Job Summary

The Quality Engineer at the Monroe facility, part of the Akona business, plays a critical role in supporting production through structured quality assurance processes. This position is responsible for entering and resolving quality tickets, leading root cause investigations, implementing corrective actions, and providing actionable reporting to leadership. Working cross-functionally and using a data-driven approach, the Quality Engineer contributes to continuous improvement initiatives that drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. In-Process Inspection: Conduct on-the-floor inspections of equipment at various production stages to ensure compliance with internal standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
2. Customer Issue Resolution: Lead follow-up efforts on customer-reported quality issues. Facilitate communication and collaboration across sales, production, and engineering teams to identify root causes and implement timely and effective solutions.
3. Quality Ticket Management: Own the entry, tracking, and resolution of quality tickets within the production environment; ensure timely communication and closure of issues.
4. Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action: Lead structured investigations into quality issues using standard tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and Pareto analysis; drive implementation of corrective and preventive measures.
5. Production Collaboration: Partner with production and operations personnel to identify and mitigate quality concerns in real-time; serve as a go-to technical resource for quality-related matters on the shop floor.
6. Data & Reporting: Prepare and present weekly and monthly quality metrics and trends to site and business leadership; communicate progress on issue resolution and identify areas of risk or opportunity.
7. Documentation & Compliance: Develop, maintain, and control complete and accurate quality documentation in accordance with internal procedures, customer specifications, and regulatory standards. Ensure that all controlled documents, including work instructions, inspection procedures, and corrective action records, are current, accessible, and audit-ready. Participate in internal and external audits and ensure findings are addressed promptly.
8. Continuous Improvement: Support and lead continuous improvement efforts by identifying trends, recommending process enhancements, and reducing rework, scrap, and variation. Contribute actively to Kaizen events, corrective action teams, and other CI initiatives to promote operational efficiency and a culture of quality.
9. Team Integration: Collaborate closely with engineering, supply chain, maintenance, and application engineering teams to resolve systemic issues and strengthen the overall quality culture within a collaborative and improvement-focused environment.

Note, the statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, abilities, and skills required.

Job Requirements

Identify the key skills and competencies, education, work experience and special licenses or certifications or their equivalencies needed to competency perform the role.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, , Quality, or related technical discipline.

Minimum Work Experience (years)

• 5+ years of experience in a quality engineering or quality assurance role in a manufacturing environment.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Background in metal fabrication, assembly, or process equipment manufacturing. Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement tools. Familiarity with ERP and QMS systems. Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to work cross-functionally and prioritize multiple projects.

Licenses, Certifications or Special Qualifications

• Understanding of ISO 9001 or related quality management systems. Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent quality methodologies.

Position Specific Information

Travel Requirements

5%

Able to Telework? Yes/No

No

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required

Steel Toes,

US Roles Only

Definitions of Physical Activities, Environmental Conditions and Physical Demands

• Never = 0%

• Occasionally = 1-19 times per shift or up to 33% of the time

• Frequently = 20-100 times per shift or 34 – 66% of the time

• Constantly = over 100 times per shift or 67 – 100% of the time

Physical Activities

Select the frequency for each physical activity using the above definitions.

Physical Activity

Frequency

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

Occasionally

Working from heights such as roofs, ladders, or powered lifts.

Occasionally

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including awkward or tight and confined spaces.

Occasionally

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Constantly

Stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching, pushing, or pulling.

Occasionally

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

Occasionally

Adjusting or moving objects in all directions.

Occasionally

If appropriate, enter in 50 pounds.

50

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Constantly

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers.

Constantly

Operating machinery or power tools.

Occasionally

Operating motor vehicles, industrial vehicles, or heavy equipment.

Occasionally

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Constantly

Environmental Conditions

Select the frequency for each environmental condition using the above definitions.

Environmental Conditions

Frequency

Exposure to extreme temperatures (high or low).

Occasionally

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Occasionally

Noisy environments.

Occasionally

Other hazardous conditions such as vibrations, uneven ground surfaces or dust and fumes.

Occasionally

Small or enclosed spaces.

Occasionally

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Occasionally

US Roles Only (continued)

Physical Demands

Select the physical demand description and answer a yes/no question.

Physical Demands

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Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting or standing.

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Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

☒

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

☐

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more (team lift).

Must be able to see color. Yes/No Yes

FLSA Exemption

For exempt roles only, select exemption used when evaluating the job.

Exemption (alpha order)

☐

Administrative

☐

Computer

☐

Executive

☐

Highly Compensated

☒

Professional

☐

Outside Sales

We Value Diversity

Candidates applying to job openings posted in US: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Akona Process Solutions (Akona) maintains a drug free workplace.

Applicants With Disabilities

To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know during the application process.

Please be advised that this Job Description or any other document should not be construed in any manner as a contract of employment. Akona maintains an employment at will relationship with its employees. This means that both you and the employer retain the right to terminate this relationship at any time for any reason.