Quality Engineer

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