Quality Engineer

Position Title

Quality Engineer

Department

Quality

Reports To

Quality Manager

Location

Piney Flats, Tennessee/ Danville, Virginia

POSITION SUMMARY

The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting and improving quality systems, manufacturing processes, and product performance within a lithium battery separator manufacturing environment. This role works cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Research & Development, Supply Chain, and Production teams to ensure products meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, and internal quality expectations.

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, experience with manufacturing quality systems, and the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, process efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

COMPANY CORE VALUES

Safety

• Follow all manufacturing, laboratory, and environmental safety procedures consistently.
• Promote and support a culture where safety is prioritized in all quality and operational activities.
• Utilize proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices.
• Support compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve product quality, manufacturing processes, and operational efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, waste, and process variation.
• Utilize data analysis and problem-solving tools to drive quality improvements.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations that support operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Build strong working relationships across Quality, Operations, Engineering, R&D, and Production teams.
• Promote effective communication and collaboration during investigations, audits, and improvement initiatives.
• Support cross-functional problem-solving and corrective action activities.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment.

Accountability

• Ensure quality inspections, testing, reporting, and documentation are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain ownership of assigned projects, investigations, and quality initiatives.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and commitment to product quality and compliance.
• Follow company policies, procedures, and quality standards consistently.

Integrity

• Maintain honesty, professionalism, and confidentiality in all quality and business activities.
• Ensure accuracy and transparency in quality reporting and documentation.
• Demonstrate ethical decision-making and accountability in daily responsibilities.
• Treat team members, customers, suppliers, and stakeholders with professionalism and respect.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Support and maintain quality management systems and manufacturing quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications, internal quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with internal audits, external audits, and customer quality assessments.
• Maintain quality documentation, procedures, work instructions, and records.
• Support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes.

Process & Product Quality

• Monitor manufacturing processes and product quality performance.
• Analyze quality data and trends to identify improvement opportunities.
• Investigate product defects, process deviations, and customer complaints.
• Support root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Participate in process validation, qualification, and product testing activities.

Continuous Improvement

• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Utilize quality tools such as SPC, PFMEA, control plans, 5 Why analysis, and fishbone diagrams.
• Drive process improvement projects focused on quality, scrap reduction, and operational efficiency.
• Assist in developing standardized quality procedures and controls.

Customer & Supplier Quality Support

• Support customer quality requirements, audits, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with suppliers to address material quality concerns and corrective actions.
• Assist with supplier qualification and performance monitoring.
• Participate in customer and supplier meetings as needed.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare quality reports, metrics, and performance summaries.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to inspections, testing, audits, and corrective actions.
• Track quality KPIs and communicate results to leadership and operational teams.
• Support development of quality dashboards and reporting tools.

OBJECTIVES

Safety Objectives

• Support a safe manufacturing environment by following all safety procedures and proactively identifying potential risks.
• Ensure quality activities and inspections are conducted in compliance with safety standards and environmental requirements.
• Promote safe work practices and participation in safety improvement initiatives.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement Objectives

• Identify opportunities to improve product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and process consistency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that reduce defects, waste, and customer concerns.
• Utilize data-driven problem-solving techniques to improve operational performance.
• Contribute to innovation initiatives focused on advancing separator technology and manufacturing excellence.

Teamwork & Collaboration Objectives

• Build strong partnerships with cross-functional departments to support operational and quality goals.
• Promote effective communication during investigations, audits, and improvement projects.
• Support a collaborative environment focused on problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Contribute positively to team and organizational success.

Accountability Objectives

• Ensure quality inspections, investigations, and reporting activities are completed accurately and on time.
• Maintain ownership of assigned quality projects, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate commitment to compliance, product quality, and operational excellence.
• Follow all company procedures, quality standards, and customer requirements consistently.

Integrity Objectives

• Maintain honesty, professionalism, and transparency in all quality activities and reporting.
• Ensure quality data and documentation are accurate, complete, and reliable.
• Demonstrate ethical decision-making and accountability in all responsibilities.
• Treat all employees, customers, and suppliers with professionalism and respect.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Materials Science, or related technical field required.
• ASQ certification or equivalent quality certification preferred.

Experience

• 3–5 years of quality engineering experience in manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience in battery manufacturing, coatings, plastics, chemical processing, automotive, or industrial manufacturing preferred.
• Experience with quality systems, root cause analysis, and process improvement methodologies required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of quality systems, auditing, and manufacturing quality standards.
• Experience with SPC, PFMEA, control plans, and statistical analysis tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality reporting systems.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Accountability
• Attention to Detail
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Innovation
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Continuous Improvement
• Technical Aptitude
• Integrity
• Safety Focus
• Analytical Thinking
• Customer Focus

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Manufacturing and office environment exposure.
• Frequent interaction with production equipment, laboratory testing, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during production and quality audits.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.

WHY JOIN US

Join a growing leader in lithium battery separator manufacturing focused on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. This role offers the opportunity to play a critical role in advancing product quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement initiatives that support the future of battery technology.