Senior Quality Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to lead the Ft. Valley HSM Quality team and support the Transportation Business Unit as the Quality subject matter expert. Working in a team-centered environment, the Quality Engineer will directly contribute to the goals and objectives of the quality department for both the facility and division by driving continuous improvement in the quality systems and processes across the division while supporting the overall company vision.

The primary function of the Sr Quality Engineer is to engage the external and internal supply base on product conformance and compliance to HSM quality requirements. Additionally, this person will deploy standardized processes for quality throughout the TSM business unit. 

Who We Are

HSM Transportation is an ISO Certified exclusive complete line manufacturer of C.E. White School Bus Seats, portable child restraints, seat covers, and foam aftermarket parts. We are also a premier commercial seat manufacturer specializing in luxury full-size, luxury shuttle, commuter transit, commuter van, salon, foldaway and sofa seating.

HSM Transportation Solutions is a business unit of HSM, headquartered in Hickory, NC since 1944. Our commitment to excellence goes far beyond our products and processes; it is centered on the people who make it all possible. If you're interested in learning more about our company culture, as well as the benefits we offer our employees, please visit our website or social media pages.

Responsibilities

• This position will be key in affecting change within the production areas across TSM by championing initiatives targeted at converting from a "reactive" to a "proactive" quality philosophy.
• Promote a culture of quality, compliance, continuous improvement, innovation and replication, with an encompassing emphasis on Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery-Schedule, and People Development
• Play a key role in maintaining compliance with all plant safety systems and policies, and applicable laws/regulations, planning safety into all work.
• Manage and develop direct reports and lead cross-functional teams to resolve quality concerns.
• Utilize lean manufacturing methodologies and problem solving/troubleshooting tools to identify root cause of issues and implement correction/preventative action items.
• Lead & support Kaizen initiatives to drive continuous improvement in overall planning, material, or operations performance.
• Update daily, weekly, and monthly quality and production metrics.
• Manage document control processes on the plant floors.
• Assist in deploying QMS training for all employees, regardless of department.
• Work with other Quality Engineers on processes and customer complaints.
• Act as an engaged participant in the daily Gemba meetings.
• Monitor SPC charts in areas and lead SPC /Trend Review meetings.
• Lead or support PPAP/FAI activities, overseeing measuring methods and results, compiling data, reviewing and submission.
• Review drawings, CAD files, specifications and develop methods to ensure first time trough success (poka-yoke).
• Lead scrap reduction initiative in the plant and division.
• Assist/lead internal audits, external audits, and customer audits.
• Establish & maintain calibration standards for internal equipment and new test/approved vendors.
• Manage the MRB process with the value stream team and ensure the NG material control process is effectively implemented.
• Participate on cross-functional continuous improvement teams. Lead and execute improvement projects that affect product quality and production.
• Be the key contact person for quality issues in the manufacturing plant.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Champions APQP across the business unit in both new development programs and existing production
• Benchmark and/or improve process control schemes at all 6 TSM plants by updating process control plans, PFMEA's, and process work instructions.
• Identify, initiate, and implement continuous improvement projects related to the QMS (Quality Management System) that benefit the division.
• Supplier non-conforming product – Provide notification, responsiveness, containment, root cause determination, corrective action, and closure of supplier quality issues utilizing the Defective Material Report system. Support customer focus team with management and closure of supplier responsible issues. Control scorecard and identify COPQ.
• Supplier cost recovery – Communicate to Suppliers identification and input incurred costs for supplier recovery through requirements of the cost of poor quality process
• Supplier Performance Improvement – Capture supplier performance metrics on a monthly basis in line with plant balanced scorecards. Populate the plant supplier performance matrix monthly as defined in the focus supplier process and review improvement activities with cross-functional team members as appropriate.
• Quality Management System – Support plant, local, divisional, and group alignment to related supplier quality management procedures. Ensure plant conformance to corporate policy requirements. Capture, monitor, and report identified plant supplier quality metrics supporting plant balanced scorecards and monthly divisional report.
• Receiving/Inspection – Identify and implement necessary supplier inspection criteria and frequencies with appropriate plant or contract personnel.

Qualifications

• Desire to learn new systems, processes, and technologies within the industry to ensure growth of the business and personal development.

Education Background:

• BS Degree or higher required, preferably in a Science/Engineering field. Certification through the American Society of Quality (ASQ) in one of the following areas preferred: ASQ/CQE, ASQ/CSSBB, ASQ/CSSGB, ASQ/CQA;

Knowledge & Experience:

• Experience working in automotive or transportation industry as a quality engineer or supplier quality engineer; 8 years.
• Experience implementing, managing, and auditing IATF:16949/ISO9001/VDA 6.3 standard
• Advance experience with MS Office software including MS Access, Excel, and Smart sheets.
• 10 or more years of experience using MRP/ERP systems.
• Experience in high-tempo production environments.
• Certification/advanced knowledge in Sig Sigma, Lean Manufacture, 6S, and/or Waste Prevention.
• Knowledgeable in safety management programs
• High experience practicing and applying AIAG core tools in a production environment (APQP/PPAP/PFMEA/SPC/MSA)

Key Attributes:

• Internal auditing experience
• Experience with SPC software such as Minitab
• Experience leading and facilitating scrap reduction projects with cross functional teams
• Strong problem solving skills
• Able to work independently under limited supervision, and provide direction/leadership to others
• Strengths in organization, excellent communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work on a high performing team, contributing to an environment where open and honest communication is the norm.
• Ability to build effective workplace relationships, motivate co-workers, and support co-worker development.
• Ability to evaluate team effectiveness and improve its performance.
• Capable of understanding complicated written instructions, memoranda, or orders.
• Regular skilled use of word processing programs, able to communicate effectively verbally & in writing.
• Ability to effectively present information & answer questions from stakeholders
• Ability to solve practical problems and apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions.
• Initiates supports or responds to change by continually striving to improve processes or performance consistent with the needs of the business.
• Works effectively with others throughout the Company towards the attainment of Company goals
• Considers the financial and commercial implications when taking action/making decisions.
• Responds positively to changing situations/priorities in order to achieve Company objectives.
• Ability to extract and analyze a large range of data from written sources, individuals, or multiple work orders.
• Capable of creating self -starters with a minimal amount of direct supervision
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral.
• Ability to clearly communicate and resolve business and personnel issues – employing win-win methods.

Travel:

• Must be able and willing to travel up to 40% for domestically visiting other company locations

Working EnvironmentThis position is in a manufacturing plant setting that would require working in a production environment around chemicals. Work will require standing and walking for up to 80% of the time. Lighting and temperature are adequate. You may be required to lift up to 35 pounds and/or force necessary to push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

HSM manufacturing sites are IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certified.

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Regularly required to stand and walk.
• Able to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Able to reach with hands and arms.
• Able to talk and hear.
• Frequently required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Able to regularly lift and/or move more than 35 pounds if needed.
• Specific vision abilities needed: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Top Benefits

As a Senior Quality Engineer at HSM, you’ll enjoy:

• 401k Contribution Match up to 4% (100% Vested from Day 1), 9 paid holidays, 3 Weeks of PTO (Eligible after 60 days), Affordable Total Package Benefits offerings for you and your family, On-Site No-Cost Medical Clinics for you and Covered Dependents, Teladoc 24/7 ($0 copay), Global Healthcare and Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development Assistance.

Company Summary

At HSM Solutions our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, innovation, and celebrating our successes together as a team. We provide our employees with the tools and resources they need to achieve their goals and to make a meaningful impact on our customers, our company, and our communities. If you're looking for a place that's not just a job, but a spot where you can grow and make a real impact, then HSM Solutions is the place for you. 

Contact Information

For immediate consideration, please apply through our career site at www.hsmsolutions.com/careers and a recruiter will be in touch. You can also reach out directly at jobs@hsmsolutions.com to follow up on your application. 

Pay Range

EEOC

HSM prohibits discrimination based on any protected status, workplace harassment/bullying, and retaliation for filing a complaint or providing information related to a complaint. HSM provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to an individual's protected status: race/ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital/parental status, pregnancy/childbirth or related conditions, religion, creed, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status.