Associate Footwear QA Engineer

Who We Are:

At Brooks, we believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. That’s why we’re driven to create gear and experiences that take people to the place that makes them feel more alive — whether it’s a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. 

Everyone who works at Brooks is propelled by a company culture that sparks excitement, fuels collaboration, inspires creativity, and ignites innovation.

Our brand values help bond us together and drive our success: 

• Runner First
  • We act in the best interest of the runner
• Word is Bond
  • We do what we say we’ll do 
• Champion Heart
  • We give our all in everything we do  
• There is no “I” in Run 
  • We stay generous with our humanity 
• Keep Moving 
  • We find ways to move every day, because joy is kinetic!

We welcome everyone from every walk of life looking to inspire others through the power of movement - because we’re all moving towards something. Let’s run there.   

Your Responsibilities:

Develop your understanding of the Factory Hired Inspector program. Train and certify Factory Hired Inspectors (FHI) to inspect final product. Test, evaluate and provide performance feedback for communication back to vendor via vendor scorecard.
Facilitate review of Factory Hired Inspector (FHI) training test and evaluation results for process improvements and updates to Brooks Harmonized FHI Training program.
Perform regular audits to ensure factories adherence to Brooks PFC, Brooks In-Station-Quality Standard, Standardized Work, category requirements, and other Brooks quality / packaging checklists.
Develop your understanding of the QA Fit Test process. Collaborate with factory on builds associated with QA Fit test samples. Work with QA Fit Test Manager to identify trends and communicate to the team for improvement opportunities.
Develop your understanding of In-Station Quality (ISQ) best practices and processes to provide In-Station-Quality (ISQ) training to factory QA representatives who then provide factory operator training. Audit assigned Tier 1 production line to Brooks Factory Harmonized ISQ Standard, document results for communication back to vendor via vendor score card. Facilitate review of ISQ Training and Audit results for process improvements and updates to Brooks Harmonized In-Station-Quality Standard.
For Tier 1 flex capacity factories with less than 6 months of continuous production provide in-person, hands-on support working alongside factory QA in the finished goods inspection room and on the production lines.
Perform finished goods inspection of marketing and special orders.
Enforce critical-to-quality updates to Brooks Process Flow Chart (PFC), manufacturing gage calibration schedule, machine maintenance and record keeping of factory equipment through daily production line presence to detect any potential product quality issues as expeditiously as possible.
Detect and report unusual or non-conforming documentation, materials, or conditions to the Factory group supervisor. Mentor and motivate Tier 1 factory team in facilitating problem solving using root cause analysis, fishbone diagram and A3 thinking to drive issue resolution. Escalate gaps when needed.
Collect and analyze test data to prepare and report on projects at Monthly Quality Team meetings.
Collaborate closely with the PE and ME teams to support and validate machine, processes standardization.
Drive the proper implementation of in-process production controls, incoming materials quality control (IMQC)
Audit T2 factory partners according to planned schedules, ensuring process consistency, quality system adherence, and timely corrective actions for any deviations.
Conduct Brooks inspections of final products, including the first 1,000 pairs of the first PO after a successful PFC audit, and perform AQL checks for new styles, PR samples orders (inspection with PE team)
Audit ISQ and mold prevention monthly, grade and evaluate factory performance and provide the training if needed.
Prepare weekly quality reports and participate in weekly meetings to clarify all quality issues during the week and discuss improvement plans that factories are required to implement.

Your Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field
1+ years of brand QA experience, footwear/apparel industry preferred - Fluent in English and local language (writing and speaking) - ability to communicate clearly with other teams.
Communication, organizational skills, ability to prioritize work, and a willingness to work in a team-oriented environment
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.
Basic understanding of footwear production process
Proactive, assertive, and detail oriented with the ability to multi-task

At Brooks, we celebrate diversity & equity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and encourage people of all backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and skills to apply. Brooks is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, two-spirit identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, the presence of a physical, mental, or sensory disability, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), caste, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, actual or perceived victims of domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault or stalking, HIV or Hepatitis C infection, political ideology, use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability, or on any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, or any other non-merit based factors.