Manufacturing quality engineering

Job Title: Quality Engineer
Nolte Precise Manufacturing, Inc. (Schedule: Mon-Fri Day Shift
Quality Engineer is a critical technical role responsible for designing, documenting, and sustaining robust quality plans that ensure customer, regulatory, and industry requirements are fully met throughout the manufacturing process. This position serves as the bridge between customer requirements, engineering intent, and shop-floor execution—translating prints, specifications, and process knowledge into practical, effective inspection and control plans that support right-first-time manufacturing.
This role requires strong technical judgment to select appropriate inspection methods at each stage of production, balancing measurement risk, accuracy, repeatability, and practicality at both machining work centers and quality laboratories.
Quality Planning & New Product Introduction (NPI)
Lead quality planning activities during New Product Introduction (NPI), ensuring customer and regulatory requirements are clearly translated into inspection plans and control strategies.
Review customer drawings, specifications, and contractual requirements to define inspection methods, acceptance criteria, and documentation needs.
Perform risk-based analysis (e.g., PFMEA, control plan development) to identify critical characteristics and appropriate inspection points throughout the manufacturing process.
Balloon engineering drawings and developing measurement strategies aligned to part features, tolerances, and functional requirements.
Perform hands-on component measurements during NPI and early production to support part conformance, process qualification, and initial process capability studies (Cp/Cpk).
Use NPI measurement data to validate inspection methods, confirm control plan effectiveness, and drive adjustments to quality plans as processes mature.
Inspection Method Selection & Metrology Strategy
Select and document best-fit inspection methods for each process step, considering:
Measurement risk and feature criticality
Ease and robustness of measurement at machining work centers
Capability and throughput of quality lab resources (e.g., Define gage R&R, capability studies, and ongoing monitoring requirements to ensure reliable measurement systems.
Customer & Industry Compliance
Create and maintain First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation in accordance with AS9102 and customer-specific requirements.
Prepare and submit PPAP, PSW, and related customer quality submissions as required.
AS9100, customer flow-downs) and customer specifications to internal quality plans and procedures.
Ensure inspection plans and quality documentation remain compliant as customer or specification requirements change.
Manufacturing Support & Continuous Improvement
Collaborate closely with manufacturing, engineering, and production teams to ensure inspection plans are practical, efficient, and clearly understood.
Train operators and inspectors on inspection plans, measurement techniques, and proper use of gauges and metrology equipment.
Analyze SPC and inspection data to assess process capability, identify trends, and recommend corrective or preventive actions.
Participate in or lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to internal nonconformances and customer quality issues.
Proactively identify opportunities to improve inspection efficiency, measurement robustness, and overall process capability.
Serve as a functional backup to Quality Technicians by performing in-process and final inspections as needed to support production flow and quality assurance.
Review, complete, and verify inspection records, certifications, and quality documentation required for production shipments to ensure accuracy and compliance with customer requirements.
Strong ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, GD&T, and tolerance schemes.
Demonstrated experience translating customer and industry specifications into actionable inspection and control plans.
Solid understanding of metrology principles, dimensional measurement techniques, and measurement system analysis.
Experience with CNC machining processes (turning and milling) and an understanding of how manufacturing methods influence inspection strategy.
Working knowledge of CMM programming and inspection (e.g., Experience with SPC, capability analysis, and statistical tools for process monitoring.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.) for inspection planning, analysis, and reporting.
Familiarity with quality systems software (e.g., CAD/CAM experience or ability to interpret CAD models for inspection planning purposes.
Strong technical judgment and decision-making ability related to inspection method selection and risk management.
Clear verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with operators, engineers, and customers.
Detail-oriented, structured approach to documentation and problem-solving.
Ability to balance customer requirements, manufacturing practicality, and business efficiency.
Ability to stand for extended periods (up to an 8-hour shift).
Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with oils, coolants, and moderate noise levels.
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