Quality Engineer Quality Engineer Jobs in Maple Grove, MN

Position Title: Quality Engineer
Department: Production Overhead
Reports To: Director of Engineering & Innovation
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Employment Type/FLSA Status: Full-Time – Exempt

Compensation Range - $80,000-$90,000 Annually

Job Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting the company's Quality Management System (QMS) and ensuring products consistently meet customer specifications, internal quality standards, and regulatory requirements. Reporting directly to the Director of Engineering & Innovation, this role serves as the organization's primary quality resource by driving ISO compliance, leading quality investigations, implementing corrective actions, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.

The Quality Engineer partners closely with Engineering, Production, Operations, Customer Service, and Supply Chain to improve product quality, reduce waste, solve manufacturing challenges, and promote a culture of quality throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Management System (QMS) & ISO Compliance

• Maintain and continuously improve the company's Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001 standards.
• Coordinate internal and external ISO audits and ensure timely completion of corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain quality manuals, procedures, work instructions, forms, and training documentation.
• Ensure company processes remain compliant with applicable customer and regulatory requirements.

2. Quality Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor manufacturing processes to ensure products meet established quality standards.
• Analyze quality trends and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes and reduce defects.
• Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto Analysis, and CAPA.
• Develop, implement, and verify corrective and preventive actions.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to improve product designs, manufacturing processes, and quality performance.

3. Product & Process Quality

• Establish inspection methods and quality control plans for incoming materials, in-process production, and finished goods.
• Review production documentation and inspection records for compliance.
• Assist in developing quality standards for new products and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure measuring and testing equipment is properly calibrated and maintained.

4. Customer & Supplier Quality

• Investigate customer quality concerns and coordinate timely resolution.
• Prepare quality documentation requested by customers.
• Work directly with suppliers to resolve material quality issues and improve supplier performance.
• Support supplier qualification and ongoing supplier quality initiatives.

5. Data Analysis & Reporting

• Track and report key quality metrics including scrap, rework, customer complaints, internal defects, and audit performance.
• Utilize data to identify trends and recommend process improvements.
• Present quality findings and improvement recommendations to the Director of Engineering & Innovation.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Engineering during new product development and product launches to ensure quality requirements are achieved.
• Support Operations with process improvements that enhance product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
• Provide quality-related training and guidance to employees as needed.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability throughout the organization.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Equivalent manufacturing quality experience may be considered.

Experience

• 3–7 years of Quality Engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions (CAPA), audits, and statistical problem-solving.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA).
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• Experience using ERP systems (SAP experience preferred).
• Experience reading engineering drawings and technical specifications.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of manufacturing quality systems and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and product specifications.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to build strong working relationships across all departments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk throughout a manufacturing facility daily.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform inspections within manufacturing and warehouse environments.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and move throughout the workday.

Success in This Role

The successful Quality Engineer is a collaborative problem solver who enjoys improving processes and preventing issues before they occur. This individual is comfortable working on the production floor, partnering with employees at every level of the organization, and using data to drive decisions. They take ownership of the company's quality systems while supporting the Director of Engineering & Innovation in building a culture focused on continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience working within ISO 9001 Quality Management System?
• Have you participated in internal or external ISO audits?

Experience:

• SAP ERP: 1 year (Required)
• manufacturing quality: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• ASQC Certification (Preferred)
• Lean Six Sigma Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Minneapolis, MN 55430 (Required)

Work Location: In person

pinta elements is a global manufacturer of innovative foam solutions serving the industrial, acoustic, and medical markets. From custom-engineered components to high-performance materials, we partner with customers to deliver quality products that solve real-world challenges.

At our Minneapolis facility, we're proud of our collaborative, be yourself culture. We believe employees do their best work when they feel supported, respected, and empowered. We're committed to developing our team through internal growth opportunities, hands-on learning, and a workplace where everyone contributes to our shared success.

If you're looking to join a stable, growing company where you can build a rewarding career alongside a great team, we'd love to hear from you.