Position Summary
Forge Nano is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Quality Engineer to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality systems and manufacturing processes. This role reports to the Quality Manager and is responsible for ensuring products, equipment, and processes consistently meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, and company quality objectives.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, enjoys driving process improvements, and is passionate about building quality into products from development through production.
Responsibilities
Quality Engineering & Process Improvement
- Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes to achieve quality, reliability, and performance objectives.
- Identify process inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve yield, throughput, and product quality.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations teams to ensure quality requirements are incorporated into process development and production activities.
- Monitor key quality metrics and analyze trends to proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
- Support new product introduction activities and ensure quality standards are established and maintained throughout product lifecycles.
Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions
- Lead investigations into product, process, and equipment-related quality issues.
- Perform root cause analysis utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Develop, implement, and verify corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure timely resolution of nonconformances and recurring issues.
- Track corrective action effectiveness and drive sustainable process improvements.
Quality Control & Risk Management
- Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and other statistical tools to monitor and improve process performance.
- Facilitate and maintain Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (FMEA) to identify and mitigate product and process risks.
- Establish process capability measurements and quality control plans.
- Support implementation of risk-based decision-making within manufacturing and quality operations.
- Analyze quality data and develop recommendations to improve process robustness and reliability.
Inspection, Validation & Reliability Testing
- Perform and oversee First Article Inspections (FAI) for components and manufactured products.
- Verify product conformance to engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
- Plan, execute, and document equipment verification and validation activities.
- Support equipment qualification, calibration, and preventive maintenance programs.
- Conduct product, process, and equipment testing to evaluate reliability, performance, and yield.
- Maintain records and documentation associated with validation and qualification activities.
Compliance & Quality Systems
- Maintain compliance with ISO standards, customer requirements, and company quality management system procedures.
- Prepare and maintain quality documentation, reports, inspection records, and process control documentation.
- Support internal, customer, and external audits.
- Assist in the development and revision of quality procedures, work instructions, and quality plans.
- Promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with R&D, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to integrate quality requirements into products and processes.
- Provide quality engineering support for development, manufacturing, and supplier-related activities.
- Participate in design reviews and manufacturing readiness activities.
- Support training initiatives related to quality standards, quality tools, and manufacturing best practices.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 3+ years of experience in a quality engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related role.
- Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Working knowledge of SPC, DOE, FMEA, and other quality engineering tools.
- Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working within ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or other regulated quality systems.
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or other professional quality certification.
- Experience in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, battery, materials science, or high-tech industries.
- Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI), validation protocols, and equipment qualification.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Experience supporting supplier quality and customer quality initiatives.
- Proficiency with statistical analysis software and quality management systems.
Work Environment
This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments and routinely utilizes computers, testing equipment, measurement tools, and manufacturing systems. Regular interaction with production, engineering, and quality teams is expected.
Physical Requirements
This position requires periods of sitting, standing, walking through manufacturing areas, and reviewing products and equipment. Occasional lifting of materials or equipment up to 25 pounds may be required.
Travel
Limited travel may be required to support suppliers, customers, training activities, or business operations.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00, annually. The salary range for this exempt position will be based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and alignment with internal equity among current employees.
Benefits Offered:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- LTD and STD Insurance
- FSA and HSA
- 401(k) Retirement Match
- Paid Time Off (PTO) & Floating Holidays
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
Forge Nano Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.