Production and Quality Engineer

34497 Kelly Rd., MI
Full Time
Mid Level
Standex Engraving is seeking a highly driven, conscientious Engineering professional to join it's dynamic Team! 

Reports to:  Plant Manager
Classification:  Exempt
Location:  Fraser, MI

OVERVIEW 
The Process & Quality Engineer is a high-visibility, hands-on role responsible for establishing stable, capable, and efficient manufacturing processes across assigned product value streams in a new program production start-up environment.

Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this role will take ownership of stabilizing end-to-end manufacturing processes for multiple products during plant ramp-up. The engineer will drive process capability, reduce variation, and implement structured root cause solutions while serving as the primary technical owner for customer quality issue resolution.
This is a highly empowered role with direct impact on product quality, cost, and delivery performance, requiring strong technical ownership and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving production environment.

Essential Duties
1. New Value Stream Process Stabilization Ownership (Immediate Focus)
  • Establish and own end-to-end manufacturing process performance for assigned product value streams including following operations:
    • Injection molding
    • Automated fabric cutting
    • Adhesive application (roll coating and spray)
    • Lamination and edge folding of interior trim components
  • Establish stable, repeatable, and capable processes across all steps of the value stream
  • Lead process development, setup, startup, and troubleshooting activities
  • Maintain and evolve Control Plans and PFMEA tied to actual process risks
  • Maintain and evolve process related quality documentation
  • Optimize process parameters to reach stable levels of scrap, yield, cycle time, and throughput
  • Identify and eliminate sources of variation across interconnected processes
  • Drive process standardization and define “golden parameters” for each operation
  • Collaborate with tooling, design, and production teams to improve manufacturability
Integrated Customer Quality Responsibilities
  • Serve as primary technical owner for customer quality issues
  • Lead structured root cause analysis using 8D or equivalent methodologies
  • Define and implement containment, corrective, and preventive actions
  • Validate effectiveness of corrective actions using process and product data
  • Communicate technical findings and resolution status to internal teams and customers
  • Ensure timely and professional response to customer concerns
  • Plan and execute process validations (IQ/OQ/PQ) across multiple manufacturing steps
  • Design and execute DOE studies to establish robust process windows
  • Perform process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk) for critical characteristics
  • Ensure alignment between process parameters and product performance requirements

2. Quality System Development Support
  • Support implementation of quality systems aligned with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949
  • Implement SPC on critical process and product characteristics
  • Lead measurement system analysis (MSA) activities where required
  • Contribute to internal audit readiness and continuous improvement initiatives

3. Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence (After Stabilization)
  • Control and streamline mass production (man, machine, material, method, environment) variables and own consequent in-house as well as customer concerns
  • Drive scrap reduction, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement initiatives
  • Improve process flow and integration across value stream operations
  • Support development of visual controls, standard work, and process documentation
  • Train and guide technicians and operators on process control and problem-solving
  • Identify opportunities for automation and process enhancement

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Plastics, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience)
  • 3-5+ years of hands-on manufacturing process engineering experience
  • Demonstrated experience in structured problem-solving in technical manufacturing processes
  • Experience in one or more of the following strongly preferred:
    • Injection molding
    • Adhesive processes / coating / lamination
    • Textile or trim component manufacturing
  • Experience with process validation, troubleshooting, and production ramp environments
  • Working knowledge of automotive quality methodologies (PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, Control Plans)

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
  • Strong process engineering mindset across multi-step manufacturing systems
  • Ability to understand and control variation across interconnected processes
  • Strong communication skills for cross-functional and customer interaction
  • Strong problem-prevention mindset
  • Strong root cause analysis and data-driven decision-making skills
  • Working knowledge of SPC and process capability concepts
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving production environment
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); ERP/SAP experience a plus
  • Working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD tools highly desirable
  • High ownership mindset with ability to independently drive results

Work Environment
  • Combination of production floor and office work; significant time on manufacturing floor required
  • Requires standing, walking, and lifting up to 50 lbs as needed
  • PPE compliance required in production areas
  • Flexible schedule to support production ramp, trials, and issue resolution
  • Fast-paced startup environment with competing priorities

Physical Requirements include (but not limited to):
  • Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the workday
  • Frequent movement between manufacturing floor areas
  • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or reach as needed to observe processes, equipment, and tooling
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to use hand tools, measuring instruments, keyboards, and computer equipment.  
  • Occasional lifting and carrying of parts, tools, fixtures, or equipment up to 25 – 50 lbs

 
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