Job Title: Quality Assurance/Continuous Improvement Engineer Classification: Exempt/Full Time Reports To: GM Process Control/Quality Location: Corporate Headquarters - Bridgeton, MO Date Posted: August 28, 2024

Job Summary: The Quality Assurance/Continuous Improvement Engineer plans and coordinates quality assurance activities designed to ensure continuous production of manufactured goods consistent with established standards by performing the following duties personally or through coordination with Quality Managers and Zoltek personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Investigates and responds to customer complaints. Works with staff on effective completion corrective actions, containment activities and verification of effectiveness.
• Works with operations and quality staff training personnel on effective root cause analysis and the proper use of analytical tools such as 8D analysis and completion of corrective actions requests.
• Develops and analyzes statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish proposed quality and reliability expectancy of finished product.
• Coordinates 6-sigma program with customers, various facilities, and training Zoltek personnel on effective implementation of 6-sigma tools.
• Evaluates data for developing and maintaining consistent quality and process reporting between Zoltek facilities to provide engineering and production information that can be used to identified areas that need improvement, report on process capability identifying strengths and weaknesses.
• Assists in the formulation of quality assurance objectives and coordinates objectives with production procedures in cooperation with plant managers and quality managers to maximize product reliability and minimize costs.
• Performs internal audits of processes and quality systems.
• Evaluates and works with various departments on updating process documents to reflect current practices and standardize where possible between facilities.
• Assists in maintaining document control of Level 2 and Level 3 procedures as well as industry standards, forms and other controlled documentation.
• Develops test and quality procedures.
• Evaluates and targets with management continuous improvement activities - engineering improvements, DOEs, lean events, mapping, 6-sigma, etc.
• Works with Quality Managers and Engineering on MSAs (measurement system analysis), round robin testing, updating quality plan, control plans, FMEAs, etc.
• Makes recommendations for test improvements (efficiency and capability).
• Plans, promotes, and organizes training activities related to product quality and reliability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (continued):

• Supports Quality Managers in various areas of quality activities such as training QC Technicians engaged in inspection and testing activities, evaluating, and updating process control documents, operating manuals, and calibration methods to ensure continuous control over materials, facilities, and products.
• Performs specification and contractual reviews of Customer requirements vs Zoltek capabilities to establish acceptable requirements for both parties.
• Establishes requirements and review/audit suppliers.
• Makes recommendations for quality system improvements.
• Works with QC manager to perform monthly database reviews.
• Provides support in various areas as needed (environmental, safety, evaluation of other standards - European, etc.).
• Supports QC Managers as necessary
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in a technical field required
• 5-7 years of experience in Quality Engineering or Continuous Improvement role preferred.
• Must be familiar with Quality Management Systems standards such as ISO 9001:2015, AS 9100D and TS16949.
• Must be computer literate and familiar with Microsoft Wo d and Excel.
• Requires ability to perform statistical analysis of processes, training, and utilization of statistical tools to evaluate and manage processes.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels within the organization.
• Experience in Minitab desirable
• Experience with Statistics and Six Sigma methodology preferred.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles preferred. (Lean training may be provided for the selected candidate.)

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to derive algebraic equations for converting raw test data into final test results and for describing mathematical relationships between process parameters and product characteristics.
• Ability to apply statistical concepts and methods such as control limits, product capability index, frequency distribution, measurement systems analysis, and design of experiments.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instruction in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• The physical demands of this job are active, and the employee must be able to sit, stand, walk and climb; have use of hands and fingers; talk, see and hear.
• Travel to other Zoltek sites, suppliers and customers may be required.

Work Environment: The work environments characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Most work is performed in an office, production and/or lab environment.
• At times, the employee may be exposed to the plant environment, which may not be climate controlled and contains noise, moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.

Zoltek is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.