Quality Assurance Engineer
Description
Company Description ISCHEBECK USA, INC. is the North American subsidiary of Friedr. Ischebeck GmbH, a long-established German company recognized in the construction industry for innovative formwork, trenching, and geotechnical solutions. Founded in 1881 and still family-owned in its fifth generation, the parent company provides deep expertise and a strong legacy of quality. ISCHEBECK USA, INC., incorporated in 2009, combines this heritage with local market knowledge to serve customers across North America. With support from the parent company, the team delivers original, high-quality solutions manufactured in the United States. Applicants can expect to join a stable, engineering-focused organization committed to innovation and practical problem-solving for construction professionals. Position Title: Quality Engineer Department: Quality / Manufacturing Reports To: Quality Manager / Plant Manager Location: Manufacturing Site Employment Type: Full-time Position Summary The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring product and process quality within a manufacturing environment. This role supports daily production quality activities, supplier quality, customer complaint resolution, quality audits, calibration, documentation, and continuous improvement of the site’s Quality Management System. The Quality Engineer acts as a key quality contact between customers, suppliers, production teams, and headquarters to ensure compliance with internal requirements, customer specifications, ISO 9001, and applicable U.S. standards (ASTM, ACI, etc.). Key Responsibilities Product and Process Quality Monitor product quality throughout the manufacturing process Identify, analyze, and resolve quality issues affecting production Support continuous improvement activities to reduce defects and nonconformances Work directly with production teams to address quality concerns in real time Verify that products meet internal, customer, and regulatory requirements Review manufacturing processes for quality risks and improvement opportunities Incoming Goods and Supplier Quality Perform incoming goods inspections on raw materials, components, and purchased products Verify that supplier materials meet specifications and quality standards Document and communicate supplier quality issues Coordinate with suppliers to resolve nonconforming material concerns Support supplier corrective action activities when required Monitor supplier quality performance and recommend improvements Shop Floor Quality Checks and Audits Conduct regular quality checks on the production floor Perform process audits, product audits, and compliance checks Identify deviations from procedures, specifications, or work instructions Document audit findings and inspection results Follow up on corrective actions from shop floor audits Promote quality awareness and compliance within production teams Quality Documentation and Control Plans Develop and maintain quality control plans Create and update inspection procedures Prepare and maintain work instructions related to quality activities Ensure inspection methods and acceptance criteria are clearly defined Maintain accurate quality records and documentation Support document control activities related to the Quality Management System Problem Solving and Corrective Actions Investigate internal and external quality issues Lead or support root cause analysis activities Use quality tools such as: 8D, Root Cause Analysis, CAPA, FMEA, Nonconformance reporting Define corrective and preventive actions Track corrective actions through completion Verify the effectiveness of implemented actions Ensure lessons learned are incorporated into processes and procedures Customer Complaint Management Manage customer complaints related to product quality Coordinate complaint investigations with production, suppliers, and headquarters Communicate investigation results and corrective actions to relevant stakeholders Ensure timely response and closure of customer complaints Maintain customer complaint documentation and records Support customer audits or quality-related customer requests as needed Quality Reporting and Records Prepare regular quality reports for management review Track quality metrics, defects, nonconformances, and corrective actions Maintain inspection records, audit reports, and test documentation Support data analysis to identify quality trends Provide quality performance updates to internal teams and headquarters Ensure quality records are accurate, complete, and properly stored Quality Management System Support the implementation and maintenance of the site’s Quality Management System Maintain and improve the QMS in accordance with ISO 9001 Ensure compliance with applicable U.S. standards Support internal and external audits Assist with management reviews and QMS performance reporting Identify and implement improvements to quality processes and procedures Promote a culture of continuous improvement and quality ownership Training and Production Support Train production personnel on quality-related topics Support operators in understanding inspection requirements Provide guidance on defect recognition and documentation Reinforce proper use of work instructions and quality procedures Assist production teams with quality troubleshooting Promote consistent quality practices across shifts and work areas Measuring and Test Equipment Maintain measuring and test equipment used for quality inspections Ensure equipment is calibrated according to applicable standards Maintain calibration records and equipment identification Coordinate external calibration services when needed Remove or control equipment that is out of calibration Ensure measuring devices are suitable for their intended use Communication and Coordination Serve as the primary quality contact between: Customers, Suppliers, Production teams, Headquarters, and Internal management Communicate quality issues clearly and professionally Coordinate cross-functional resolution of quality concerns Support customer, supplier, and headquarters quality requests Escalate significant quality risks or recurring issues as needed Required Qualifications Technical degree in one of the following areas preferred: Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related technical discipline Equivalent professional experience may be considered Minimum of 3 years of experience in quality assurance or quality control Experience in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred Experience with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems Familiarity with applicable U.S. standards such as ASTM, ACI, or similar industry standards preferred Required Skills and Experience Experience using quality tools and methods, including: 8D problem solving, Root Cause Analysis, CAPA, FMEA, Corrective and preventive actions, Nonconformance management Ability to read and interpret: Technical drawings, Product specifications, Inspection plans, Work instructions, Quality standards Ability to use measuring and inspection equipment accurately Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and quality control practices Ability to analyze quality data and identify trends Strong documentation and recordkeeping skills Proficiency with basic computer systems and quality reporting tools Key Competencies Strong problem-solving skills Attention to detail Hands-on approach to quality and production support Strong communication skills Ability to work directly on the production floor Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams Customer-focused mindset Organized and structured work approach Ability to manage multiple priorities Commitment to continuous improvement Ability to make sound decisions under pressure Work Environment Combination of office and manufacturing floor work Regular interaction with production equipment, materials, and shop floor personnel Frequent walking, standing, inspecting, and observing production processes Use of measuring and test equipment Participation in production, quality, supplier, and customer-related meetings Key Success Factors The Quality Engineer will be successful in this role by: Improving product and process quality Reducing defects, scrap, rework, and nonconformances Supporting timely and effective customer complaint resolution Maintaining strong supplier quality controls Ensuring accurate quality documentation Keeping measuring and test equipment properly calibrated Supporting audit readiness and ISO 9001 compliance Strengthening the site’s Quality Management System Building quality awareness across production teams Acting as a reliable quality contact for customers, suppliers, production, and headquarters