.
• Least cost application of customer specs/drawings (no over-processing)
  • Blueprint Reading/customer requirements flowdown
  • Customer interface and understanding/deployment of customer requirements
  • Demonstrated Internal auditing skills
  • Willingness to travel (both domestic and internationally) <25% required
  • Understanding of non-destructive validation methodology (Visual, x-ray, penetrant, etc) and Nadcap understanding (if required)
  • Geometric Dimension and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Basic Computer Skills required; Advanced skills can be learned
• Understanding of Regulatory requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Complies with all EHS rules required for the work environment.

Communication:

• Communication and Presentation Skills required (written, verbal and non-verbal)
  • Ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.
    • Must be able to work with external and internal customers.
  • Ability to read and react to verbal and non-verbal communication while maintaining a level of professionalism.
  • Can effectively listen.

Coaching and Mentoring:

• A willingness to coach and teach the operations people; not viewing oneself as the "policeman" of the plant, but as a team member and contributor to improvement

Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrates highest ethical standards.

Ability to listen and makes decisions that are based on data and fact.

Displays business savvy and a bias for action.

Education:

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related discipline.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of Quality work experience in a manufacturing environment
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) designation from ASQ or other equivalency examination from recognized quality authorities (country dependent) preferred
• Exception for CQE would be certification as a Six Sigma expert
• General Auditor (Internal) - relevant audit experience in a mfg environment