Quality Engineer 2

POSITION SUMMARY

The Quality Engineer 2 is responsible for supporting and improving quality processes within an engineered-to-order electrical distribution products manufacturing environment. This position works cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure products meet customer requirements, engineering specifications, applicable industry standards, and internal quality expectations.

The Quality Engineer 2 independently investigates quality issues, leads corrective actions, supports inspections and testing, analyzes quality data, and drives continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality Engineering & Manufacturing Support

• Provide day-to-day quality engineering support for the manufacture and assembly of electrical distribution equipment.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material (BOMs), work instructions, and customer requirements to identify quality requirements.
• Support quality activities involving switchgear, switchboards, power distribution equipment, busbar assemblies, enclosures, and related electrical and mechanical components.
• Establish and maintain inspection criteria, quality checkpoints, and acceptance requirements throughout manufacturing.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering to identify and resolve quality concerns before they impact production or customers.
• Provide technical guidance to inspectors, assemblers, technicians, and other manufacturing personnel regarding quality requirements.

Nonconformance & Corrective Action

• Investigate internal and external nonconformances and determine appropriate containment actions.
• Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methods such as 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA).
• Develop, implement, and verify corrective actions in partnership with responsible departments.
• Maintain accurate documentation of nonconforming material and corrective action activities.
• Analyze recurring defects and recommend permanent corrective actions or process improvements.
• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and assist in determining appropriate disposition of nonconforming material.

Inspection, Testing & Product Quality

• Support incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities.
• Develop and improve inspection plans, checklists, quality standards, and testing requirements.
• Review inspection and test results to verify product conformance.
• Support final product inspections and customer acceptance requirements.
• Investigate failures identified during manufacturing, testing, or final inspection.
• Ensure measuring and inspection equipment is appropriate for its intended use and properly controlled.

Quality Management System

• Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company's Quality Management System (QMS).
• Create and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, forms, inspection records, and other controlled documentation.
• Participate in internal audits and assist with preparation for customer, regulatory, and third-party audits.
• Support compliance with applicable ISO 9001 principles and company quality procedures.
• Identify process gaps and recommend practical improvements.
• Assist with training employees on quality procedures, inspection requirements, and quality expectations.

Supplier Quality

• Investigate and support resolution of supplier-related quality issues.
• Work with Purchasing and Supply Chain to communicate supplier nonconformances and corrective action requirements.
• Review supplier corrective action responses and verify effectiveness.
• Analyze supplier quality performance and identify recurring issues or trends.
• Participate in supplier qualification and evaluation activities as needed.

Continuous Improvement & Quality Data

• Collect, analyze, and report quality performance data and trends.
• Monitor metrics including defects, rework, scrap, nonconformances, corrective actions, supplier quality, and customer complaints.
• Identify opportunities to reduce defects, rework, and variation within manufacturing processes.
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement and cross-functional problem-solving initiatives.
• Recommend improvements to manufacturing processes, inspection methods, documentation, and quality controls.
• Assist in developing quality KPIs and communicating quality performance to leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of quality engineering or manufacturing quality experience required.
• Experience in an engineered-to-order, low-volume/high-mix, or complex manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Experience within electrical distribution equipment, switchgear, switchboards, electrical equipment, industrial controls, or similar manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant technical experience may be considered.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing quality principles and practices.
• Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis, corrective action, CAPA, 8D, 5 Why, and Fishbone methodologies.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, BOMs, and technical documentation.
• Understanding of inspection methods, measurement equipment, tolerances, and manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 or similar Quality Management Systems.
• Familiarity with electrical distribution industry standards, including UL, ANSI, IEEE, and NEMA, preferred.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze quality data and identify meaningful trends.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively across Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic quality or ERP systems.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Quality-focused mindset and strong attention to detail
• Root cause analysis and problem solving
• Technical judgment and decision making
• Accountability and ownership
• Continuous improvement
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Clear and professional communication
• Ability to prioritize multiple quality issues in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Regular presence on the manufacturing floor is required.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout production areas as necessary.
• Ability to safely work around electrical manufacturing and testing operations.
• Must follow all required PPE and facility safety requirements.
• Occasional travel between company facilities, suppliers, or customer locations may be required.