Quality Engineer

Location: Richmond, VA

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Every day, we get opportunities to make a positive impact – on our colleagues, partners, customers and society. Together, we’re pioneering the solutions of the future and unlocking the full potential of precious resources. Trusted to act on initiative, we challenge conventional thinking to develop world-leading technologies that inspire progress in vital areas, including energy, food, water and shipping. 

As we push forward, the innovative, open spirit that fuels our 140-year-old start-up culture and rapid growth also drives our personal growth. So, as we shape a more resourceful, less wasteful world, we build our careers too.

About the job

As an integral member of our team, you will play a pivotal role responsible for developing quality, that is, strengthening our ability to deliver according to agreed customer requirements. The customers are large, global companies and world leaders in their industries, which makes quality work both business critical and developmental. You will have the opportunity to work in the factory, that is on a critical journey of quality excellence, and we need to build a stronger “Voice of Quality.” Your mission is to be a catalyst for this change. You will not just maintain standards, you will redesign processes, eradicate root causes, and instill a passion for “Right First Time” and Zero-Defect mentality across the organization. If you are driven by data, system thinking, and leading cultural change, this is your role. Currently, this is an Onsite opportunity located in Richmond, VA.

As a part of the team, you will: 

• Champion a Problem-Solving Culture:
  • Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) using 8D/A3 methodologies, focusing on systemic fixes, train others in this mindset.
  • Drive the closure of Corrective/Preventive Actions (CAPA) with rigorous verification.

• Design & Optimize Quality Systems:
  • Work with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning), that is, structural quality assurance of products and processes.
  • Tighten Control Plans & FMEA: Transform them from detection-based checklists to prevention-focused blueprints by integrating mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke) and statistical controls.
  • Build Robust Traceability: Spearhead projects to enhance digital traceability from raw material to finished goods, closing critical data gaps.
  • Own Leading KPIs: Develop, monitor, and report on proactive metrics like First Time Through (FTT) Rate, Poka-Yoke Coverage %, and RCA Effectiveness.

• Manage the Internal Supply Chain with Rigor:
  • Develop and implement an Internal Supplier Quality Scorecard for our European and Asian sister factories.
  • Establish clear Quality Agreements and lead quality reviews to ensure incoming material excellence.
  • Act as quality support in the industrialization of new products and new production equipment.

• Become the “Voice of Quality”:
  • Proactively communicate quality goals, wins, and learnings via a “Quality Wall,” dashboards, and regular cross-functional meetings.
  • Identify and lead Continuous Improvement (CI) projects using Lean/Six Sigma principles to reduce waste and improve process capability.

We care about diversity, inclusion and equity in our recruitment processes. We also believe behavioral traits can provide important insights into a candidate's fit to a role. To help us achieve this we apply Pymetrics assessments, and upon application you will be invited to play the assessment games.

What you know:

You have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science (Industrial, Metallurgical, Mechanical or related) with relevant experience, and:

• 3-5 years in quality engineering within an engineered to order manufacturing environment.
• Experience in cultural change initiatives is a major plus.
• Essential Mindset, a proactive, system-thinking problem-solver and strives for operational excellence.
• Be a collaborative coach who can influence technicians, managers, and internal suppliers without formal authority.
• Expert in quality core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC), preferred.
• Skilled in RCA methodologies and data analysis (Minitab, Excel), preferred.
• Excellent communicator who can translate data into compelling stories for action, preferred.
• ISO-9001 and ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), preferred.
• Six Sigma Yellow / Green Belt, preferred.
• High 5S standard, preferred.

At Alfa Laval, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and dynamic workplace that values diverse perspectives and experiences. While we typically welcome applicants from all locations, currently, we are prioritizing candidates who reside in the US or have an established presence in the area.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a challenging position in an open and friendly environment where we help each other to develop and create value. Your work will have a true impact on Alfa Laval’s future success. Our benefits-eligible associates enjoy healthcare, dental and vision plans, a robust wellness program, generous 401(k), paid holidays, paid time off benefits, and more. At Alfa Laval, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine your total compensation package. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job, background, skills, and experience to get it right.  The base salary for this role is typically $85,000 - $90,000 USD per year.

Alfa Laval is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, or business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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