Manufacturing Engineer / Quality Manager

Job Description

DeGeest is growing and hiring a Manufacturing Engineer/Quality Manger ! Be a part of our STRONGER STANDARD! We are a leading resource for manufacturers looking for excellence in Steel Works, Automation, and Finishing. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we strive to create fulfilling and meaningful experiences every day. We Collaborate! We Think! We Do! If you want to feel empowered and appreciated, we encourage you to apply!

Location: Tea, SD (right off I-29)
Work Hours: Day shift

The Quality Manager is a technical leader responsible for developing, implementing, and managing all quality systems within our metal fabrication operations. This role ensures our products and processes meet customer specifications, industry standards (including AWS and ISO), and regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement across systems, documentation, and culture.

This leader brings strong expertise in manufacturing engineering and metal fabrication, with advanced capability in blueprint interpretation, weld codes, inspection planning, testing methodologies, and corrective action implementation.

The Quality Manager plays a critical role in supporting revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency by ensuring we consistently deliver high-quality fabricated components and weldments, on time and at competitive cost.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).

• Align systems with industry standards such as AWS D1.1, AWS D14.3, and ISO 9001.

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives.

• Interpret blueprints, weld callouts, tolerances, and technical specifications to verify compliance.

• Conduct customer site visits and collaborate with customer quality teams.

• Lead, coach, and evaluate quality personnel including CWIs and inspection staff.

• Support hiring, training, employee development, and compensation recommendations.

• Oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspections for fabricated components and weldments.

• Design inspection plans including sampling methodology, risk assessments, and testing requirements.

• Ensure proper calibration and use of measuring equipment (calipers, micrometers, gauges, CMMs, etc.).

• Monitor weld quality and ensure compliance with customer and industry standards.

• Reference destructive and non-destructive testing standards when appropriate.

• Manage welder qualifications and certification documentation.

• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to ensure equipment and systems produce consistent, quality results.

• Lead the First Article process for new parts and customers.

Education and Experience:

• 5+ years of quality leadership experience in metal fabrication, welding, machining, or related manufacturing.

• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience preferred.

• Strong knowledge of welding, cutting, forming, machining, finishing, and assembly processes.

• Experience with AWS D1.1 and ISO 9001 (or similar systems).

• Technical degree in Welding, Engineering, or related field preferred (not required).

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying materials.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds at a time.

Required Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of weld codes and industry standards.

• Strong blueprint and specification interpretation skills.

• Experience with ERP systems and quality data management tools.

• Certifications such as Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), CQE, or CQA preferred.

• Strong leadership and coaching abilities.

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• High attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

• Ability to adapt and manage multiple priorities.

Benefits:
To better serve our employees, we offer competitive benefits as follows

Pay:
Hiring Salary Range: Depending on experience.
Bonus Programs

Insurance
Medical – Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Account
Dental and Vision Plans
STD/LTD and Voluntary Life/AD&D Plans

Retirement
401k with company match

Holidays/PTO
9 Paid Holiday, 1 Floating Holiday
PTO for New Hires

Additional Incentives
Safety glasses and steel toe boots reimbursement
Work shirts provided by DeGeest

Note: The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. This position is eligible for a bonus.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
DeGeest is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.