Freelance Defect Metrology Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Help Drive Quality. Improve Processes. Make an Impact.

At Des-Case Corporation, a Timken company, quality is more than a department-it's a commitment to our customers, our products, and our culture of continuous improvement. We're looking for a Quality Engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, improving manufacturing processes, and driving quality excellence throughout the organization.

If you thrive on root cause analysis, data-driven decision making, supplier collaboration, and building systems that prevent problems before they occur, this is an opportunity to make a visible impact in a growing, industry-leading company.

You'll join a team that has helped earn Des-Case recognition as one of Tennessee's Top Workplaces, while supporting products used by some of the world's largest industrial organizations around the globe.

What You'll Do

As our Quality Engineer, you'll serve as a key partner to Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to ensure products and processes consistently meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve quality systems in compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.
• Develop and implement quality control plans that meet customer and business requirements.
• Monitor, analyze, and report key quality performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of the Quality Management System.
• Lead and support root cause investigations using structured problem-solving techniques such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and corrective action methodologies.
• Design and develop testing methods to support incoming inspection activities and defect investigations.
• Perform statistical analysis to improve process capability, product quality, and manufacturing performance.
• Participate in internal audits and maintain audit documentation.
• Conduct supplier quality audits and work closely with Supply Chain to evaluate and improve supplier performance.
• Review incoming material nonconformances and manage Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCARs).
• Develop and deliver quality-related training for production and quality personnel.
• Maintain calibration and competency records for inspection and testing equipment.
• Support compliance efforts related to customer and regulatory requirements, including REACH, RoHS, PFAS, Proposition 65, and related standards.
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect prevention, process control, and operational excellence.

What Makes You Successful

You are naturally curious and analytical, with a passion for finding the "why" behind problems and implementing lasting solutions. You communicate effectively across departments, build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders, and enjoy using data to drive improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate degree in Engineering, Applied Science, or a related technical field.
• Two years of experience in a quality supervisory role or four years of experience in a quality-focused manufacturing environment.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and specifications.
• Understanding of metrology principles and inspection techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration abilities.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience with PPAP, FMEA, and other quality planning tools.
• Knowledge of GD&T and blueprint interpretation.
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or 5S methodologies.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification through ASQ.
• ISO 9001 Internal Auditor certification.

Work Environment

• First-shift schedule, Monday through Thursday.
• Climate-controlled manufacturing environment.
• Approximately 20% travel for supplier audits and quality-related activities.
• Requires occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds and infrequent lifting up to 60 pounds.

Why Des-Case?

Des-Case Corporation has been helping customers improve equipment reliability since 1983 through industry-leading contamination control, lubrication management, and predictive maintenance solutions.

As part of The Timken Company, you'll enjoy the benefits of a global organization while working in an entrepreneurial environment where your ideas and contributions are seen and valued.

What you can expect:

• A collaborative, team-oriented culture
• Opportunities to influence quality and operational excellence
• Exposure to global customers and suppliers
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• The stability of an established industry leader with the energy of a growing business

Des-Case has been recognized multiple times as one of Tennessee's Top Workplaces, reflecting our commitment to creating an environment where employees can do meaningful work and build rewarding careers.

Ready to make a measurable impact on product quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement? We'd love to hear from you.