Quality Engineer, Sr.

Job Summary

With minimal direction and guidance, is responsible for ensuring that all quality attributes for assigned programs are carefully monitored and satisfactorily controlled to comply with Company and customer contractual requirements, specifications and drawings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide adequate oversight and control that assures all raw materials, component details and finished products supporting a given program are procured and/or manufactured in accordance with contractual quality requirements.
• Manage supplier interactions, work with new product development programs, and ensure appropriate supplier compliance to Arrowhead and Customer quality requirements.
• Develop and communicate Arrowhead expectations for quality performance, continuous improvement, quality systems, process controls and capabilities to suppliers.
• Mentor and train supplier representatives in best practices in quality systems, process controls methods, problem solving and statistical tools.
• Develop supplier audit schedule, conduct supplier audits and follow-up on supplier corrective actions.

• Maintain supplier program, including supplier ratings, metrics and development.

• Measure and communicate supplier performance on key metrics and the corresponding continuous improvement plans and report results to management monthly.
• Establish quality control criteria, methods and procedures including visual and physical inspection points and testing requirements.  Perform surveillance over tools, fixtures, gauges and tests.  Prepare, approve and distribute various supporting quality documents, bulletins, and related work instructions required to support assigned programs.
• Monitor in-process control points of assigned programs so that adequacy and timeliness of quality assurance feedback to management and interested company personnel is being effectively managed.
• Conduct assessments of customer returned materials, assigning responsibility and approving work instructions as required. 
• Review and coordinate all actions necessary to support all quality related requirements the company is contractually obligated to provide per customer purchase order terms and conditions.
•  Foster and maintain an effective liaison role with the customer and associated governmental agencies, including but limited to product quality assurance representatives and technical support staff. 
• Conduct, provide leadership or participate when called upon in all activities related to customer quality surveys or audits. 
• Conduct internal audits to ensure conformance to quality manuals and procedures.
• Interact with manufacturing and manufacturing support groups in the detection and resolution of quality problems.  Determine and implement effective correction actions as required to avoid repeat non-conformances. 
• Serve as a member of the Material Review Board. 
• Provide input and approve manufacturing routings, ensuring mandatory inspection points are adequately defined and appropriately placed.
• Coordinate internal corrective action requests and help audit the effectiveness of internal corrective actions.
• Willingness and flexibility for business travel both domestically and abroad, when required.

• This job description is not all inclusive of all duties.  Other duties may be assigned.

Education and Experience

• Requires B.A./B.S. degree, or the equivalent combination of experience and classes in quality assurance.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.
• Requires 10+ years manufacturing quality engineering/supplier quality engineer experience, at least 5 years in the aerospace industry. Experience with Lean methodologies required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Proficient in interpreting engineering drawings/blueprints.
• Sound organizational and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated strength in decision-making.
• Capable of multi-tasking with sufficient ease to meet multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working across organizational levels.
• Ability to analyze and develop policies/procedures, to perform sound root cause analysis (including pareto, fishbone, 5Y) and to perform process mapping.
• Proficient with manufacturing processes and controls, with inspection tools/gauges.
• Must be accurate and detailed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in use of computer applications including MS Office Suite, MS Project, Visio.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• N/A

Physical Demands and Work Environment

To successfully perform the essential functions of this role, an individual must:

• Work Environment Exposures:
  • Work around equipment and machinery in a manufacturing environment.
  • Walk on uneven ground.
  • Be exposed to excessive noise, dust, gases, fumes, and chemicals commonly associated with manufacturing processes (e.g., paint, solvents, coatings, and fiberglass).
  • Be exposed to extremes in temperature, humidity, or wetness, particularly on the manufacturing floor.
• Protective Equipment:
  • Use special visual or auditory protective equipment as required.
  • Use safety glasses and wear safety shoes as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift, push, and pull up to 35 lbs.
• Sit, stand, and walk frequently.
• Bend, stoop, squat, reach occasionally
• Frequent use and motion of hands and arms, including gripping and grasping
• Operate computers and equipment frequently.

Special Requirements

• N/A

Limitations and Disclaimer

This job description outlines essential responsibilities but does not represent an exhaustive list. The company may modify duties as needed. The company provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA and applicable state laws.