Product Quality Engineer

Description:

Gast Manufacturing, a division of IDEX Corporation, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality air-moving products. The company is seeking a Product Quality Engineer to join its Benton Harbor, Michigan team. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring product reliability, reducing process variation, and improving overall product quality through continuous improvement initiatives and strong cross-functional collaboration.

As a Product Quality Engineer, you will serve as a liaison between customers, suppliers, and internal manufacturing teams. You will take the lead in addressing product complaints, driving corrective actions, and ensuring that product quality standards meet customer expectations and regulatory compliance. You will also work to implement lean processes, quality systems, and process controls to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product consistency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead initiatives aimed at reducing process variation through innovative design improvements and process optimization.

• Develop and implement continuous improvement programs to reduce operational costs and eliminate inefficiencies.

• Act as the primary point of contact for customer complaints, ensuring swift and effective corrective actions are taken.

• Conduct root cause analyses, follow up with customers, and provide comprehensive written reports on product issues.

• Maintain companywide corrective action tracking systems and ensure timely resolution of all issues.

• Support suppliers in implementing corrective actions and verify compliance with product standards.

• Analyze statistical manufacturing data to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities for improvement.

• Conduct capability studies and track performance metrics to measure improvements and quality outcomes.

• Work with engineering and production teams to improve current manufacturing processes and product designs.

• Assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WIs), and production reporting systems.

• Lead internal quality awareness meetings and train employees on quality control methodologies.

• Coordinate and lead customer audits, ensuring all processes align with industry standards and customer expectations.

• Manage engineering technicians and lead key quality-related projects involving customers and suppliers.

• Serve as an internal consultant for process improvements, lean initiatives, and continuous improvement programs.

Performance Indicators:

• Reduction in safety incidents, defects, lead time, and costs.

• Measurable improvements in first-pass yield, warranty claims, and customer satisfaction.

• Successful implementation of lean and automated manufacturing processes.

• Consistent delivery of transformational process improvements.

Educational and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Engineering Technology.

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Knowledge of Six Sigma and GD&T methodology preferred.

• Experience with lean manufacturing concepts such as 5S, Kaizen, and Kanban.

• Working knowledge of TPS (Toyota Production System) philosophies and statistical process control.

• Strong project management, communication, and leadership skills.

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. (Gast does not provide visa sponsorship).

Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing or industrial environments.

• Proficiency in MS Office and statistical analysis tools.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and meet tight deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Self-starter with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Passionate about continuous improvement and quality excellence.