Machine Shop Assistant Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

IMI plc
We are a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions. We are curious and like to solve problems, partnering with our customers to solve the demands of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. We embrace innovation and care about outcomes that are good for business, everyday life and making a better world – creating lasting impact for everyone.

We design, build and service highly engineered products in fluid and motion control applications. We focus on five market sectors: Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science, and Transport.

Our partnership approach breaks through problems and reduces complexity. We don’t invent in isolation – we collaborate with our customers. We listen closely and we think differently, creating space for diverse minds to innovate. We are working together to make businesses safer, more sustainable and more productive.

Role Overview
The Quality Engineer is responsible for utilizing advanced analytical tools and techniques to define, quantify, and improve product and process quality in a machine shop and assembly manufacturing environment. This role supports and continuously improves the site Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with ISO 9001, customer requirements, and internal standards, while partnering closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customers to drive product quality, process capability, corrective action effectiveness, and continuous improvement through data-driven and Lean methodologies.  

Work Environment: Palmer, MA; Onsite 
 

Key Responsibilities

• Support the management and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System in compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and applicable customer or regulatory requirements.
• Assist with internal audits, participate in external audits, and support corrective action closure.
• Review and interpret quality standards, specifications, tolerances, and engineering changes to ensure proper implementation.
• Develop, implement, and maintain inspection plans, test methods, and acceptance criteria for raw materials, in-process production, and finished goods.
• Investigate RMAs and nonconformances and lead or support root cause analysis using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Champion Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) activities and verify effectiveness.
• Monitor quality data and KPIs to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Support product launches, engineering changes, and process validations including PFMEA, Control Plans, and PPAP activities.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering to optimize processes for quality, efficiency, repeatability, and waste reduction.
• Apply Lean principles and tools (5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, visual management) to improve quality outcomes.
• Develop and support standard work, training materials, and quality-related work instructions.
• Promote standardization and sharing of best practices across operations.
• Support supplier quality activities including incoming inspection, supplier corrective actions, and performance monitoring.
• Interface directly with customers to resolve quality issues, manage complaints, and support containment and corrective action plans.
• Participate in customer audits, quality reviews, and technical discussions as needed.
• Perform or support inspections using manual and coordinate measuring equipment (CMM).
• Analyze quality data using statistical tools to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Support test and evaluation activities, including Design Verification or validation efforts when applicable.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Complete special projects or assignments as directed by the Quality or Engineering leadership team.

Critical Competencies for Success
Qualifications & Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 3–5 years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and quality system requirements, including internal auditing and CAPA.
• Hands-on experience with core tools such as APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and MSA.
• Experience supporting customer-facing quality issues and cross-functional corrective actions.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in root cause analysis, structured problem-solving, and data-driven decision making.
• Working knowledge of inspection and measurement tools including calipers, micrometers, pin and thread gauges, and coordinate measuring systems.
• Previous experience working with Keyence is preferred. 
• CMM operation or programming experience preferred (Zeiss DuraMax with Calypso a plus).
• Knowledge of basic statistics, capability analysis, reliability concepts, and design of experiments preferred.
• Experience applying Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with quality and statistical software (e.g., Minitab), ERP systems, and standard business tools.

Certificates (Preferred) 

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt.

Pay range: 85,000 – 100,000 USD  

Within this range, individual pay is determined based on skills, experience, and qualifications relative to the job requirements. Base pay information is aligned with market location and may be subject to prevailing wage laws, if applicable.

What IMI Can Offer You
At IMI, one of our top priorities is to create an inclusive culture of health. We strive to remove barriers to care (whether that be physical or financial) and in doing so, we offer choice for all your health and wellbeing needs. 

See below for a general overview of our amazing perks and benefits:

• Multiple health plans to choose from: HMO, PPO, and High Deductible Health Plans with a low-cost share
• Best-in-class 401K plan with zero vesting and up to 6% contribution matching
• 14-week maternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
• 4-week paternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
• Employee Resource Groups that offer community and support, like our Pride Network and Network of Women groups 
• PTO, encompassing inclusive holidays 
• Career Development opportunities (IMI’s ‘Catalyst’ Program)
• Employer contribution for Health Savings Account, and in many cases free virtual telemedicine, and teletherapy.
• Mental Health and wellness programs to support you and your family
• Full suite of voluntary benefits to tap into, including but not limited to: Critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity, legal insurance, identity theft protection, and pet insurance or home & auto insurance through our discount advantage platform
• Short & long-term disability as well as basic life insurance at 2x your basic salary at no cost to the employee
• Free financial advisors, webinars, and classes through Charles Schwab
• Annual Employee Stock Purchase Plan with option to purchase IMI shares at a reduced employee only price - no opportunity to lose, only to profit or refund your investment 100%

**Benefits plans change year over year, but we have guiding principles in place to ensure our employees have the tools and resources available to stay connected and up to date**

Health & Safety

The physical demands described within the Key Duties & Responsibilities section of this job description are required to perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.  Please contact your local HR representative to discuss the specific Work Conditions and Physical Requirements of this role.  

Health, Safety, and Environmental Duties – At IMI we are all personally committed to protecting our people, minimizing our impact to the environment, the communities we operate in and our company. All members of our workforce have the duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of themselves, others, and the environment. Every employee is expected to follow all HSE operating procedures, also to challenge any observed behaviors or unsafe acts.

Code of Ethics

IMI requires the highest standard of ethics in all business dealings, particularly with customers, suppliers, advisors, employees, and the authorities. In accordance with the IMI Way: Our Code of Responsible Business.

Changes to This Job Description

IMI may amend this job description in whole or part at any time.

IMI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.