Quality Engineer

Open 45d

Location: Lebanon MO

The quality engineer is responsible for ensuring that manufacturing processes are designed, implemented, and sustained in a state of statistical control, such that product quality is predictable, repeatable, and inherently conforming.

This role does not rely on inspection to ensure quality. Instead, the quality engineer leads the development of robust processes, control methods, and preventive systems that eliminate defects at the source.

The quality engineer drives root cause analysis, corrective/preventive actions, and process standardization, while providing technical leadership to QA auditors and cross-functional teams. This position serves as the plant-level owner of process quality performance and the primary interface for customer corrective actions.

1. Process control & predictability (primary accountability)

Establish and sustain processes that are:

Stable (in statistical control)
Capable (meeting requirements consistently)
Standardized (executed the same way every time)

Implement and maintain process control methods, including:

SPC (where applicable)
Control plans tied to risk and critical characteristics
Defined process inputs/outputs with measurable criteria

Identify and eliminate process variation that leads to defects.

Ensure that quality is built into the process, not verified afterward.

2. Shift from detection to prevention

Reduce reliance on inspection by:

Driving error-proofing (poka-yoke) where feasible
Improving process capability and consistency
Eliminating recurring defects through permanent corrective actions

Reposition QA auditors from “finding defects” to:

Verifying process adherence
Monitoring process health indicators

Challenge any practice that depends on inspection to control quality.

3. Root cause analysis & corrective action (RCA/CAPA)

Lead structured problem-solving using:

8D methodology
5 Whys / Why-Why analysis
Pareto prioritization

Ensure root cause is:

Process-based
Validated with data

Implement corrective actions that:

Eliminate root cause
Improve process robustness
Verify effectiveness over time, not just immediate closure

4. Cross-functional process ownership

Work directly with:

Production – define and standardize best methods
Sustaining engineering – resolve field and repeat issues
R&D engineering – ensure designs are producible and robust

Participate in and influence:

Design reviews
Process FMEA (PFMEA)
Control plan development

Ensure alignment between:

Design intent (form, fit, function)
Manufacturing capability

5. Customer quality & corrective action communication

Own plant-level response to customer quality issues:

Lead and submit 8D reports
Communicate root cause and corrective actions

Ensure responses reflect:

True root cause (not superficial fixes)
Sustainable process improvements

Protect the organization from recurring external failures.

6. QA auditor leadership (support function)

Provide direction to QA auditors/inspectors:

Define what matters to inspect based on risk
Align inspection with process control strategy

Ensure inspection is:

Targeted and minimal
Not compensating for poor process control

Transition auditing focus toward:

Process verification vs product sorting

7. Data-driven decision making

Monitor and analyze:

Process variation
Scrap, rework, yield
Customer complaints

Use Pareto analysis to focus on highest-impact issues.

Drive actions based on data and statistical evidence, not assumptions.

8. Continuous improvement & prevention culture

Lead initiatives that:

Improve process stability and capability
Reduce cost of poor quality (COPQ)
Reinforce PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) discipline

Promote a culture of:

Prevention over correction
Standardization over tribal knowledge

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent experience

Experience 3-7+ years in manufacturing quality or process engineering

Salary

Dependent upon experience

Company description

The Durham Company is a well-established leader in the utility production industry and known for its innovation and quality. The company provides its workforce with competitive compensation, health benefits (health, dental, vision, short term, life insurance), accrued paid time off, holiday pay, retirement 401(k), and various other employee perks that contribute to overall job satisfaction. These factors combined make The Durham Company a supportive and rewarding work environment.

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