First Quality Enterprises, Inc.
Quality Engineer - Testing & Raw Materials (Architecture)
First Quality was founded in 1989 and, in nearly three decades, has grown to be a global privately held company with over 4,000 employees. Its corporate offices are located in Great Neck, New York, with manufacturing facilities and offices in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Georgia, and Canada. First Quality is a diversified family of companies manufacturing consumer products ranging from Absorbent Hygiene (adult incontinence, feminine care, and baby care), Tissue (bath and towel), and Industrial (print and packaging materials and thermoformed plastics), serving institutional and retail markets throughout the world. First Quality focuses on private label and branded product lines.
Our core business philosophy is built on a proud culture driven by safety and quality, respect, humility, integrity, customer focus, and teamwork. With leading edge manufacturing technologies and processes and visionary leadership, First Quality is positioned to continue significant growth in the coming years. We are seeking an experienced Quality Engineer – Testing and Raw Materials for our First Quality Tissue, SE location in Anderson, SC. This position will be responsible for assisting the Quality Manager in the day-to-day operations and responsible for the implementation, compliance and maintenance of Quality Management System. Included in the role is the responsibility of ensuring that raw materials meet acceptance criteria and perform properly. Raw materials include coreboard, wrapper and bundler poly, boxes, glue, tissue/towel paper from the 4 paper machines, and generic chemicals.
Primary responsibilities include:
Responsible for supporting the day to day activities related to the Quality, safety, and efficacy of the product manufactured, including the support of operations for new product introductions, process validation, all production activities, and incoming inspections.
Understands QA/QC Testing and leads / contributes to improvement efforts for methods and procedures.
Works with cross-functional teams to prioritize key site projects and determine appropriate resources and timing; integrates quality practices into the Quality Management System activities such as Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) and Quality Improvements to assure effectiveness and compliance to customer and certification requirements.
Evaluates performance of current Quality Engineering methods (e.g. failure investigation, measurement systems analysis, process development, etc.) and drives best practices throughout the business and transfers that knowledge across the business, as appropriate.
Main liaison between quality department and raw material vendors. Notifies vendors of any nonconformances and provides supporting evidence. Independently initiates return of material to vendor and can require the supplier to provide corrective action or SCAR. Works closely with purchasing personnel regarding raw materials and vendors.
Makes independent decisions regarding whether the various raw materials are acceptable for use in the consumer products.
Manages incoming raw materials to determine if properties are consistent with CofA. Maintains the associated testing equipment and database.
Assesses all internal raw material non conformances (NCRs), obtains feedback from operating team members, investigates NCR, and determines final disposition.
Leads Raw Material Review Board meetings and minutes.
Generates weekly status reports that drive the prompt disposition of finished goods.
Participates in internal audits of the Quality System and helps to verify corrective actions have been implemented.
Performs special testing in support of product investigations (nonconforming goods, complaints, mock recalls, stock recovery and returned goods)
Leads special projects that involve the raw materials.
Performs other duties as necessary when directed to do so.
Observes all safety rules and uses the proper safety equipment at all times.
The ideal candidate should possess the following:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering discipline and three or more years in quality or manufacturing engineering, (or) Bachelor's degree in a scientific/technical field with five or more years' experience in quality or manufacturing engineering disciplines.
Highly qualified candidates would have an advanced degree in Analytics
Experience in technical problem solving, statistical analysis, and quality auditing preferred
Familiarity with formal Quality System (ISO/QS/9000, GMP/QSR, etc.)
Strong communication skills.
Demonstrated team leadership ability.
Experience with good laboratory management practices.
Functioning knowledge of Microsoft office software applications including Excel, Word, and Power Point. SAP and/or EQCM software knowledge preferred but not required.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret test methods and results
Ability to maintain confidentiality, work independently, use time efficiently, and pay attention to details.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and technical training documents.
Excellent compensation and benefits, which are effective the first day of employment!
First Quality is committed to protecting information under the care of First Quality Enterprises commensurate with leading industry standards and applicable regulations. As such, First Quality provides at least annual training regarding data privacy and security to employees who, as a result of their role specifications, may come in to contact with sensitive data.
First Quality is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, or protected Veteran status.
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