Quality Engineer - Metal Stamping, Welding & Coating, IATF 16949

Quality Engineer

Metal Stamping, Welding & Coating | IATF 16949

Location: Gastonia, North Carolina (On-site)
Job Type: Full-time
Industry: Manufacturing / Metal Fabrication
Experience Level: 3+ years
 

Why Join IFAB Corp.?

At IFAB Corp., we are a leading manufacturing company specializing in high-precision metal fabrication, assembly, and coating services. Our state-of-the-art facility features cutting-edge technology, including advanced lasers and coil stamp machinery. We take immense pride in our culture of quality, safety, operational excellence, and continuous innovation.

About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on Quality Engineer to own the day-to-day quality of metal parts on our production floor. You will work directly with Production, Engineering, and Tooling to control and improve processes across stamping, laser cutting, welding, forming, CNC machining, assembly, and e-coat/powder coat.

This is a production-floor engineering role in an IATF 16949 environment. It is not a laboratory, document-control, or management position.

What You Will Do

• Process Control: Develop and maintain in-process quality controls and inspection plans for stamped, laser-cut, welded, and coated parts.
• Problem Solving: Lead containment, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for internal issues and customer complaints (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone).
• Documentation: Create and update PFMEAs, Control Plans, and work instructions as processes change.
• Data & Statistics: Run MSA (Gage R&R) and SPC, and use data to reduce variation, scrap, and rework.
• Inspection: Perform dimensional layouts and inspections using CMM and hand gauges.
• Audits: Conduct internal process and product audits, and support customer and registrar audits (IATF 16949 / ISO 9001).
• Metrics: Track and improve quality KPIs: PPM, scrap, rework cost, and customer complaints.
• Launch Support: Support new product launches and PPAP submissions with the APQP team.
• Training: Train operators and inspectors on quality standards and inspection methods.
• Continuous Improvement: Support Lean and Six Sigma improvement projects.
• Safety: Follow and promote Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards.

What You Need (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field).
• 3+ years of Quality Engineering experience in an IATF 16949 metal manufacturing plant.
• Hands-on quality experience with at least two of these processes: stamping, welding (MIG/TIG, spot, or robotic), laser cutting, e-coat/powder coat, or CNC machining.
• Direct experience with PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and 8D problem solving.
• Proficient in reading blueprints and GD&T, and in using inspection equipment (CMM, calipers, micrometers, height gauges).
• Ability to work on-site in Gastonia, NC.

Nice to Have

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
• Hands-on experience with MSA, SPC, and Minitab.
• Knowledge of CQI-12 (coating) or CQI-15 (welding) special process assessments.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

How to Apply

In your resume or application, please tell us:

1. The metal processes you have supported as a Quality Engineer.
2. Your experience with IATF 16949 (plant certification, audits, or customer requirements).
3. The inspection equipment you use regularly (CMM software, gauges, etc.).

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package + annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) matching program.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Career growth opportunities within a fast-growing, tech-driven manufacturing leader.