Quality Assurance Engineer (Hardware and Supplier) - Forterra

About Forterra

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst some of the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, Forterra is focused on building systems that protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers in our industrial base. Forterra is the go-to provider of ground autonomy solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, which harnesses the technology for asymmetric warfare in critical conditions.

Forterra is seeking a highly skilled Quality Assurance Engineer to work in a joint capacity supporting quality activities in production and quality oversight of Forterra's supply base. Successful candidates will be creative problem solvers and process-oriented individuals who have a consistent track record of delivering results. You excel at working in a fluid environment with cross-functional teams to solve complex problems and dive deep into issues to conduct data-driven problem solving. You thrive at bringing order from chaos by creating effective processes that can efficiently scale. You are an outstanding communicator who helps drive execution of plans to achieve business results. You are excellent at time and priority management and capable of using sound judgement when faced with competing tasks.

• Responsible for working with cross functional teams in defining quality standards, implementing quality assurance processes, conducting quality reviews, and ensuring that the product meets the specified quality criteria.
• Partner with Hardware Engineering and Production on Product Development Lifecycle Activity and ensure that appropriate levels of quality are met at prototype, pilot and production stages.
• Work with Hardware, Systems, and Safety Engineering to identify Key Characteristics and Product Failure Modes. Utilize this input to develop Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis and Quality Control Plans.
• Prepare and conduct First Article Inspections following AS9102 methodologies.
• Conduct inspections, as required, to ensure any Quality inspection bottlenecks are promptly addressed.
• Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Production to ensure that Quality inspection points are incorporated into planning and work instructions.
• Respond to production stoppages due to quality issues and ensure timely triage and problem solving.
• Lead the resolution of nonconforming material issues and drive root cause analysis and corrective action, as required.
• Work with Supply Chain to ensure that appropriate supplier quality requirements are flowed to suppliers via the purchase order process.
• Work closely with Supply Chain to ensure key suppliers are audited and/or assessed according to established criticality levels.
• Lead the resolution of supplier quality issues and perform/implement root cause and corrective actions with suppliers as needed.
• Apply knowledge of product quality and manufacturing processes to provide input on supplier's capability during the supplier selection process.
• Assist in the development and improvement of supplier performance data. Provide recurring reports on the status of supplier quality performance. Drive Supplier Corrective Action Requests when necessary.
• Act as a support member for Preliminary and Material Review Boards where applicable for supplier related nonconformities.
• Lead monthly Supplier Corrective Action Board.

• Experience developing performance metrics and driving initiatives to ensure goals are achieved.
• Must possess the ability to establish rapport and working relationships at all levels of the organization and communicate effectively throughout.
• Experience in auditing processes and products.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, models, schematics and determining basic inspection techniques to be applied.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 or other automotive or aerospace quality standards.
• Strong investigation and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to navigate ERP, PLM, and other QMS software tools.

• BS or MS in Engineering, Science, or Technology (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 5+ years of experience in Quality, Production, and/or Manufacturing environment.

• Experience as a Certified Quality Auditor is a plus.
• Experience with Arena PLM and NetSuite ERP a plus.
• Experience with Six Sigma Methodologies is a plus.
• Familiarity with IPC standards (IPC-620, IPC J-STD-001, IPC-A-610) is a plus.

• Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.
• Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance, Legal & ID protection plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
• A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.
• A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

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