The Role
Lead continuous improvement and quality initiatives in electro-mechanical manufacturing. Execute root-cause investigations, PFMEA, control plans, Cp/Cpk and Gage R&R, QMS documentation per AS9100D/ISO9001, audit support, supplier quality, customer RMA handling, and ERP-based traceability while coaching cross-functional teams to sustain process control and reduce defects.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Summary & Responsibilities
Preferred Qualifications
JOB SUMMARY
The Quality Engineer (QE) is a strategic, lean-focused role that advances Trek Connect's quality system and drives continuous improvement across production operations. Reporting to the Quality Manager with a dotted-line to the Operations & Engineering Manager, the QE applies classic lean tools -- PDCA, 5 Whys, Fishbone, PFMEA, Poka-Yoke, Value Stream Mapping, and Visual Management -- to build capable, in-control processes that scale with the business.
Working cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain, the QE executes the technical work of the Quality function: corrective action investigations, audit support, QMS documentation, customer source inspection preparation, RMA analysis, and supplier quality activities. The QE builds an employee-centric, team-based problem-solving culture that drives positive change.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties as assigned.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Problem Solving
- Lead structured problem-solving events using PDCA, 5 Whys, Fishbone, Affinity Diagrams, and 8D to eliminate chronic defects and recurring nonconformances.
- Facilitate PFMEA for new and existing assembly processes; link outputs to control plans, work instructions, and inspection plans.
- Deploy poka-yoke solutions and perform process capability studies (Cp/Cpk) and MSA/Gage R&R to validate process control.
- Establish and maintain Visual Management at the Gemba -- quality huddle boards, KPI displays, defect tracking, and tiered escalation -- and participate in daily huddles with data-driven countermeasures.
- Apply Scaling Up principles to identify constraints, standardize effective practices, and build quality disciplines that support business growth.
Quality Management System (QMS) Support
- Maintain and improve QMS documentation per AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015: Quality Manual, procedures, work instructions, forms, and training records.
- Track and trend quality KPIs -- first-pass yield, defect rates, cost of poor quality, DPMO, and customer escapes -- and recommend improvement actions.
- Execute corrective action technical steps: interim containment, root cause analysis, verification, and effectiveness review; maintain the CAPA database.
- Document inspection records, First Article Inspection reports, and nonconforming material records in ERP and QMS systems.
Audits, Inspection, & Customer Source Inspection Support
- Participate in 2nd and 3rd Party audits; support internal audits and develop AS9100 internal auditor capability.
- Develop and apply inspection and testing standards for purchased material, in-process material, and finished assemblies.
- Prepare production orders and documentation for Customer Source Inspections; coordinate directly with customer representatives.
Cross-Functional Support
- Serve as the embedded quality resource for daily production reviews, new product introductions, engineering change reviews, and first-article builds.
- Contribute PFMEA, control plan, and inspection input during design and process reviews; investigate nonconforming product and lead root cause analysis.
- Disposition nonconforming material promptly to protect product quality and minimize schedule impact.
- Support supplier quality activities including SCARs, supplier qualification, and performance trending.
- Support incoming inspection plan development; use ERP for lot traceability and trend analysis.
Customer Quality & Program Support
- Support customer RMA processes: lead technical product return assessment and root cause investigation.
- Prepare and submit quality documentation packages including Certificates of Conformance, FAI reports, and customer-required quality records.
- Respond to customer quality inquiries, complaints, and audit requests in coordination with the Quality Manager.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Aerospace, or Manufacturing) or a related technical discipline.
- Minimum of 3 years of quality engineering experience in an electro-mechanical manufacturing environment; defense, aerospace, or electronic interconnect manufacturing strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 quality management system requirements.
- Demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and PDCA methodologies; Six Sigma Green Belt certification is a plus, or willingness to obtain Lean Six Sigma Green Belt within 18 months of start date.
- Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action experience required (5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D, FMEA).
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:
- U.S. Person (ITAR): This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). To perform the position, you must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR — U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
- Lean Toolkit Proficiency: Demonstrated hands-on application of 5 Whys, Fishbone, Affinity Diagrams, PDCA, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, 5S, Gemba, Visual Management, tiered huddles, and process mapping.
- Statistical & Analytical Skills: Process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), Measurement System Analysis (Gage R&R), statistical sampling, control charting, and trend analysis; ability to translate quality data into prioritized improvement actions.
- Quality Engineering Tools: PFMEA facilitation, control plan development, poka-yoke design, and 8D problem-solving leadership.
- Cross-Functional Influence: Proven ability to influence Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Inspection without direct authority; employee-centric, team-based approach to problem solving.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication; ability to brief leadership, engage the production team at the Gemba, and represent quality professionally to customers.
- ERP & Documentation: Proficient in ERP systems (P21 preferred) for component traceability, work order records, and quality data analysis; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Engineering Drawing & Specification Comprehension: Able to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and test procedures.
- Audit Discipline: Working knowledge of AS9100D audit standards; ability to prepare for, support, and respond to internal, customer, and certification audits.
$72,000 - $80,000
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Aerospace, Manufacturing) or related technical discipline
- Minimum of 3 years quality engineering experience in electro-mechanical manufacturing (defense/aerospace preferred)
- Working knowledge of AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 quality management system requirements
- Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and PDCA methodologies
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification (or willingness to obtain within 18 months)
- Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action experience (5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D, FMEA)
- U.S. Person (ITAR) eligibility: U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee
- Lean toolkit proficiency (5 Whys, Fishbone, Affinity Diagrams, PDCA, VSM, 5S, Gemba, Visual Management)
- Statistical and analytical skills: process capability (Cp/Cpk), Measurement System Analysis (Gage R&R), control charting, sampling, trend analysis
- PFMEA facilitation, control plan development, poka-yoke design, and 8D problem-solving leadership
- Proficiency in ERP systems for traceability and quality data (P21 preferred)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and test procedures
- Working knowledge of AS9100D audit standards and ability to support internal/customer/certification audits
- Strong written and verbal communication and cross-functional influencing skills
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The Company
What We Do
Trek Connect is a designer and manufacturer specializing in custom cable and harness assemblies, data switching systems, and interconnect solutions. They provide high-reliability copper and fiber optic solutions used in aerospace, defense, and other mission-critical applications. Serving diverse markets including homeland security, medical, and telecommunications, they operate as a subsidiary of Heilind Mil-Aero, offering expertise in 3D modeling and cable overmolding.
