Quality Engineer

Job Description Job Description Company Overview

BIRNS, Inc., established in 1954, is an AS9100 certified global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-performance underwater connectors, subsea cable assemblies subsea lighting, dive lights and nuclear facility lighting. With a commitment to quality and innovation, we serve critical applications in deep ocean, marine, military, and nuclear power sectors.

Summary

BIRNS is seeking a Quality Engineer to join our team at BIRNS, Inc. This role is pivotal in ensuring the highest standards of quality for our products. Located in the United States, you will contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional performance and reliability in our lighting and connector systems.

The Quality Engineer (QE) is accountable for the overall quality of products delivered, services to customers ensuring all quality controls are met. The QE is responsible for developing a complete QA program that not only safeguards the quality and performance of our products, but also fosters a culture in which all employees are actively engaged in guaranteeing it by building an unwavering commitment to meticulous production, taking our products to the next level of quality, performance, and safety.

The QE engages continuous improvement activity and resources to identify and eliminate cost drivers, identify and eliminate work flow disruptions and establishes effective problem reporting and problem-solving methods so that goods are produced in a process-controlled and cost-effective manner, delivering zero-defect products on time. The QE will have customer and product quality responsibilities in addition to the general responsibilities outlined. The ideal candidate will have experience in implementing quality assurance practices, conducting audits, analyzing data and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following is a framework of the essential duties and responsibilities for this role. Basic duties are outlined here and are not limited to this outline. Duties and responsibilities may change according to business need and other duties may be assigned.

• Provide guidance and assistance in quality enhancement strategies and the interpretation of workmanship criteria
• Perform process capabilities analysis on key characteristics; implementing Inspection and Quality Plans
• Conduct internal audit activities including but not limited to quality management systems, purchasing, contract review process, and manufacturing
• Drive trend improvements on the internal & external quality in support of strategic business objectives
• Build stable, productive internal/external working relationships using effective interpersonal skills. Effectively articulate concepts and ideas to both technical and non-technical staff
• Resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways while applying company policies and procedures
• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factor
• Participate in the review of engineering specifications to ensure the inclusion of adequate quality and reliability requirements
• Work to reduce defects in various processes through data analysis and team problem-solving
• Write, maintain and improve detailed Inspection Instructions, Quality Plans and or Procedures for all related production operations and processes.
• Ensure production Job Travelers are accurate with respect to inspection or test gates and provide sufficient information for processes to be executed in a thorough and repeatable manner.
• Utilize quality and in-process data to develop solutions to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, and minimize cost.
• Design a Quality Plan and coordinate with Engineering to develop manufacturing processes including as applicable, the implementation and verification of processes utilizing tools, equipment and fixtures for new products prior to manufacturing release.
• Assist Production Planner to develop, prepare, and maintain inspection and test gates within the manufacturing process routings for work centers. Establish the processes and routings to handle discrepant material (NCRs), returned products (RMAs) and internal jobs to be reworked.
• Confer with suppliers to determine product specifications, compliance with Quality Assurance Provisions (QAPs) and evaluate products according to specifications and quality standards.
• Use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for tracking and reporting of data.

Other Duties

• Demonstrates initiative to work efficiently and to streamline processes.
• Receives little instruction on day-to-day work, general instructions on new assignments.
• Has a full understanding of one's specialization and uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
• Strong written/verbal communication, analytical, time management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work well as both an individual contributor and as a member of a team.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.
• Provide training to production teams on quality standards, procedures and best practices.
• Assist in the development of quality-related documentation and work instructions.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Proven ability to improve manufacturing processes, product quality and a focus on manufacturability and profitability. The specific technical/administrative/managerial knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform the job competently (e.g. process flow development, computer software, etc.) The use of binocular light compound microscopes, digital calipers, and digital micrometers, digital comparator, Height and tread gages. CMM Programming Knowledge is highly desirable.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree (BS) in manufacturing or electronics engineering from a technical college or university, and five years related experience and/or training in Quality Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience. ISO 9001, NADCAP and or AS9100 Quality Management System experience in the electronics, electrical harnesses, mechanical assembly industries is required.
• Ability to read and interpret Assembly Drawings, Electrical Schematics and Mechanical Part drawings is required.
• Experience using Statistical Process Control (SPC)knowledge as well as the proficient use of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel programs is required. Experience with complex wire harness production is highly desirable, as is experience with molding of thermosetting glass-filled epoxy resin (GRE) and liquid two-part polyurethanes. Experience with J-STD-001, IPC-A-610 or WHMA-A-620 and GD&T standards is highly desirable.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

The Quality Engineer (QE) must have excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills, as well as strong listening skills. (Ability to speak a language other than English may be helpful but is not required.) The person in this role must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common manufacturing and technical procedures, Military or industry standards (ASTM, AMS, Mil Specs, etc.), schematics, diagrams, and drawings; write reports, business correspondence, assembly instructions and procedure manuals; respond to occasional inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or other members of the manufacturing community; and to speak effectively before groups of company employees or customers.

SOCIAL SKILLS

Ability to continually interact with others as a contributing member of a close-knit team. Ability to work closely together with others, possibly of different backgrounds and interests, without friction. Works well with people. Able to maintain strict confidentiality.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply concepts of algebra and geometry, apply mathematical operations to theoretical and practical manufacturing and industrial situations. Aptitude to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's, performing these operations using units of time, pressure, temperature, weigh measurement, volume and distance.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Ability to use a personal computer, email and the Internet, and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office program such as word, Excel and Power Point. Statistical Analysis (Minitab) . click apply for full job details