Quality Engineer
Location: New Orleans
Summary
The Quality Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the highest quality standards in composite manufacturing methods and processes for large composite components. This role will focus on the implementation and maintenance of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and ISO 9001 quality management systems, along with applying Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to maintain compliance, optimize processes, and enhance product reliability. Lead the company’s reporting on KPIs and quality metrics to enable a lean and high quality manufacturing environment.
Job description
Quality Management & Compliance:
- Implement and maintain ISO 9001 and APQP standards within the quality management system (QMS).
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations, customer requirements, and internal quality standards.
- Conduct and support internal and external audits to uphold quality assurance standards.
- Develop and maintain control plans, FMEAs, and VSM’s for manufacturing processes.
Process & Product Quality Improvement:
- Utilize Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles to identify and implement process improvements.
- Analyze quality data and trends to drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Develop, review, and validate Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions for new product introductions and supplier quality.
- Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for process deviations and customer complaints.
- Work collaboratively with the engineering and production teams to improve composite material processes.
- Recognize potential shortfalls in design processes and develop corrective actions to reduce defects. Leadership includes CoPQ reduction actions as well as monitoring and auditing for effectiveness.
Supplier & Manufacturing Support:
- Evaluate and approve raw materials and components for composite parts.
- Support supplier quality activities, including audits, performance monitoring, and defect resolution.
- Work closely with design and manufacturing engineers to ensure material specifications and quality requirements are met.
Documentation & Reporting:
- Generate and present reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality metrics and non-conformances.
- Maintain and update quality documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures, and inspection criteria.
- Assist in customer communication and resolution of quality-related concerns.
- Other duties as assigned
Required qualifications
- Minimum 1–5 years of experience in quality engineering within the wind turbine blade industry or a related field (composites, aerospace, automotive, etc.).
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in root cause analysis (8D, 5Why, Fishbone, etc.).
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and quality tools (SPC, MSA, DOE, etc.).
- Familiarity with manufacturing inspection techniques and non-destructive testing (NDT) for composites.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Project Management Experience
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
- Ability to act as a change agent.
- Prior experience in a customer-facing role
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
- Proactive mindset with a drive for continuous improvement.
Desired characteristics
- Hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, and ISO 9001 requirements
- Strong understanding of composite materials and manufacturing processes
- Certification in Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt, ASQ preferred)
- Certification as a Quality engineer or as a Reliability engineer
- Experience with ERP and QMS software
Working Conditions:
- Primarily based in a manufacturing environment with exposure to production areas.
- Occasional travel will be required for supplier audits, site visits, and customer visits.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic industry.
A successful candidate will possess equal measures of creativity and passion, technical and interpersonal skills, and a drive and willingness to push the boundaries of blade innovation and technology development. The work environment at GWT creates opportunities for collaboration on projects with team members from multiple disciplines and backgrounds, where all perspectives and viewpoints are valued and respected.