About the roleThe Quality Engineer is responsible for developing test methods and protocols, validating supplier testing methods, and investigating technical issues with our water refrigeration and ice production products. This role serves as a critical link between engineering, manufacturing, and customer satisfaction driving continuous improvement initiatives across all phases of the product lifecycle, from supplier qualification through final delivery.
A central responsibility of this role is the rigorous investigation and resolution of product quality issues. The Quality Engineer is expected to lead all troubleshooting efforts with a structured, data-driven mindset rapidly diagnosing failures in the field or on the production floor, identifying true root causes (not symptoms), and driving permanent corrective actions that prevent recurrence. Speed, thoroughness, and technical depth in problem-solving are core performance expectations for this position.
What you'll doProduct & Process Quality• Develop and execute inspection and test plans (ITPs) for refrigeration components, ice-making assemblies, water filtration systems, and compressor units
• Apply statistical process control (SPC) methodologies to monitor manufacturing processes and identify variation trends before they result in non-conformance
• Perform and oversee FMEA (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis) for new and existing products; develop and track risk mitigation actions
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) using 8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa, and DMAIC methodologies for field failures and in-process defects
Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis• Serve as the primary technical lead for all product quality investigations, including in-process defects, warranty returns, field failures, and customer complaints related to ice production, water dispensing, refrigeration performance, and water quality
• Conduct thorough, structured troubleshooting of refrigeration and ice system failures-including compressor faults, refrigerant leaks, ice bridging, water system contamination, evaporator fouling, and electrical control malfunctions-using both hands-on inspection and data analysis
• Apply a systematic, layered RCA approach for every significant quality escape: begin with containment and symptom mapping, progress through data collection and hypothesis testing, and conclude with verified root cause identification before any corrective action is implemented
• Utilize the full suite of structured problem-solving tools as appropriate to failure type and complexity: 8D reports, 5-Why analysis, Ishikawa (fishbone) diagrams, fault tree analysis (FTA), DMAIC, and is/is-not analysis
• Distinguish consistently between root causes, contributing factors, and detection failures; ensure corrective actions address all three layers to prevent recurrence and strengthen the quality system
• Perform or coordinate failure analysis of returned units and components, including teardown and inspection of compressors, ice-making mechanisms, water inlet valves, sensors, and control boards; document findings with photographs, measurements, and written technical reports
• Analyze warranty and field failure data to identify systemic trends, failure patterns, and early warning signals; escalate repeat failures immediately and drive cross-functional response teams
• Develop and maintain a structured CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) system; ensure every RCA results in a formal 8D or equivalent report with verified effectiveness checks at 30, 60, and 90 days
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Service teams during troubleshooting investigations to gather process data, design documentation, and field observations that inform root cause determination
• Lead or facilitate rapid-response quality reviews (24-48 hour containment) for critical customer escapes or field safety concerns, including coordinating product holds, sorting, and communication to affected customers
• Build and maintain a living knowledge base of known failure modes, RCA outcomes, and corrective actions specific to water refrigeration and ice production systems to accelerate future troubleshooting and onboard new team members
Regulatory & Environmental Compliance• Ensure all ice and water-contact products meet NSF/ANSI 61 (drinking water system components) and NSF/ANSI 372 (lead-free) certifications
• Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable refrigerant handling regulations (EPA Section 608) and environmental health & safety standards (OSHA, ASHRAE)
• Track evolving regulatory requirements and advise Engineering and Product Development of impact to current and future product lines
Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration• Collaborate with R&D and Engineering on design-for-quality (DFQ) principles during NPI (New Product Introduction) phases
• Present quality performance metrics, KPIs, and improvement roadmaps to senior leadership on a monthly and quarterly basis
• Mentor and train manufacturing technicians and line leads on quality standards, measurement techniques, and defect identification
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related field
• 3-7 years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment; refrigeration, ice appliances, or food-grade equipment preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of ISO 9001 QMS requirements and audit processes
• Proven track record of leading structured root cause analysis investigations from problem identification through verified corrective action closure; must be able to provide examples of RCA reports and CAPA outcomes from prior roles
• Hands-on proficiency with RCA and problem-solving methodologies: 8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa/fishbone, fault tree analysis (FTA), and DMAIC; ability to select and apply the right tool based on failure complexity
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electromechanical systems-including refrigeration cycles, water flow systems, and electrical controls-through logical, hypothesis-driven investigation rather than trial-and-error
• Proficiency with quality tools: FMEA, PPAP, SPC, MSA, control plans, and inspection methods
• Experience with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and the use of precision measurement instruments (calipers, CMM, pressure gauges)
• Familiarity with NSF/ANSI certification processes and water-contact material requirements
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex technical RCA findings into clear corrective action plans for engineering, operations, and executive audiences
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
• Formal training or certification in 8D problem-solving, DMAIC, or advanced root cause analysis methodologies
• Experience performing or overseeing teardown and failure analysis of refrigeration components (compressors, evaporators, condensers, water valves, control boards)
• Familiarity with refrigeration system diagnostics including use of manifold gauge sets, pressure-temperature charts, superheat/subcooling analysis, and leak detection equipment
• Knowledge of ASHRAE refrigeration standards and EPA 608 technician certification
• Exposure to commercial or industrial ice machine design, chiller systems, or water purification equipment
• Experience managing CAPA systems with demonstrated effectiveness verification and long-term recurrence tracking
Working Conditions• Primarily office and manufacturing floor environment; PPE required on the production floor (safety glasses, steel-toe footwear, hearing protection in applicable areas)
Benefits / PerksWe believe in recognizing and rewarding our employees for a job well done. We offer growth potential for motivated individuals, competitive compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Vacation Time
- Paid Holidays
