Position Title: Quality Engineer
Department: Production Overhead
Reports To: Director of Engineering & Innovation
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Employment Type/FLSA Status: Full-Time – Exempt

Compensation Range - $80,000-$90,000 Annually

Job Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting the company's Quality Management System (QMS) and ensuring products consistently meet customer specifications, internal quality standards, and regulatory requirements. Reporting directly to the Director of Engineering & Innovation, this role serves as the organization's primary quality resource by driving ISO compliance, leading quality investigations, implementing corrective actions, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.

The Quality Engineer partners closely with Engineering, Production, Operations, Customer Service, and Supply Chain to improve product quality, reduce waste, solve manufacturing challenges, and promote a culture of quality throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Management System (QMS) & ISO Compliance

• Maintain and continuously improve the company's Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001 standards.
• Coordinate internal and external ISO audits and ensure timely completion of corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain quality manuals, procedures, work instructions, forms, and training documentation.
• Ensure company processes remain compliant with applicable customer and regulatory requirements.

2. Quality Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor manufacturing processes to ensure products meet established quality standards.
• Analyze quality trends and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes and reduce defects.
• Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto Analysis, and CAPA.
• Develop, implement, and verify corrective and preventive actions.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to improve product designs, manufacturing processes, and quality performance.

3. Product & Process Quality

• Establish inspection methods and quality control plans for incoming materials, in-process production, and finished goods.
• Review production documentation and inspection records for compliance.
• Assist in developing quality standards for new products and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure measuring and testing equipment is properly calibrated and maintained.

4. Customer & Supplier Quality

• Investigate customer quality concerns and coordinate timely resolution.
• Prepare quality documentation requested by customers.
• Work directly with suppliers to resolve material quality issues and improve supplier performance.
• Support supplier qualification and ongoing supplier quality initiatives.

5. Data Analysis & Reporting

• Track and report key quality metrics including scrap, rework, customer complaints, internal defects, and audit performance.
• Utilize data to identify trends and recommend process improvements.
• Present quality findings and improvement recommendations to the Director of Engineering & Innovation.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Engineering during new product development and product launches to ensure quality requirements are achieved.
• Support Operations with process improvements that enhance product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
• Provide quality-related training and guidance to employees as needed.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability throughout the organization.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Equivalent manufacturing quality experience may be considered.

Experience

• 3–7 years of Quality Engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions (CAPA), audits, and statistical problem-solving.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturi