The Quality Engineer (QE) is responsible for assuring the internally visible performance of product for the USA Craftory. The QE will work closely with Production to optimize product, quality, production yield, throughput, efficiency, and cost. The Quality Engineer will manage the internal quality performance metrics and provide leadership in quality system development, sustainment, corrective actions, and strategic improvement for internal production quality.
Essential Functions
Lead, facilitate and support corrective actions and strategic improvement projects using scope-appropriate methods such as Kaizen, Practical Problem Solving, 8D and Lean/Six Sigma
Monitor internal quality data to analyze and report events, trends and overall performance; owner and administrator for production quality KPI metrics
Assist Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Procurement, Maintenance, Environmental Health & Safety, and Manufacturing to increase the capabilities and effectiveness of In Process Quality Control, systems, and processes
Engage in regular communication and production quality feedback originating from internal craftory teams and external customers experiencing pass-thru quality escapes
Advocate strongly for our production quality and workmanship, working to ensure Gibson will perform at or above market expectations
Coordinate and lead internal production quality reviews and factory product/process audits
Work with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement and Gibson suppliers to develop, define and refine product and process quality requirements
Adherence to the Gibson Cardinal Safety Rules as per the Gibson Playbook for Cardinal Safety Rules and General Safety Rules.
Obligation to submit safety observations for identified hazards using the safety observation QR code.
Support the comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) to ensure a safe work environment, maintain compliance with regulations, and improvement of our safety processes.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Desired familiarity with statistical analysis applications (Minitab, Power BI, JMP, SigmaXL)
Strong project management skills - including planning, tracking and team leadership
Outstanding organizational and time management skills - with the ability to prioritize and make flexible, dynamic adjustments
Able to proactively question / challenge to identify root-cause problems and prioritize solutions in a timely manner
Results-oriented and driven, with a track record for delivering to plan
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in engineering OR equivalent technical field plus relevant work experience
5+ years' direct experience in a quality engineering role directly supporting factory operations
Highly desired: cross-functional engineering experience in manufacturing support roles (product development, supplier quality, continuous improvement)
ASQ certifications desired: Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
Demonstrated experience in building strong working relationships with Product Development, Engineering, Manufacturing and Procurement teams
Essential Knowledge
Excellent written & oral communication skills; strong, demonstrated experience in technical writing
Project management skills combined with ability to work as part of a team
Advanced understanding of Lean and Six Sigma improvement methods
Highly desired: personal hands-on experience with guitars, amplifiers, and electronics
Personal Qualities
Passionate about working and winning in a team environment.
Results oriented and driven, with a track record for delivering to plan
Flexibility to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Able to proactively question and challenge to prioritize and identify solutions in timely manner
Clear and logical thinker
Relish working in a company with a diverse, challenging, and fast paced environment
Enjoys following a process through and communicating progress in a team environment
High-energy, dynamic individual who strives for continuous improvement
A strong desire to succeed and pursue continued professional growth and development
Ability to handle stress and calmly lead others through issues
Ability to clearly communicate requirements, needed actions and status/progress
Detail-oriented and highly organized
Creative, collaborative and effective problem solver and team contributor
Curious in nature; always looking to question, learn & look for better ways to do things
Personable, fun, team-oriented
Travel Requirements
This position is mostly office based, but may involve irregular travel
Physical Demands
Typical office environment
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds