Entry Level Qa Automation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Quality Assurance Analyst
Yanmar Compact Equipment North America designs, manufactures and supports a complete range of compact equipment including compact track loaders, mini excavators, wheel loaders and construction equipment for use in such markets as construction, landscaping, utility, land management and agriculture. The products are sold primarily through a third party, independent dealer network.
OVERVIEW:
The candidate in this role is a key contributor to the Quality Assurance team, supporting our mission to deliver industry-leading compact equipment through strong data analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Warranty, and Supplier teams to analyze product performance, monitor warranty trends, and provide insights that drive product reliability and customer satisfaction. The Quality Analyst also plays an important role in supplier-related quality activities by preparing documentation that supports warranty cost recovery and ensuring accurate, timely communication of market feedback to internal teams and global factory partners.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Gather, organize, and analyze warranty, service, and customer complaint data to support identification of quality trends and potential issues.
• Assist New Product Development (NPD) teams by providing data and documentation that support quality requirements for new products.
• Help communicate market feedback to Yanmar factories and internal teams, ensuring information is routed to the appropriate groups.
• Support Engineering, Production, and Supplier teams in root-cause investigations by preparing data summaries, charts, and basic analysis.
• Assist in the supplier recovery process by collecting warranty data, preparing supporting documentation, and helping track supplier-related quality issues.
• Maintain regular communication with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Control, and Supply Chain to support ongoing quality improvement activities.
• Track and report key quality performance metrics, preparing routine dashboards and summaries for team review.
• Provide analytical support for special projects, including data cleanup, trend analysis, and quality improvement initiatives.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and/or Experience:
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Data Analytics, or a related technical field.
• Coursework or training in statistics, data analysis, quality systems, or manufacturing processes preferred
• Exposure to quality methodologies such as 8D, SPC, PFMEA, DFMEA, or Lean/Six Sigma (Yellow Belt or similar training is a plus).
• Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab, or similar) through coursework, internships, or hands-on projects.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, basic measurement tools, and manufacturing terminology is beneficial.
• On-the-job training provided in company-specific quality systems, warranty processes, and supplier recovery procedures.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical systems and their components.
• Proficient in quality analysis and problem-solving methodologies, including 8D, SPC, PFMEA, DFMEA, and related tools.
• Demonstrated problem-solving capability, with the ability to teach foundational techniques and facilitate cross-functional problem-solving events.
• Understanding of fabrication-based quality control methods, inspection tools, and manufacturing quality practices.
• Strong engineering analysis abilities supported by effective data analysis, interpretation, and reporting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including presentation skills and the ability to build alignment across teams.
• Highly organized with strong time-management skills, able to maintain structure in dynamic environments.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated with a high level of initiative and ownership.
• Ability to travel up to 25%; valid driver's license required.
The above Job Description is not intended to be an all-encompassing list of responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this position. It is intended to be a guideline reflecting the principal activities.
Worksite: Grand Rapids, MN Position: Quality Assurance Analyst
Job Type: Full Time FLSA: Exempt
Department: Quality Assurance Work Schedule: M-F
Starting Wage: $55K-70K dependent on qualifications
This position offers the potential for discretionary bonus compensation up to 8% of base salary.
Benefits: YCENA currently offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life & AD&D, Voluntary Term Life, Short & Long Term Disability, EAP, HSA, Medical & Dependent Care FSA, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and a 401(K) plan with a company match of up to 4%.