Quality Engineer

Quality EngineerThe Quality Engineer ensures that materials and products meet stringent quality and reliability standards for a global automotive supplier. This role focuses on inspecting parts, interpreting engineering drawings, performing mechanical and analytical testing, and leading quality initiatives that support problem solving, product launches, and continuous improvement. The Quality Engineer also plays a key role in supplier quality management and may supervise quality inspectors and technicians, serving as a deputy for the Quality Manager when required.Responsibilities:Examine materials and products for surface defects and visible nonconformities.Verify specified dimensions of products and materials using appropriate gauges and measuring devices.Reject defective parts and clearly mark the type of defect on the part, container, or inspection tag to ensure proper disposition.Interpret engineering drawings using geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and collaborate with engineering and leadership to determine quality and reliability standards.Select products for testing at specified stages of the production process and perform tests to evaluate dimensions, performance, and mechanical characteristics.Perform mechanical and analytical testing using appropriate diagnostic and measurement equipment.Operate all diagnostic equipment required to perform inspections and tests safely and accurately.Perform calibrations on all gauges and measuring devices, including environmental monitoring equipment, to maintain measurement accuracy.Conduct receiving inspections and testing to ensure incoming materials meet specifications and customer requirements.Apply strong mechanical inspection techniques and use tools such as optical comparators, coordinate measuring machines (CMM), and a variety of gaging techniques.Maintain and update the document control system when assigned, ensuring quality documentation is current, accurate, and properly filed.Use statistical techniques, including Statistical Process Control (SPC) and capability studies, to monitor and improve process performance.Understand and apply customer-specific requirements in all quality-related activities.Effectively communicate information from customer scorecards to internal teams to drive improvements and maintain customer satisfaction.Effectively communicate relevant scorecard information to suppliers to support supplier performance and compliance.Audit suppliers to applicable standards and document findings and corrective actions.Complete supplier scorecards and track supplier performance over time.Apply core quality tools to support the Quality Management System, including tools for problem solving, product launches, and continuous improvement activities.Perform Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities and lead or support Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA).Direct the day-to-day activities of Quality Inspectors and Technicians who report to this role, providing guidance and support.Carry out supervisory responsibilities for direct reports, including timecard review and disciplinary actions in accordance with company policies.Serve as deputy for the Quality Manager when assigned, taking responsibility for quality-related activities and decisions as needed.Perform related duties and any other tasks assigned or deemed necessary to support the quality function and business objectives.Essential Skills:At least 5 years of quality engineering experience, preferably in the automotive industry.Strong experience in quality engineering within automotive OEM or Tier environments.Hands-on experience with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies.Experience in the automotive industry, including exposure to plastics and rubber components.Ability to interpret engineering drawings and apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).Proficiency with mechanical inspection techniques and use of optical comparators, coordinate measuring machines (CMM), and a range of gaging methods.Working knowledge of ASTM standards relevant to materials and product testing.Experience performing PPAP (Production Part Approval Process).Experience performing PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).Knowledge of AIAG core tools used to support the Quality Management System.Knowledge of IATF-related quality requirements and standards.Familiarity with Statistical Process Control (SPC), capability studies, and other statistical quality techniques.Ability to manage and maintain a document control system for quality-related documentation.Experience with supplier quality activities, including auditing suppliers to standards and completing supplier scorecards.Strong communication skills to effectively share quality and scorecard information with internal teams and suppliers.Ability to mentor and guide Quality Engineers, inspectors, and technicians.Capability to follow established instructions, procedures, and quality standards consistently.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality, or a related technical field is preferred.Experience with customer-specific quality requirements in the automotive sector.Experience in global automotive supply chains and OEM expectations.Comfort working with core quality tools for problem solving, product launches, and continuous improvement.Ability to serve in a leadership capacity as deputy for the Quality Manager when needed.Work Environment:This role is based in a manufacturing facility operated by a global automotive supplier that has recently come under new management, offering an environment focused on improvement and modernization. The Quality Engineer works closely with production, engineering, and supplier teams and regularly uses diagnostic equipment, gauges, optical comparators, coordinate measuring machines, and other precision measurement tools. The position involves time on the production floor for inspections and testing, as well as office-based work for documentation, analysis, and supplier communication. The work setting emphasizes safety, adherence to quality standards, and collaboration across functions, with opportunities to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and mentor other quality professionals.Job Type & Location:This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Russell Springs, KY.Pay and Benefits:The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $43.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace Type:This is a fully onsite position in Russell Springs, KY.Application Deadline:This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.