Quality and Engineering Manager

We are on the lookout for an enthusiastic, ambitious individual to bolster our Quality and Engineering team in Winamac, Indiana. Ideal candidates should embrace change, be self-motivated, and inspire everyone, both within and outside the department. Effective communication across all organizational levels is crucial. With numerous opportunities for innovation and problem-solving, the right candidate will play a key role in elevating our department. Integrity, professionalism, and a balanced perspective are must-haves for our Quality and Engineering Manager.

About The Position:

The Quality and Engineering Manager is responsible for leading and integrating the engineering and quality assurance departments. This role involves overseeing the development and implementation of engineering solutions and quality assurance programs that support operational success, customer satisfaction, and compliance with industry standards. The Quality and Engineering Manager ensures that both engineering and quality systems are effective, efficient, and aligned with organizational goals; and ensuring that both engineering and quality standards support the organization's objectives and customer needs.

What You'll Do:

• Lead the combined engineering and quality assurance teams, providing direction, expectations, and accountability.
• Oversee and integrate the activities of the Quality and Engineering departments, ensuring alignment with company objectives and customer requirements.
• Manage and optimize the quality management system, ensuring compliance with relevant standards (ISO 9001) and customer specifications.
• Oversee the development and implementation of engineering solutions focused on equipment, manufacturing processes, tooling improvements, and innovation activities.
• Analyze and review execution of maintenance plans, performance metrics (OEE, downtime, equipment history), and quality assurance processes.
• Drive maintenance and quality improvement initiatives using computerized systems and lean manufacturing techniques.
• Lead and participate in capital project requests, ensuring timely implementation and integration of technical activities.
• Own and advocate for the company's values and behaviors, promoting a culture of involvement, communication, mutual trust & respect, and excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all company environmental, safety, and quality policies and standards.
• Manage the NDT certification program and ensure compliance with relevant standards.
• Conduct statistical analysis and apply lean six sigma methods for continuous improvement.
• Manage customer relationships, addressing needs, concerns, and feedback effectively.
• Lead problem-solving teams and kaizen events to improve operational performance.
• Possess authority to stop processes for quality, safety, or environmental corrections, and promptly report noncompliance.
• Provide leadership, direction, and training to team members, ensuring high levels of competence, motivation, and performance.

What It Takes to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Materials Science, or a comparable technical field.
• 10+ years of combined experience in manufacturing and quality assurance, with experience in the commercial metals industry.
• In-depth understanding of quality systems, process control plans, and relevant industry standards (e.g., ASTM, AMS, ASME).
• Experience with metallurgical concepts and materials, steel industry experience is a plus.

Language Skills:

• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts in both verbal and written forms.
• Proficient in reading, writing, and interpreting technical documents, instructions, and manuals.

Mathematical Skills:

• Advanced mathematical skills, including statistical analysis methods, as required by lean six sigma, and other mathematical analyses related to industry applications, is a plus.

Competencies/Desired Characteristics:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage teams effectively.
• In-depth knowledge of engineering practices, manufacturing technology, and quality assurance principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication skills, capable of effective interaction with technical and non-technical staff at all levels.
• Proficiency in ISO 9001 standards and lean manufacturing

IDEAL CANDIDATE
Ideal candidates will have at least 10 years’ experience as a Quality Manager with some Engineering in their background. They will have experience in the commercial metals industry and an in-depth understanding of quality systems, process control plans, and relevant industry standards (i.e.,ASTM, AMS, ASME)

They will have experience with Metallurgical concepts and materials.