Quality Engineer III

Location: Santa Ana, CA, US

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Company Overview

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, services, and solutions for the LNG and industrial gases industry. We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with over $1.5 B in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

 

Nikkiso ACD is an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in machinery designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures as low as – 420 degrees Fahrenheit, the boiling point of Liquid hydrogen. For over 50 years, Nikkiso ACD has specialized in centrifugal and reciprocating pumps as well as turbines for air separation. Nikkiso ACD has the most diversified product line in the industry covering nearly every application requiring pumps or turboexpanders.

 

This position is based at Nikkiso ACD, LLC, located in Santa Ana, CA.

Job Overview

The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting internal and external quality activities, including continuous improvement, Corrective Action Request (CAR) follow-up and closure, supplier data review, weekly Non-Conformance Report (NCR) analysis, quality scorecard reporting, supplier quality communication, audit support, KPI tracking, MRB/NCR support, and non-warranty complaint follow-up and reporting.

This role works cross-functionally with Quality, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, suppliers, and customers to ensure quality issues are identified, documented, analyzed, communicated, corrected, and closed in a timely manner. Quality Engineer uses quality data, audits, NCR trends, CAR status, KPI performance, and Field Trouble Report data to drive process improvement and sustained quality performance.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement activities for internal and external quality issues.
• Follow up on Corrective Action Requests (CARs) to ensure timely closure, effective root cause analysis, implementation of corrective actions, and verification of effectiveness.
• Track open corrective actions and CAR database, communicate status, risks, delays, and escalation needs to appropriate stakeholders.
• Support prevention of recurring quality issues through trend analysis, corrective action effectiveness checks, and process improvement recommendations.
• Perform weekly NCR analysis using supplier, internal, and external quality data.
• Prepare and maintain quality scorecards to monitor supplier quality performance, defect trends, CAR status, complaint activity, and improvement actions.
• Analyze supplier data to identify recurring issues, high-risk areas, and opportunities for corrective or preventive action.
• Serve as a quality communication contact for suppliers regarding NCRs, CARs, quality
• Communicate quality trends, scorecard results, and corrective action status to suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Support internal and external audit activities, including audit preparation, evidence gathering, audit participation, documentation, and follow-up action tracking.
• Track audit findings and related corrective actions to ensure timely closure and sustained compliance.
• Maintain and report Quality KPI metrics related to NCRs, CAR closure, supplier quality, audit actions, complaints, and process performance.
• Support Material Review Board (MRB) and NCR activities by assisting with documentation, disposition coordination, issue containment, and follow-up actions.
• Work with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to support timely resolution of nonconforming material.
• Ensure NCR records are complete, accurate, updated, and closed according to quality system requirements.
• Follow up on non-warranty complaints, including issue supporting documentation (NCR, Quality Alert), investigation support, reporting, corrective action tracking, and closure.

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant quality experience may be considered.
• 3–5 years of experience in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Quality, Supplier Quality, Quality Systems, or a related quality role.
• Experience with NCRs, CARs, root cause analysis, corrective action follow-up, audit support, quality metrics, and complaint reporting.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams in manufacturing, industrial equipment, pumps, pressure vessels, cryogenic equipment, oil and gas, aerospace, or related environment preferred.
• Experience communicating quality issues with suppliers, internal teams, customers, or external stakeholders preferred.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of quality systems and standards such as ISO 9001 or equivalent.
• Root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies, including 5 Why, fishbone diagrams, and structured problem solving.
• Ability to analyze NCR, CAR, supplier, complaint, audit, and KPI data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, reporting tools, ERP/MRP systems, and quality databases.
• Ability to read technical documentation, drawings, specifications, inspection records, and quality requirements.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely CAR follow-up, closure, and effectiveness verification.
• Weekly NCR analysis completion and accuracy.
• Quality scorecard accuracy and communication.
• Supplier quality communication and response follow-up.
• Internal and external audit action closure.
• MRB/NCR support responsiveness and documentation accuracy.
• Non-warranty complaint reporting and closure performance.

Competency

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and supplier relationship management abilities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality excellence.
• Effective presentation and reporting skills.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel may be required for supplier visits, customer support, audits, inspections, or quality improvement activities.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and work at a computer workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive filing, data-entry, and document-handling activities.

Safety Expectations

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Participate in safety initiatives and report unsafe conditions.
• Report to work fit for duty and free from the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Annual Salary: $85,000 - $118,000 per year based on experience

EEOC Statement

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.