Production and Quality Engineer
2 - 5 years
Kelly, NC
Full-time
Onsite
1 month ago
About the role
Standex Engraving is seeking a highly driven, conscientious Engineering professional to join it's dynamic Team!
Reports to: Plant Manager
Classification: Exempt
Location: Fraser, MI
Overview
The Process & Quality Engineer is a high-visibility, hands-on role responsible for establishing stable, capable, and efficient manufacturing processes across assigned product value streams in a new program production start-up environment .
Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this role will take ownership of stabilizing end-to-end manufacturing processes for multiple products during plant ramp-up. The engineer will drive process capability, reduce variation, and implement structured root cause solutions while serving as the primary technical owner for customer quality issue resolution.
This is a highly empowered role with direct impact on product quality, cost, and delivery performance, requiring strong technical ownership and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving production environment.
Essential Duties Integrated Customer Quality Responsibilities
Education And Experience
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Work Environment
Physical Requirements include (but not limited to):
Reports to: Plant Manager
Classification: Exempt
Location: Fraser, MI
Overview
The Process & Quality Engineer is a high-visibility, hands-on role responsible for establishing stable, capable, and efficient manufacturing processes across assigned product value streams in a new program production start-up environment .
Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this role will take ownership of stabilizing end-to-end manufacturing processes for multiple products during plant ramp-up. The engineer will drive process capability, reduce variation, and implement structured root cause solutions while serving as the primary technical owner for customer quality issue resolution.
This is a highly empowered role with direct impact on product quality, cost, and delivery performance, requiring strong technical ownership and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving production environment.
Essential Duties Integrated Customer Quality Responsibilities
- New Value Stream Process Stabilization Ownership (Immediate Focus)
- Establish and own end-to-end manufacturing process performance for assigned product value streams including following operations:
- Injection molding
- Automated fabric cutting
- Adhesive application (roll coating and spray)
- Lamination and edge folding of interior trim components
- Establish stable, repeatable, and capable processes across all steps of the value stream
- Lead process development, setup, startup, and troubleshooting activities
- Maintain and evolve Control Plans and PFMEA tied to actual process risks
- Maintain and evolve process related quality documentation
- Optimize process parameters to reach stable levels of scrap, yield, cycle time, and throughput
- Identify and eliminate sources of variation across interconnected processes
- Drive process standardization and define “golden parameters” for each operation
- Collaborate with tooling, design, and production teams to improve manufacturability
- Serve as primary technical owner for customer quality issues
- Lead structured root cause analysis using 8D or equivalent methodologies
- Define and implement containment, corrective, and preventive actions
- Validate effectiveness of corrective actions using process and product data
- Communicate technical findings and resolution status to internal teams and customers
- Ensure timely and professional response to customer concerns
- Plan and execute process validations (IQ/OQ/PQ) across multiple manufacturing steps
- Design and execute DOE studies to establish robust process windows
- Perform process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk) for critical characteristics
- Ensure alignment between process parameters and product performance requirements
- Quality System Development Support
- Support implementation of quality systems aligned with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949
- Implement SPC on critical process and product characteristics
- Lead measurement system analysis (MSA) activities where required
- Contribute to internal audit readiness and continuous improvement initiatives
- Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence (After Stabilization)
- Control and streamline mass production (man, machine, material, method, environment) variables and own consequent in-house as well as customer concerns
- Drive scrap reduction, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement initiatives
- Improve process flow and integration across value stream operations
- Support development of visual controls, standard work, and process documentation
- Train and guide technicians and operators on process control and problem-solving
- Identify opportunities for automation and process enhancement
Education And Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Plastics, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- 3-5+ years of hands-on manufacturing process engineering experience
- Demonstrated experience in structured problem-solving in technical manufacturing processes
- Experience in one or more of the following strongly preferred:
- Injection molding
- Adhesive processes / coating / lamination
- Textile or trim component manufacturing
- Experience with process validation, troubleshooting, and production ramp environments
- Working knowledge of automotive quality methodologies (PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, Control Plans)
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
- Strong process engineering mindset across multi-step manufacturing systems
- Ability to understand and control variation across interconnected processes
- Strong communication skills for cross-functional and customer interaction
- Strong problem-prevention mindset
- Strong root cause analysis and data-driven decision-making skills
- Working knowledge of SPC and process capability concepts
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving production environment
- Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); ERP/SAP experience a plus
- Working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD tools highly desirable
- High ownership mindset with ability to independently drive results
Work Environment
- Combination of production floor and office work; significant time on manufacturing floor required
- Requires standing, walking, and lifting up to 50 lbs as needed
- PPE compliance required in production areas
- Flexible schedule to support production ramp, trials, and issue resolution
- Fast-paced startup environment with competing priorities
Physical Requirements include (but not limited to):
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the workday
- Frequent movement between manufacturing floor areas
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or reach as needed to observe processes, equipment, and tooling
- Manual dexterity sufficient to use hand tools, measuring instruments, keyboards, and computer equipment.
- Occasional lifting and carrying of parts, tools, fixtures, or equipment up to 25 – 50 lbs
Skills
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing