SUMMARY

The Quality Engineer is responsible for maintaining and improving the quality system, data analysis, customer interface, quality practices, and continuous improvement activities.  The Quality Engineer will work closely with functional area leaders, quality staff, corporate support teams, and production team members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans and directs activities specific to the application and maintenance of quality standards.
• Assist with complaint investigations and CAPA investigations.
• Focus on Continuous Improvement efforts and drive improved quality efficiencies.
• Develops and initiates standards and methods for inspection, testing, and evaluation.
• Develops sampling procedures, forms, and instructions for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.
• Establishes program to evaluate precision and accuracy of production equipment and testing, measurement and analytical equipment.
• Develops and implements methods and procedures for disposition of discrepant material and devises methods to assess cost and responsibility.
• Coordinates the plants internal audit program.
• Participates and supports external quality audits.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing on quality and process issues.
• Communicates with internal and external customers, vendors, production supervisors, customer service, and plant manager.
• Coordinates pest control audits with outside service and maintains records.
• Accountable for personal adherence to all applicable ISO, Safety, cGMP, Food Safety, and Plant policies.

COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Analytical - Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions.

Technical Skills -Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit.

Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Monitors transition and evaluates results.

Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.

Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress;

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

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.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from accredited institution
• 3-5 years of experience in a technical capacity in quality assurance, manufacturing or design engineering, or other related fields.
• Use of gauges and measurement equipment
• Strong computer skills
• Quality orientation i.e. ISO, cGMP, SQF, HACCP

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals and legal documents.  Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers or regulatory agencies. Effectively present information/training to management and co-workers.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.

Reasoning Ability:  Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet when in the office; however, when performing duties in production areas, hearing protection is required because of exposure to noise levels.