Quality Claims Engineer - AA Metals Inc

AA Metals, Inc. is one of the largest and fastest growing distributors of quality aluminum and stainless products with four operational centers globally. We source from mills around the world and stock metals in our strategically located warehouses in North America. We have twice been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing U.S. companies. With a strong focus on excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, we are dedicated to sourcing and delivering metal solutions that meet the diverse needs of our clients.

Quality Claims Engineer Job Summary:

The Quality Claims Engineer is responsible for overseeing and resolving customer quality claims related to aluminum, steel, and all other AAM Metal products. This role entails conducting thorough investigations, root cause analysis, and negotiating with customers and suppliers to find effective solutions. The Quality Claims Engineer facilitates clear communication and teamwork among all parties involved, promoting ongoing enhancements in product quality and customer satisfaction.

Quality Claims Engineer Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation
• Low-cost United Healthcare health insurance premiums
• Employer paid short/long term disability insurance
• 401k with matching, free financial planning advisor service
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Maternity Leave Flexibility
• Onsite gym, company events, employee perks throughout the year

Quality Claims Engineer Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers regarding all quality-related claims for metal products.
• Log and track claims, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution.
• Coordinate with producers, suppliers, and internal departments to gather the necessary information and documentation (e.g., product specifications, certificates of analysis, and production data).
• Prioritize claims based on severity, business impact, and customer needs.
• Perform detailed technical assessments of quality claims, including the collection and review of samples, photos, and defect reports.
• Use structured problem-solving tools to determine the root cause of product defects across the supply chain.
• Assess claims across all metal types and interpret the impact of manufacturing processes such as rolling, casting, forging, and finishing.
• Lead negotiations and act as a mediator in complex claims cases.
• Work closely with stakeholders to bridge gaps in expectations and technical understanding
• Develop and present detailed technical reports outlining investigation findings, proposed solutions, and preventive measures for customers and internal stakeholders.
• Work closely with producers and suppliers to implement corrective actions that address the root cause of defects.
• Ensure that prevention strategies are established to minimize the risk of recurrence, such as process adjustments or tighter quality control protocols at the production level.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, suppliers, and producers to facilitate open and transparent communication.
• Provide regular updates to customers on the progress of their claims and resolution timelines.
• Monitor the effectiveness of corrective actions over time and follow-up with customers to confirm that the solution meets their expectations.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for all claims.
• Produce periodic reports for management on claim trends, types of defects, and resolution success rates.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as claim resolution time, customer satisfaction, and recurrence of similar issues.
• Ensure all rejected products meet required industry standards (ISO 9001, ASTM, EN, etc.) and customer specifications
• Ensure compliance with required industry standards (ISO 9001, OSHA, CTPAT, etc.)
• Stay up to date on changes to quality regulations and industry standards for aluminum, steel, and other metals.
• Ensure that all actions taken during the claims process comply with internal company policies and relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

Quality Claims Engineer Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Metallurgical, Materials Science, or related field)., an MS or other relevant advanced degree is a plus.
• A minimum of 5+ years of experience in quality control, claims management, or technical customer service within the metals industry, including aluminum, steel, copper, and alloys.
• Knowledge in root cause analysis and claims resolution methodologies (e.g., 8D, FMEA, Six Sigma tools).
• In-depth understanding of metal production processes (casting, extrusion, rolling, forging) and quality testing methods.
• Knowledge of ERP systems and quality tracking tools for claim management.
• Excellent communication skills for managing relationships with customers, internal teams, and suppliers.
• Analytical thinking to assess complex technical issues and provide clear, actionable solutions.
• Strong project management skills, particularly in handling multiple claims simultaneously.
• Familiarity with advanced testing techniques for metals (e.g., tensile testing, hardness testing, spectroscopy).

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Additional tasks may be assigned based on business needs.