Quality Associate Jobs in La Crosse, WI (NOW HIRING)

About XeteX:

At XeteX, our mission, vision, and values drive our company purpose: “Helping Buildings Breathe Better.” By designing and manufacturing high-performing energy recovery ventilation and air handling solutions for industrial and commercial buildings, XeteX produces a better world for all of us.

XeteX was founded in 1984. In recent years, our Company has experienced unprecedented growth and has been recognized as an eight-time Inc. 5000 Honoree ranking as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Our headquarters are located in Coon Rapids, MN and our production facilities are based in Holmen, WI.

Xetex is teaming with innovation, expertise, and outstanding people. That is why we value our people as our greatest asset! Our employees lead through integrity, apply creativity and talent, invent innovative solutions to meet new demands, and offer effective services/products to be leaders in the industry. By adding your creativity, innovations, and contributions, you take pride in being a valued member of our growth and success.

Quality Engineer:

The Quality Engineer is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and improving quality systems and product standards across the manufacturing process. This role combines hands-on inspection expertise with engineering-level problem solving to identify defects, determine root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions.

The Quality Engineer partners closely with Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and suppliers to ensure product conformance, drive continuous improvement, and reduce cost of poor quality. This role also provides leadership within the Quality function, including material disposition decisions and mentoring of quality team members.

Job Duties:

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Champion and maintain the company Quality Management System.
• Ensure adherence to internal quality procedures, safety regulations, and customer requirements.
• Develop and implement process checks, inspection points, and visual standards to ensure Critical-to-Quality characteristics are consistently met.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Conduct routine and daily process audits against documented standards, work instructions, and quality requirements to verify compliance and identify improvement opportunities.

Inspection, Testing & Product Validation

• Perform advanced inspections using precision measurement tools and equipment (micrometers, calipers, pressure gauges, and other testing instruments).
• Implement and improve methods for inspecting, testing, and validating finished products, including packaged refrigeration systems.
• Conduct daily process audits to manufacturing standards, work instructions, and industry best practices.
• Validate corrective actions and process changes through inspection, testing, and data analysis.

Problem Solving & Corrective Action

• Investigate manufacturing and engineering quality issues and determine root causes.
• Lead root cause analysis activities on shop floor quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Lead corrective and preventive action activities, ensuring effectiveness and long-term resolution.
• Apply engineering principles to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and materials-related defects.
• Champion customer corrective actions to eliminate recurring problems from the production process.

Supplier Quality

• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, quality team members, and suppliers to document non-conformances and drive corrective actions.
• Support supplier quality improvement initiatives and follow-up validation of corrective actions.

Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Engineering and Production teams to improve product design, manufacturability, and assembly methods.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives including 5S, Kaizen, and value stream improvements.
• Analyze audit findings, inspection results, and quality performance metrics to identify trends, systemic issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Implement process improvements and error-proofing solutions based on audit data and root cause investigations.
• Recommend and implement improved inspection techniques, tools, and measurement systems.
• Utilize quality and production data to drive continuous improvement initiatives and reduce defects, rework, and waste.

Leadership & Development

• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentorship to Quality Inspectors and other team members.
• Train production staff on quality standards, inspection methods, defect prevention, and process compliance.
• Support cross-functional teams in resolving quality-related issues and improving performance.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare, analyze, and present quality reports using inspection and production data.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, non-conformances, corrective actions, audit results, and other quality-related processes.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and visual metrics to communicate quality performance and trends.
• Translate technical findings into clear communication for leadership and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Quality, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field required
• 5–7+ years of experience in manufacturing quality, quality engineering, or quality inspection leadership roles.
• Hands-on experience in HVAC, refrigeration, or mechanical manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience in weld fabrication, sheet metal fabrication, and large component assembly environments strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong blueprint reading and interpretation skills.
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools and inspection equipment.
• Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar).
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required; experience with Power BI or other data visualization tools strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, mechanical systems, and engineering fundamentals.

Core Competencies

• Proven ability to lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts.
• Experience leading MRB or material disposition decisions preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface across all levels of the organization and with suppliers.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and influence cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to convert audit findings and quality data into measurable process improvements.

Our Purpose:

Through our purpose of “Helping Buildings Breathe Better,” XeteX unlocks the full potential of building environments through our innovative custom air handling solutions. We are dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-performance, sustainable systems that optimize building air quality, increase energy efficiency, elevate occupant comfort, and enhance operations.

Our Vision:

Our vision is to be the premier HVAC air handling company, setting the standard for excellence in the industry. XeteX strives to provide exceptional solutions that create commercial and industrial building environments exceeding customer expectations in comfort and performance. Through continuous innovation, advanced technology, and a commitment to sustainability, our products contribute to a greener planet.

Our Mission:

With a relentless focus on innovation and quality, XeteX exists to breathe life into commercial and industrial facilities to reach their highest capabilities.

XeteX is directed by a simple idea: “Always do the right thing,” that represents our five Core Values:

• Integrity - Being honest, transparent, and ethical.
• Customer Focus - Prioritizing Customer needs in all we do.
• Excellence - Surpassing expectations in every aspect of our work.
• Collaboration - Embracing our collective strength which is the sum of our individual efforts.
• Autonomy - Empowering our people to make a difference.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

XeteX is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.