NPI Quality Engineer

NPI Quality Engineer - Urbana, OH
Rittal North America has built a strong tradition of innovation and takes pride in a progressive approach to engineering. We design and manufacture the world’s leading industrial and IT enclosures, racks, and accessories, including high efficiency, high-density power management, and climate control systems for industrial, data center, outdoor and hybrid applications.
Tasks
The Quality Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the quality of new product introductions (NPI) and product qualifications. This includes managing APQP and PPAP processes to ensure products meet customer and regulatory requirements. Working in multi-functional teams, this individual will be the Voice for Quality, as we develop new products and designs. This person will make sure proper consideration has been given to the Quality needs, and that adequate Risk Analysis has been done prior to product launch. The Quality Engineer will also be involved in the roll-out activities and process development as we integrate these parts into our manufacturing platform. While working in the context of multifunctional teams, this person will need to be very self-driven and self-motivated. They will be highly supported by management and the other QC staff but will be the singular Quality presence on many of these project teams.
Guidelines
Work in a fast-paced environment, adapt to assignment changes easily, ability to multi-task, learn office procedures and learn/use new software. Must be detailed oriented; communicate effectively via oral and written communications with all levels of employees and departments. Wear safety glasses with side shields, safety toed footwear, hearing protection and additional PPE as required. Ability to stand, walk, bend, twist, and reach frequently throughout the work shift. The ability to lift 25-50 lbs. to waist level and up to 25 pounds above the shoulders. Stand for extended periods of time and work at a computer and keyboard occasionally throughout the shift.
Responsibility 

• Develop and implement APQP plans for new product development programs.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality requirements are met throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Serve as the Quality Subject Matter Expert when working in the Design Engineering space – teach, train, and mentor junior design engineers on Quality protocols.
• Conduct risk assessments, including DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).
• Develop and maintain control plans and process validation documents.
• Product Qualification:
• Lead and manage PPAP activities for internal and supplier parts, including component risk assessments and process validation.
• Review and approve supplier PPAP packages, ensuring compliance with Level 3 submission requirements.
• Track PPAP status and ensure timely submission and completion of PPAP documents.
• Liaise with suppliers to track completion of tasks and APQP items, ensuring all critical dates are met.
• Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA):
• Conduct MSA to evaluate the measurement systems used in production.
• Ensure gage repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) studies are performed and analyzed.
• Identify and mitigate sources of measurement variability to improve accuracy and precision.
• Supplier Management:
• Support the Supplier Quality Engineer and supplier development plans which may include participating in regular visits to suppliers to monitor progress and address any issues.
• Support supplier audits and publish audit results.
• Continuous Improvement:
• Participate in continuous improvement activities to enhance production processes and product quality.
• Conduct process audits to ensure accuracy of paperwork and inspection aids.
• Analyze data for capability studies and SPC (Statistical Process Control) using tools like Minitab. 
• This role will report to the Quality (Assurance) Manager. Other work as directed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Science, or a related field,
• or associate degree and 2-4 years related experience, 
• or 5-8 years related experience (in lieu of degree)
• Experience in quality engineering, preferably in the automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing industry.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and other quality tools.
• Knowledge of Quality principles and experience working in an environment where Quality was greatly emphasized
• Machining, metalworking, and assembly are all valuable experience, but not required.
• Previous work in R&D, Product Development, or developing manufacturing platforms is a plus.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to quality control (ISO9001/AS9100)

Necessary Skills

• Effectively manages time and priorities. Will work independently and be the sole Quality representative in the Design Engineering space.
• Delivers on commitments with a dedication to quality and process. Supports team objectives outside the routine responsibilities.
• Takes initiative to proactively identify problems and provides suggestions for improvements.
• Organized, thorough, attention to detail, cooperative….
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills