Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer Home Organizers, City of Industry, California, United States About the company Brio Water Technology, a Home Organizers, Inc. company, is a market leading water products brand that has helped millions stay hydrated through its unique and innovative product line. We offer full home water solutions designed to elevate the way people hydrate, combining sophisticated technology with modern, top tier design to deliver exceptional performance, customer satisfaction, and enhanced functionality. About the role The Quality Engineer is responsible for developing test methods and protocols, validating supplier testing methods, and investigating technical issues with our water refrigeration and ice production products. This role is a critical link between engineering, manufacturing, and customer satisfaction—driving continuous improvement initiatives across all phases of the product lifecycle, from supplier qualification through final delivery. A central responsibility is the rigorous investigation and resolution of product quality issues. The engineer leads all troubleshooting efforts with a structured, data‑driven mindset—rapidly diagnosing failures, identifying true root causes, and driving permanent corrective actions that prevent recurrence. What you’ll do Quality Systems & Standards Develop, maintain, and enforce Quality Management System (QMS) documentation—including SOPs, work instructions, control plans, and inspection criteria in alignment with ISO 9001 standards. Lead internal and external audits; coordinate third‑party regulatory inspections (NSF/ANSI, UL, EPA/FDA compliance reviews for water contact materials). Manage document control systems and ensure all quality records are current, accessible, and properly retained. Product & Process Quality Develop and execute inspection and test plans (ITPs) for refrigeration components, ice‑making assemblies, water filtration systems, and compressor units. Apply statistical process control (SPC) methodologies to monitor manufacturing processes and identify variation trends before they result in non‑conformance. Perform and oversee FMEA for new and existing products; develop and track risk mitigation actions. Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) using 8D, 5‑Why, Ishikawa, and DMAIC methodologies for field failures and in‑process defects. Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis Primary technical lead for all product quality investigations, including warranty returns, field failures, and customer complaints related to ice production, water dispensing, refrigeration performance, and water quality. Conduct structured troubleshooting of refrigeration and ice system failures—including compressor faults, refrigerant leaks, ice bridging, water system contamination, evaporator fouling, and electrical control malfunctions—using hands‑on inspection and data analysis. Apply systematic, layered RCA approach and utilize problem‑solving tools such as 8D, 5‑Why, Ishikawa diagrams, fault tree analysis, DMAIC, and is/is‑not analysis. Ensure every RCA results in a formal 8D or equivalent report with verified effectiveness checks at 30, 60, and 90 days. Supplier Quality Management Qualify new suppliers through on‑site audits, PPAP submissions, and first‑article inspection (FAI) reviews. Monitor supplier performance metrics (PPM, OTIF, CAR closure rates) and facilitate corrective action plans for under‑performing vendors. Partner with Procurement to evaluate and approve alternative components while maintaining compliance with NSF/ANSI 61 and other water‑contact safety standards. Regulatory & Environmental Compliance Ensure all ice and water‑contact products meet NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 372 certifications. Monitor compliance with applicable refrigerant handling regulations (EPA Section 608) and environmental health & safety standards (OSHA, ASHRAE). Track evolving regulatory requirements and advise Engineering and Product Development of impacts on current and future product lines. Continuous Improvement & Cross‑Functional Collaboration Collaborate with R&D and Engineering on design‑for‑quality (DFQ) principles during NPI phases. Present quality performance metrics, KPIs, and improvement roadmaps to senior leadership monthly and quarterly. Mentor and train manufacturing technicians and line leads on quality standards, measurement techniques, and defect identification. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related field. 3–7 years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment; refrigeration, water treatment, or food‑grade equipment preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of ISO 9001 QMS requirements and audit processes. Proven track record of leading structured root‑cause analysis investigations from problem identification through verified corrective action closure. Hands‑on proficiency with RCA and problem‑solving methodologies: 8D, 5‑Why, Ishikawa/fishbone, fault tree analysis, DMAIC. Ability to troubleshoot electromechanical systems—including refrigeration cycles, water flow systems, and electrical controls—through logical, hypothesis‑driven investigation. Proficiency with quality tools: FMEA, PPAP, SPC, MSA, control plans, and inspection methods. Experience with GD&T and precision measurement instruments (calipers, CMM, pressure gauges). Familiarity with NSF/ANSI certification processes and water‑contact material requirements. Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex technical RCA findings into clear corrective action plans. Preferred Qualifications ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification. Formal training or certification in 8D problem‑solving, DMAIC, or advanced root‑cause analysis methodologies. Experience performing or overseeing teardown and failure analysis of refrigeration components. Familiarity with refrigeration system diagnostics—including use of manifold gauge sets, pressure‑temperature charts, superheat/subcooling analysis, and leak detection equipment. Experience with ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and quality management software (Intelex, MasterControl, ETQ). Knowledge of ASHRAE refrigeration standards and EPA 608 technician certification. Exposure to commercial or industrial ice machine design, chiller systems, or water purification equipment. Experience managing CAPA systems with demonstrated effectiveness verification and long‑term recurrence tracking. Working Conditions Primarily office and manufacturing floor environment; PPE required on the production floor (safety glasses, steel‑toe footwear, hearing protection in applicable areas). Exposure to refrigerants, water systems, electrical components, and cold storage environments during inspections and audits. Occasional travel to supplier facilities, customer sites, and industry trade events. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods during floor audits and inspections. Benefits / Perks Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance 401(k) Retirement Plan Paid Vacation Time Paid Holidays and more Competitive compensation – salary range: $110,000 – $125,000 USD per year (City of Industry) #J-18808-Ljbffr