Quality Engineer

Introducing Fortress

At Fortress we strive to only do things which “save lives by providing the best safety solutions”.

In a world where companies are introducing increased levels of automation whilst needing to keep their teams safe working around industrial robots and machines, Fortress helps manufacturers navigate through machinery safety requirements by delivering training and product solutions for safe machine access. We intend to meet the specific needs of each application through configurable products.

In recent years we have enjoyed double digit growth year on year across the globe with North America our largest revenue market and the region with the largest growth potential. We target applications from automotive manufacturing to paper & pulp manufacturing to warehouse automation supporting the growth of e-commerce.

We consider ourselves agile and innovative, embracing technology associated with ‘Industry 4.0’ to introduce solutions for our blue-chip customer base. We have a strong family culture which provides a positive working environment where employees feel valued and are trusted with autonomy. We are a global company with manufacturing in the UK, USA, Australia and China.

Role

Fortress has doubled in size over the last five years, growing its presence in in our international markets of USA, Europe and APAC, and across key applications from automotive to 3PL and many more.

Reporting to the Lead Quality Engineer (Customer), the Quality Engineer will design, develop, inspect and improve the quality standards of operational processes and manufacturing outputs supporting all our customers. They will use their knowledge of quality control systems and troubleshooting skills to implement appropriate quality measures, meet quality specifications and comply with safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing customer cases to ensure action is taken within the allocated time frame and that issues are resolved through recognised problem-solving techniques to lower the number of customer complaints to within an agreed level.
• Be the first point of contact when Quality Assistance is required in dealing with manufacturing, supply chain and customer related issues.
• Maintain all quality specification documentation within the quality system, including the creation and maintenance of technical specifications, work instructions, procedures, and other documentation where necessary.
• Provide guidance, review, and support on improvements to production and process controls, including handling of nonconformities through ICAR and 8D processes.
• Ensure that Root Cause Analysis is being carried out in a timely manner and to provide support to the rest of the team as required.
• Conduct internal audits in-line with the requirements of the Internal audit schedule. Support the Quality Manager in audit follow-up through to closure of any minor/major NCRs raised during the audit.
• Review in-process and final product specifications to evaluate and set quality requirements.
• Participate in devising and implementing methods and procedures for inspecting, testing, and evaluating raw materials, components and finished products.
• Provide knowledge on advanced techniques to ensure that assurance is designed into products and processes, including Design/Process FMEA, Statistical Process Control, Gauge R&R Studies, and Lean Six Sigma.
• Perform analysis of production and process data to identify trends and recommend improvements to processes and procedures to reduce and control manufacturing process defects, identify key process indicators KPIs.
• Provide guidance on the development of verification and validation plans, test and sampling methods, sample size determination and acceptance criteria.
• Monitor and reduce internal scrap and rework, report KPIs monthly and as required.
• Provide quality perspective in support of design control and change control activities, including Stage Gate reviews.
• Lead and/or participate in cross-functional teams to support new product development, quality improvement, and cost savings projects.
• Interact with other departments including suppliers and customers regarding quality matters.
• Provide cover to all areas of the business as required, including cover for quality staff absence, and planned leave.
• Ability to set priorities and effectively manage time to manage multiple activities and responsibilities. Responsibility for ensuring the completion of routine maintenance of internal calibration for equipment and the update of the calibration database in-line with equipment and customer requirements/recommendations.

Qualifications & Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience in a similar quality role within a manufacturing environment.
• Internal Auditor – ISO 9001:2015 minimum requirement. Lead auditor would be an advantage.
• Membership of Chartered Quality Institute would be advantageous.
• HNC/HND or NVQ Level 4 Qualified Mechanical Engineer desirable.
• Lean Six Sigma, 8-D problem solving, Kaizen, 5-WHY, Fishbone experience
• Experienced in using ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite. Salesforce experience would be advantageous.
• Metrology and CMM experience preferred but not essential.

Personal Specification:

• A positive and flexible approach to working time and travel (occasional travel incl. overseas may be needed).
• A self-motivated, professional and confident attitude.
• The ability to persuade and influence colleagues to achieve favourable customer quality outcomes.
• The ability to make instant decisions under pressure, whilst paying attention to detail.
• The ability to communicate at all levels, including quick, concise and accurate report writing.
• The ability to work as part of a team.