The Senior Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for maximizing the internally visible performance of global product quality for all Gibson Brands divisions. The Senior QE will work closely with Global Production and division/site teams to optimize as-manufactured product quality, production yield, throughput, efficiency and cost. The Senior QE will manage the internal quality performance metrics and provide leadership in quality system development, corrective actions, and strategic improvement for internal production quality issues.
Essential Functions
Main duties
- Engage in regular communication related to production quality feedback originating from internal craftory teams and external customers experiencing pass-thru quality escapes
- Monitor internal quality data to analyze and report events, trends and overall performance; owner and administrator for production quality KPI metrics
- Coordinate event/issue response with support from Global Production and division/site teams to realize swift and effective resolution
- Lead, facilitate and support corrective actions and strategic improvement projects using scope-appropriate methods such as Kaizen, Practical Problem Solving, 8D and Lean/Six Sigma
- Assist Engineering, Operational Excellence and division/site teams in Global Production to increase the capabilities and effectiveness of In Process Quality Control (IPQC) systems and processes
- Work with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement and Gibson suppliers to develop, define and refine product and process quality requirements
- Support and facilitate internal communication that relates to product quality and reliability
- Advocate strongly for our production quality and workmanship, working to ensure Gibson Brands will perform at or above market expectations
- Coordinate and lead internal production quality reviews and factory product/process audits
Required Skills/Abilities
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Desired familiarity with statistical analysis applications (Minitab, JMP, SigmaXL)
- Strong project management skills – including planning, tracking and team leadership
- Outstanding organizational and time management skills - with the ability to prioritize and make flexible, dynamic adjustments
- Able to proactively question / challenge to identify root-cause problems and prioritize solutions in a timely manner
- Results-oriented and driven, with a track record for delivering to plan
- Demonstrated ability to perform in a matrix organization – with ability to influence and utilize support from cross-functional teams
- Excellent written & oral communication skills; strong, demonstrated experience in technical writing
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering OR equivalent technical field plus relevant work experience
- 8+ years’ direct experience in a quality engineering role directly supporting factory operations
- 4+ years’ experience working in a global manufacturing business
- Highly desired: cross-functional engineering experience in manufacturing support roles (product development, supplier quality, continuous improvement)
- ASQ certifications desired: Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
- Demonstrated experience in building strong working relationships with Product Development, Engineering, Manufacturing and Procurement teams
Essential Knowledge
Understanding of quality engineering fundamentals including statistics, root-cause analysis and corrective action
- Detailed understanding of quality attributes and related measurement/inspection methods: dimensional, cosmetic, functional, reliability
- Advanced understanding of Lean and Six Sigma improvement methods
- Familiarity with industrial quality management systems (ISO 9001, AS 9001, TS 16949 and similar)
- Highly desired: personal hands-on experience with guitars, amplifiers, and electronics
Personal Qualities
- Enjoys following a process through and communicating progress in a team environment
- Able to effectively navigate ambiguity and act upon “what really matters”
- High-energy, dynamic individual who strives for continuous improvement
- A strong desire to succeed and pursue continued professional growth and development
- Ability to handle stress and calmly lead others through issues
- Ability to clearly communicate requirements, needed actions and status/progress
- Detail-oriented and highly organized
- Creative, collaborative and effective problem solver and team contributor
- Curious in nature; always looking to question, learn & look for better ways to do things
- Personable, fun, team-oriented
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or an equivalent technical field, or equivalent relevant experience
- 8+ years of direct experience in a quality engineering role supporting factory operations
- 4+ years of experience working in a global manufacturing business
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Strong project management, planning, tracking, and team leadership skills
- Knowledge of quality engineering fundamentals, statistics, root-cause analysis, and corrective action
- Experience with quality attributes and dimensional, cosmetic, functional, and reliability measurement or inspection methods
- Advanced understanding of Lean and Six Sigma improvement methods
- Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization and influence cross-functional teams
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including technical writing
- Familiarity with industrial quality management systems such as ISO 9001, AS 9001, or TS 16949
- Familiarity with statistical analysis applications such as Minitab, JMP, or SigmaXL
- Cross-functional engineering experience in manufacturing support, product development, supplier quality, or continuous improvement
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer or Certified Six Sigma Black Belt certification
- Hands-on experience with guitars, amplifiers, and electronics
What We Do
Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for 127 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie the home of tone, and KRK behind great music for over 30 years. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands. Learn more at Gibson.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Gibson TV, and Instagram.
