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Quality Engineer II

Location: Shoreview, MN
Reports To: Quality Manager
Salary Range: $90,000 – $100,000

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer II is responsible for supporting manufacturing quality, driving structured problem solving, reducing defects, improving customer satisfaction, and strengthening quality systems across the operation. This role partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customer Service to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and improve overall business performance.

This position is ideal for a hands-on manufacturing professional with strong analytical and problem-solving skills who enjoys working on the shop floor and influencing cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will have a passion for continuous improvement, operational excellence, and delivering high-quality products to customers.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Quality

• Support daily manufacturing operations by addressing quality issues and driving corrective actions.
• Analyze quality trends and identify opportunities to reduce defects, scrap, rework, and customer complaints.
• Lead investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies such as:
  • 8D
  • A3
  • 5 Why
  • Fishbone Analysis
  • DMAIC
• Participate in containment, root cause identification, corrective action implementation, and effectiveness verification.
• Drive improvements in First Pass Yield (FPY), PPM, and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).

Quality Systems

• Support maintenance and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Assist with ISO 9001 compliance activities, audits, and corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, inspection plans, and control plans.
• Support internal and external quality audits.

Customer & Supplier Quality

• Support resolution of customer complaints and warranty issues.
• Assist with customer corrective action responses and 8D reports.
• Work with suppliers to address incoming quality concerns and support supplier corrective actions.
• Participate in supplier quality improvement activities as required.

Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Operations and Engineering to improve process capability and reduce variation.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data analysis and statistical tools to identify improvement opportunities.
• Participate in kaizen events and process improvement projects.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Support quality planning activities for new product launches.
• Participate in PFMEA reviews, process validation, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Assist in development of inspection criteria and process controls.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Quality Engineering
  • Related Technical Discipline

Experience

• 3–7 years of experience in a manufacturing quality, manufacturing engineering, or continuous improvement role.
• Experience in industrial manufacturing, machining, assembly, electromechanical products, automotive, or similar manufacturing environments.
• Experience utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems.

Technical Skills

• Root Cause Analysis
• 8D Problem Solving
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Process Capability Analysis
• PFMEA
• Control Plans
• Blueprint Reading and GD&T
• Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools

Preferred Qualifications

• CQE certification or actively pursuing certification.
• Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.
• Experience with APQP and PPAP methodologies.
• Experience supporting machining, assembly, fluid handling, pumps, spray equipment, industrial equipment, or automotive manufacturing.
• Experience in organizations similar to:
  • Graco
  • Nordson
  • Donaldson Company
  • Tennant Company
  • Parker Hannifin
  • Eaton

Key Competencies

Problem Solving

• Strong analytical thinking
• Ability to identify root causes versus symptoms
• Data-driven decision making
• Structured approach to problem resolution

Collaboration & Influence

• Works effectively across Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customer Service
• Builds strong working relationships at all levels of the organization
• Comfortable facilitating discussions and driving accountability

Continuous Improvement Mindset

• Passion for operational excellence
• Focus on prevention over detection
• Desire to learn and grow professionally
• Hands-on, action-oriented approach

Success Measures (First 12 Months)

• Reduce internal quality defects, scrap, and rework.
• Improve responsiveness and effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Strengthen root-cause problem-solving discipline across the operation.
• Improve customer complaint closure and response times.
• Support improvements in PPM, FPY, and COPQ metrics.
• Contribute to successful ISO compliance and audit performance.
• Become a trusted quality partner to manufacturing operations.

Ideal Candidate Profile

A hands-on manufacturing professional with 3–7 years of experience, strong shop-floor presence, and proven problem-solving capability. The ideal candidate is curious, data-driven, and eager to learn—not just a quality auditor or inspector, but someone who enjoys solving problems, working cross-functionally, and helping drive operational excellence.