Quality Engineer - Cobalt Boats

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting all quality functions and team members. This role partners closely with production, engineering, and supply chain teams to drive continuous improvement, resolve quality issues, and implement robust quality systems that support world-class manufacturing standards. This role leads efforts to reduce Cost of Poor Quality – including rework, quality issues, and defects in the process. This person is responsible to directly communicate with all relevant stakeholders on activities including critical quality issues, project status, root cause analysis, and corrective actions. The ideal candidate is direct, data-driven, and enthusiastic about delivering positive/exceptional customer experience through flawless product quality.

Key Responsibilities

Product & Process Quality

• Lead plant-level quality activities to ensure products meet specifications and customer expectations.
• Analyze and facilitate efforts to reduce internal Scrap and Rework throughout the site.
• Analyze and facilitate efforts to reduce process defects and non-conformances at all stages of the process.
• Monitor in-process and final product quality metrics (FPY, DPU, COPQ, scrap, rework, warranty trends)
• Develop and maintain control plans, inspection standards, and quality documentation.
• Perform layered process audits and product audits to verify compliance.
• Provide primary support in the creation/completion of the Monthly Quality Updates
• Lead improvement projects based on internal quality metrics/data, warranty data, and customer feedback to reduce and eliminate repeat issues, while improving overall quality of product(s)
• Develop criteria for acceptance documents, FMEA, control plans, Product/Process Check Sheets, Work Instructions, as needed to communicate requirements to production and inspection teams.

Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis

• Lead root cause investigations using structured methodologies (8D, A3, 5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Implement and validate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA methodology)
• Support containment actions to protect customers and production flow.
• Analyze internal defects and field/warranty data to identify systemic issues.

Continuous Improvement

• Support/Drive Lean or structured methodologies (Six Sigma) to improve product quality and reduce variation.
• Identify and eliminate waste through process optimization and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke)
• Support Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement projects.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Supplier Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams to resolve quality issues.
• Participate in new product introduction (NPI) to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet quality standards.
• Provide feedback on design improvements based on plant and field data.

Supplier Quality Support

• Collaborate with Supplier Quality and Procurement to address incoming material issues.
• Support supplier corrective actions and qualification activities as needed.

Customer & Warranty Focus

• Review warranty claims and customer feedback to identify trends.
• Support field issue resolution and corrective action implementation.
• Ensure lessons learned are communicated and incorporated into processes.

Compliance & Standards

• Maintain compliance with company quality systems and applicable standards.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Ensure adherence to safety and environmental regulations.
• Provide support or lead efforts to all assigned quality team members to ensure training, development, and support as needed in the completion of their duties.

Miscellaneous Responsibilities

• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Learn how to measure parts as needed using CMM/Scanner (Keyence WM 6000) or other measuring systems. 
• Ensure product/process tests and procedures are properly understood, conducted, and evaluated and that product/process modifications are investigated if necessary.
• Develop tools/fixtures to aid in the process and improve efficiency.
• May be customer facing – requiring issue investigation, CAR completion, internal solution validation, proper communication, and documentation control.
• Maintain spending in support of departmental budget goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

#CobaltBoats

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field) or Business (with strong technical focus)
• Equivalent >8+ years related experience. Could include formal training/certifications in quality disciplines and 5+ years related experience.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing (shop floor) quality role
• Strong knowledge of quality tools (SPC, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA)
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated “fit” in team and at site – well respected and collaborative.

Preferred

• Experience in marine, automotive, RV, or similar assembly manufacturing environments
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
• Familiarity with fiberglass/composite manufacturing processes
• Experience with ERP/MES systems and quality data analysis tools
• Strong corrective action and troubleshooting background required.
• Strong PPAP, Gage R&R, 8D’s & 5Why Analysis
• Experience managing projects or leading a team required.
• Boat manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Six Sigma training is a plus.
• Ability to travel (<20%) with little notice.

Key Competencies

• Direct, shop-floor oriented mindset
• High diligence and commitment to excellence
• Effective communication and people skills
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and build dynamic relationships.
• Ownership mentality and accountability
• Continuous improvement mindset
• High attention to details
• High attention to issue closure and metrics

Other Preferred Qualifications:

 Conditions

• Primarily based in a manufacturing plant environment
• Frequent interaction with production floor and firsthand problem solving.
• Occasional travel to customers, suppliers, or other Malibu Boats facilities

What “Success” Looks Like – in 3-12 Months

• Measurable reduction in defects, rework, and warranty and impact to COPQ
• Stable, predictable processes with strong process controls
• Documented, sustainable solutions that improve quality metrics.
• Faster, more effective problem solving with low recurrence.
• Improved plant quality culture (operator ownership)
• Strong influence on product design feedback loop
• Recognized as a go-to leader on the shop floor.

 Why Malibu Boats

• Industry leader in performance boats and innovation
• Strong culture of quality, craftsmanship, and customer passion
• Opportunity to directly impact product excellence and customer satisfaction.

12-Month Targets & Metrics

1. Product Quality Performance

• First Pass Yield (FPY):
  • Target: ≥ 95–98% (depending on baseline)
  • Improvement: +3–5 percentage points vs. start of year
• Internal Defect Rate (PPM or DPU):
  • Target: ≥ 30–50% reduction YoY
  • Focus on top 5 recurring defect categories.
• Scrap & Rework Cost:
  • Target: ≥ 20–30% reduction
  • Measured as COPQ - % of Revenue and cost per boat.

2. Warranty & Customer Quality

• Warranty Claims Rate:
  • Target: ≥ 25% reduction YoY
• Top Warranty Drivers:
  • Reduce top 3 failure modes by ≥ 40%.
• Customer Satisfaction (Quality-related):
  • Improve quality-related NPS/CSI inputs by measurable margin.

3. Problem Solving Effectiveness

• Corrective Action Closure Time:
  • Target: < 30 days average (for standard issues)
  • Containment within 24–48 hours
• Recurrence Rate:
  • Target: < 10% repeat issues after closure
• 8D / A3 Quality Score:
  • ≥ 90% on internal quality audits of problem-solving rigor

4. Process Control & Stability

• PFMEA/Control Plan – drive into Top 3 substantial risk processes
• Control Plan Adherence:
  • ≥ 95% audit compliance
• Layered Process Audit (LPA) Completion:
  • ≥ 98% on time completion
  • Closure of findings within 14 days

5. Culture & Engagement

• Quality Training & Awareness:
  • Train / coach operators on critical quality standards
  • Conduct monthly quality stand-downs or refreshers.
• Employee Quality Suggestions:
  • Adopt ideas from production teams.
• Escapes (Customer or line-stop events):
  • Zero major escapes
  • ≥ 50% reduction in minor escapes