About the Job

Quality Engineer

Dundee

Job Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting and improving product and process quality across manufacturing.

The role works closely with Production, Technical, Quality, Suppliers and Customers to ensure products and processes meet customer, regulatory and internal requirements.

The Quality Engineer will use techniques, data analysis and continuous improvement methodologies to identify and resolve quality issues, lead continuous improvement projects and improve process performance across production.

Product and Process Quality

• Assist with ensuring products are manufactured in accordance with customer specifications, drawings, procedures and internal quality standards
• Support incoming, in-process and final inspection activities
• Carry out incoming inspections of raw materials, components and consumables. Record and collect data to better evaluate supplier performance
• Raise and communicate quality concerns and issues to the Quality Manager and wider UCS team
• Collaborate with production teams to identify opportunities to improve process capability, consistency and product quality
• Support the development and implementation of appropriate quality controls and inspection methods
• Ensure inspection and scanning areas are organised and appropriately equipped to efficiently manage product flow
• Support the creation and implementation of new process flows covering goods-in through to goods-out.
• Support post-processing activities, including batch scanning and baking

Quality Inspection and Data Analysis

• Collect, analyse and interpret quality and production data to identify trends, recurring issues and opportunities for improvement
• Maintain accurate quality records and ensure inspection results are appropriately documented
• Utilise statistical and analytical techniques to support data-driven decision making
• Support the development and monitoring of quality KPIs
• Support the investigation of non-conforming product and ensure appropriate containment actions are implemented

Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions

• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action activities
• Participate in 8D investigations at the request of the Quality Manager
• Support the identification of root causes using objective evidence and meaningful data
• Develop and implement corrective and preventative actions to eliminate the recurrence of quality issues
• Monitor the effectiveness of corrective actions and verify that improvements have been sustained

Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence

• Identify, support and lead continuous improvement initiatives across production
• Lead and participate in Operational Excellence projects focused on improving quality, productivity and process reliability
• Support improvement projects
• Use lean and continuous improvement methodologies to reduce defects, waste and variation
• Identify opportunities to improve process controls and reduce the risk of human error

Quality Management System and Documentation

• Generation of customer specific quality documentation
• Maintain and update work instructions, procedures and quality documentation where/if required
• Ensure quality documentation out on the production floor is accurate, current and aligned with operational requirements and report any deviations to the Quality Manager/UCS Team

Customers and Suppliers

• Work with suppliers to ensure materials, components and consumables meet UCS requirements
• Support the investigation and resolution of supplier quality issues
• Maintain the incoming substrate inspection process ensuring all records are accurate and any non-conforming material is reported and contained
• Support the investigation and resolution of customer quality concerns
• Partner with intercompany sites to establish consistent quality standards and improve site to site collaboration
• Ensure customer requirements are understood and effectively communicated to relevant internal teams

Production and Cross-Functional Support

• Attend Operations, customer, intercompany and supplier meetings to provide relevant quality input and updates
• Work closely with Production and Technical to resolve quality and process issues
• Ensure actions and improvements implemented by the Quality Manager are understood, completed and sustained by Production teams
• Promote effective communication between Quality and Production to ensure quality issues are identified and addressed promptly.

EHS and Compliance

• Lead by example with regard to compliance with company EHS procedures, policies and standards.
• Follow all safety and environmental requirements in accordance with Umicore standards.
• Ensure appropriate PPE is used when required.
• Comply with COSHH requirements and relevant chemical handling procedures.
• Participate in and support risk assessments and safe working practices.
• Identify and communicate potential EHS risks associated with quality and production activities.
• Promote a strong safety and environmental culture within the workplace.

Quality Engineer - Knowledge and Skills

• 3+ years experience within a manufacturing, engineering or quality environment
• Excellent IT skills with proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to excellence
• Understanding of Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence and how it relates to precision manufacturing
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Understanding of Six Sigma Methodologies
• Ability to work with multi-national sites and personnel
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent record keeping

Quality Engineer - Desirable

• Experience within an optical coating environment or relevant knowledge of the optics/optical coating industry
• Lean Six Sigma Qualification or be willing to work towards achieving Green Belt status within first 2 years
• Experience participating and/or leading improvement projects
• Ability to implement automation into UCS process flows where relevant

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