Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer

Department: Quality Assurance

Reports To: Quality Manager

Location: Grand Rapids

Company Overview

Transcendia is a leader in custom-engineered materials for critical product components across a wide range of markets and applications. The company combines deep material science expertise with broad geographic coverage to deliver exceptional customer service and trusted product reliability.

Position Summary

As a Quality Engineer at Transcendia, you will serve as a key change agent supporting manufacturing operations across our two Grand Rapids facilities located at 2500 Oak Industrial Drive and 2555 Oak Industrial Drive. This is a highly visible, hands-on role that requires a self-motivated professional who can work independently, make sound decisions, and drive quality improvements in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You will actively partner with Operations, Engineering, and Production teams to identify and solve complex quality and process challenges, reduce operational risk, and ensure the reliability of custom-engineered materials used in critical applications. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, a proactive approach, and the ability to balance strategic quality initiatives with day-to-day manufacturing support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide routine on-site support across both Grand Rapids manufacturing facilities, requiring frequent movement between locations to support quality and operational needs.
• Conduct hands-on inspections, testing, sample collection, investigations, and audits within production environments.
• Apply data-driven problem-solving methodologies to identify root causes, develop effective corrective actions, and prevent recurrence of quality issues.
• Independently prioritize workload and manage multiple projects while maintaining a strong sense of ownership and accountability for results.
• Work closely with manufacturing and engineering to develop, implement, maintain and improve quality standards and methods to ensure product quality within manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with and mentor cross-functional team members through the root-cause analysis process, continuous improvement process, and supporting a culture of quality.
• Lead investigations in response to quality nonconformances and manage timely corrective and preventive actions in alignment with quality system requirements.
• Analyze quality data and key performance indicators, identify trends, and initiate actions to address emerging product or process risks.
• Plan and execute test method validations.
• Participate in internal and external audits.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment requiring regular interaction with production personnel and processes.
• Experience utilizing statistical analysis and problem-solving tools such as Minitab, DOE, SPC, Pareto analysis, capability studies, and root cause methodologies.
• Experience with electronic document management systems, SharePoint, or similar collaboration platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Science, or a related technical field
• Minimum 2 years of experience in quality or engineering within a regulated industry

Required Qualifications

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
• Ability to support operations across two manufacturing facilities.
• Ability to perform hands-on manufacturing quality activities and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Experience conducting root cause investigations and corrective actions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in flexible packaging, blown film, extrusion, or converting operations.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or other quality certification.
• Experience leading internal or supplier audits.
• Experience with DOE, SPC, capability studies, and advanced statistical methods.
• Experience with statistical software such as Minitab.
• Experience with SharePoint administration or electronic quality management systems.
• Experience with test method validation and measurement system analysis (MSA).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate data, identify trends, and develop practical solutions to complex manufacturing and quality challenges.
• Self-driven and highly motivated with the ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities, and drive initiatives to completion with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• High attention to detail with excellent documentation, follow-up, and technical writing skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis software such as Minitab and/or JMP, including data analysis, process capability analysis, and statistical problem-solving techniques.
• Experience utilizing SharePoint or similar document management and collaboration systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate across all organizational levels.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and facilitate problem-solving discussions.
• Professional interaction with internal teams, customers, suppliers, and auditors.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment, with frequent presence in production areas.
• Requires routine travel between Transcendia's Grand Rapids facilities located at 2500 Oak Industrial Drive and 2555 Oak Industrial Drive.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in manufacturing areas.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform physical activities associated with manufacturing support for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift and carry materials, samples, equipment, or products weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be capable of safely navigating production environments and performing hands-on quality inspections and testing activities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Transcendia is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Description Revision Date: 9/2/26