Quality Engineer

Summary The Quality Engineer (QE) plays an integral quality team role in maintaining and improving the quality of products. This includes responsibility of identifying, implementing, and measuring quality improvements, quality system compliance, process controls, failure analysis, risk management, supplier quality, and customer satisfaction. The QE will also support, and sometimes lead, the Internal Auditing, CAPA, SCAR, MSA, SPC, and complaints handling programs for the plant. This new role in the organization will be developed to utilize OpEx (Six Sigma / Lean) tools to improve yield, increase cost savings, and grow customer satisfaction. The Quality Engineer reports directly to the plant Quality Manager. Essential Function / Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive quality improvement activities associated with manufacturing yields, customer return rates, customer complaints, quality system efficiencies, and in-process failures, using statistical analysis.
• Report on plant metrics associated with quality.
• Perform deviation investigations into quality issues involving design, production, and suppliers.
• Participate in Item Qualification / Commercialization activities from protocol development, to testing, to a completed final report.
• Support manufacturing initiatives associated with overall manufacturing quality.
• Support internal QMS requirements around internal auditing, supplier quality, CAPAs, Management Review, complaints, etc.
• Act as the backup Certified SQF (Safe Quality Food) Practitioner according to the current SQF code.
• Accountable for daily Quality Lab operations including Calibration, Gage R&R, SPC, and Advanced Quality Data Systems
• Work with Operations team to develop a PFMEA process.
• Assist with the implementation of current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs) related to food contact packaging, and aligned to any SQF requirements.
• Provide input to outsourced product performance requirements and recommend and implement applicable improvements (for products the plant purchases).
• Provide quality audit support for new suppliers and processes for new products.
• Must be able to interact and build relationships with various departments and customers.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and cost reduction.
• Must maintain regular and consistent attendance.Education and / or Experience :
• Minimum 3 years" experience in Quality Assurance. Preferred BS degree or equivalent degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or other related field of study.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) preferred.
• Six Sigma or Lean certification or training preferred.
• Must be able to work independently and keep abreast of quality issues on the production floor.
• Working knowledge of software programs - Microsoft Office Suite. Minitab or other statistical software experience is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to proactively take initiative and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Effectively lead Change Management efforts.
• Excellent oral / written communication skills. Good problem-solving skills, analytical and statistical problem-solving tools.
• Strong collaboration, negotiating, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills with the ability to work well with both technical and non-technical personnel, and influence the direction of projects.
• Self-starter and the ability to plan and organize workload under minimum supervision.