Summary:
The Quality Engineer designs, installs, and evaluates Quality Assurance (QA) process sampling systems, procedures, and statistical techniques. Designs or specifies inspection and testing mechanisms and equipment. Analyzes production and service limitations and standards. Monitors manufacturing process, fabrication, inspection, test and shipping activities. Recommends revision of specifications. Formulates or helps formulate QA policies and procedures and conducts training on QA concepts and tools. Interfaces with all other engineering functions in Benchmark and with customers and suppliers on quality-related issues.

Responsibilities:
• Assists with an analysis of routine contract requirements to determine what quality characteristics are to be controlled; manufacturing, inspection, test equipment required; special controls of special processes; and special skills needed to ensure their proper application.
• Validates SPC limits and controls. Audits process to ensure proper use and corrective action when out-of-control limit is reached.
• Reviews the contract data item descriptions and requirements and assist with establishing the necessary controls to ensure compliance.
• Creates control plans that align to customer, product, regulatory and sector requirements.
• Participates in pilot runs and preproduction runs; Assist with a basic analysis of results.
• Reviews production and manufacturing specification processes to ensure conformance to drawings specifications and contract requirements.
• Assist with the establishment of quality controls over all production processes and testing during the product cycle.
• Participates in the generation and review of various types of specification, drawings and Acceptance Test Procedures.
• Performs, when applicable, measurement capability and correlation studies to ensure continual adequacy and capability.
• Monitors special test programs on assemblies, components, special processes, etc. due to design changes and/or problems developing during the manufacturing cycle.
• Assists in inspection and testing of preproduction equipment to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications and contract requirements, prior to submittal, for customer acceptance.
• Prepares summaries and analysis of evaluations, together with all pertinent charts, graphs, etc., under guidance of more senior engineers.
• Ensures that records/files are initiated and maintained in all relevant documentation pertaining to Quality Assurance.
• Performs Quality Audits to determine the effectiveness of the Quality Program and prepare audit reports.
• Participates in the verification (First Article Configuration Inspection) of hardware versus drawing/specifications.
• Prepares reports and corrective action documentation, under review of more senior engineers, in answer to Customer inquiries or complaints regarding inspection, test and production activities.
• Drives corrective, preventive and closure actions for project issues related to quality and/or test nonconformance.
• Develops and improve the site's quality organization 's ability to perform complex problem solving to more effectively address customer complaints, service deviations and internal corrective actions
• Performs analysis of reports and production data to identify trends and recommend updates or changes to quality standards and procedures when necessary.
• Drives/ Use Key Process Indicators (KPIs) to determine process effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, best practices and drive continuous quality improvement.
• Supports cross-functional teams in the execution and reporting of quality improvement projects with a focus on overall process improvements, scrap reduction and supplier quality improvement.
• Writes verification and validation documentation and conduct required testing as needed.
• Assists in driving the standardization of manufacturing processes of global customer accounts.

Other information:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Effective multitasking skills and the ability to take on additional responsibilities as required
• Effective organization and prioritization skills
• Demonstrate high attention to detail
• Ability to work with diverse groups
• Demonstrates discretion, confidentiality, independent judgment and professionalism.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and guidance, exercising discretion and independent judgment.
• Understanding of and ability to use continuous improvement tools.
• Strong customer service and client focus
• Working knowledge of productivity tools, including Microsoft Office products and WebEx conferencing software
• 4 year Engineering or Technical degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience as approved by executive management
• Proven ability to complete projects in a timely manner
• Ability to support a 24/7 global business operation as required
• Ability to work individually or in teams
• Understanding of and ability to use metrics and continuous improvement tools (e.g. Defect per Million Opportunities (DPMO), First Pass Yield (FPY), Defects per Million (DPM), Six Sigma, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), etc)
• Demonstrates knowledge of domestic and international requirements, standards and regulations such as Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Quality System Regulation (QSR) Part 820, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), International Automotive Task Force (IATF), etc. Supports internal, corporate, notified body, FDA, customer and other audits.
• 8+ years of electronics manufacturing experience; 1+ years in a leadership role; Ability to lead strategic quality initiatives; Accredited certification (CQE); Master of advanced technologies and applications; Able to travel up to 20% of the time, including day and overnight as required. • Perform a comprehensive analysis of complex contract requirements to determine what quality characteristics are to be controlled; Manufacturing, Inspection, Test Equipment required; special controls for unique processes, special skills needed and the insurance of their proper application
• Participate in initiating and planning pilot runs and pre-production runs; Analyze results and furnish analysis with appropriate recommendations
• Establish and maintain control over all complex production processes and testing during the product cycle
• Review complex production and manufacturing specification process to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications and contract requirements
• Plan and participate in design reviews to ensure that designs permit and facilitate productivity, repeatability and inspectability and that related quality considerations are obtained in order to ensure product quality
• Plan and determine capability of manufacturing processes to meet quality requirements
• Recommend adjustments for process condition to Methods Department and/or adjustments of production specifications to Production Engineering to create an economical and compatible relationship between production processes and the products
• Review and approve complex manufacturing Process Sheets for the purpose of establishing appropriate inspection points, assuring that work instructions are adequate and assuring that consideration is given to quality standards of workmanship and contractual specification requirements
• Participate in the generation, review and approval of complex specifications, drawings and Acceptance Test Procedures to ensure that they contain sufficient quality requirements and comply with contract requirements
• Provide technical assistance in the preparation of complex workmanship standards, instructions and inspection criteria; Plan and provide technical assistance to resolve complex fabrication, test and inspection problems, as required
• Establish process controls, surveillance and monitoring procedures to ensure product quality
• Analyze reported defects and failures and initiate corrective action
• Participate in the timely investigations, disposition and corrective actions to prevent recurrence of non-conforming materials, processes and products; Follow up for completion and measurement of effectiveness
• Monitor and control quality cost expended by all Quality groups
• Plan and participate in Engineering evaluations and Change Control Board to ensure design and changes proposed are within the scope of company and contract definitions and requirements; Coordinate submittal with the customer
• Review test reports and failure analysis reports for acceptability; Ensure corrective action
• Participate in Material Review Board actions and initiate appropriate corrective actions; Prepare and/or approve corrective action reports and documentation in response to customer inquiries or complaints regarding inspection, test and production activities
• Plan and participate in the verification (First Article Configuration Inspection) of hardware versus drawing/specifications and coordinate this effort with customer personnel
• Prepare summaries and analysis of internal assembly and test data, as well as external data, supplied by customer
• Mentor and provide leadership to engineers, technicians and inspectors
• Maintain state-of-the-art knowledge by keeping abreast of techniques and methods by way of contact with other industries, current publications and advanced education and membership in professional societies/organizations

Education: 4 year degree or Technical degree preferred

Geographical Location: Minnesota:Rochester

Physical Location: Rochester, MN

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule:

Full Time

Compensation Range: $91,755.000 to $114,000.000 USD. Many factors are considered in compensation decisions, including but not limited to skills, certifications, licensures, experience, training, incumbent data, and other business needs.

Benefits and Other Compensation: Benchmark provides a comprehensive benefits package, including a Bonus Plan, 401(k), Paid Time Off, and Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, all based on scheduled hours. Benchmark complies with applicable state and local employee leave laws.

Application Deadline: This job posting will remain open until filled.