Quality Engineer

Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG), was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN.  Apogee is a growing, profitable company with annual revenues approaching $1.5 billion.  We provide distinctive metal and glass solutions for enclosing commercial buildings, and glass and acrylic solutions for picture framing and display applications. To learn more visit: www.apog.com.

The Apogee Performance Surfaces segment has grown from $100M to $200M in revenue through a recent acquisition.  Our brands in the Performance Surfaces portfolio develop and manufacture high-performance coated materials for a variety of applications, including wall décor, museums, graphic design, architectural interiors, digital display, and industrial flooring markets.  We are the global leader in anti-reflective, conservation grade electrostatic dissipative, high-definition, and abrasion resistance coatings, that provide protection, innovative designs, and exceptional durability.

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer provides subject matter expertise and training of the visual inspection system to the quality resources assigned to production teams. They develop and maintain the quality equipment including the vision inspection system. The Quality Engineer supports the development and execution of quality programs assuring product and process quality is in accordance with quality principles, acceptance sampling, and measurement systems.

Responsibilities

Vision Systems:

• Responsibility and ownership for the use of, accuracy, and effectiveness of automated inspection systems. Includes learning software to classify and mark defects according to product cosmetic specifications.  
• Continuously improve inspection system capabilities by analyzing defects, systems classifiers, & systems enhancements.
• Provide site ownership of all inspection/vision systems, including in-line production systems and lab systems.
• Ensure Quality Technicians, production leaders, and peers are adequately trained on SOP’s related to inspection systems.
• Provide technical guidance, as required, in a 24/5 environment.
• Maintain calibration & maintenance activities related to system performance.
• Communicate regularly with systems manufacturer to stay current and improve knowledge.
• Investigate industry trends and new technology related to vision and inspection systems.

Quality:

• Determine system capabilities and build supplemental quality processes to ensure customer requirements are met.
• Provide support to quality resources assigned to production teams.  Coach, train, and develop team to optimize quality support on shift.  Provide input to the Quality Mananger for administrative support of the quality team in terms of PTO, goal setting, performance reviews, etc.  Work closely with shift Supervisors to ensure team is getting appropriate support from shift leadership.
• Support the Quality Management System (QMS) components, including document control to manage work instructions, performing audits and completing audit reports, and following up on corrective actions.
• Work closely with the quality team, support team and peers on quality initiatives.  Lead efforts to publish, understand, and improve OEE yield metrics.  Provide training and coaching on use of quality tools, process improvements and troubleshooting for day-to-day operations. Utilize statistical analysis and problem-solving techniques to reduce the cost of poor quality and resolve quality issues. Support and train others on identification of root causes of failures and low productivity, and implementation of solutions to prevent reoccurrence.
• Lead projects to improve quality metrics.
• Perform process capability studies to evaluate the design of new products and processes to validate and qualify for production. Develop standards and methods for inspection, testing, and evaluation. Work with Engineering and Operations personnel to review, update, and maintain procedures related to development of products/processes.
• Provide quality updates to the organization through status reports including process verification, customer complaints, corrective and preventive action, internal audits, process capability, and product certification / rating status.
•  Make decisions based on collection of data; manage risks effectively; be aware of impact of decisions on other departments.
• Interact and function effectively in a team environment.

Personal Attributes and Experience

• An undergraduate degree in engineering, quality, business administration, science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Previous experience in manufacturing quality preferred.
• Formal Lean Six Sigma training preferred.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis software (i.e. Minitab, SPSS, JMP) preferred
• Skill with programming (Visual Basics, Wonderware, or other programming language)
• Experience with development of data bases (i.e. SharePoint, MS Access) and interface tools (i.e. Power BI) is a plus.
• American Society for Quality CQE certification preferred.
• Vision Systems experience is a plus.
• Strategic AI Utilization: Strategic application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to drive business outcomes, enhance decision-making, and improve operational efficiency.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.  Proven ability to compile information and produce accurate written documents and reports in a professional format.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems and related industry standards. 
• Auditing experience, experience developing and sustaining effective auditing systems.
• Demonstrated skill in leading continuous improvement projects.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and document processes.
• Demonstrated creativity to explore and apply ideas and technologies in innovative ways.
• Ability to read, write and understand work instructions (English).
• Math and computer skills.
• Ability to work and interact effectively with a variety of people at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Personal motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Safely perform essential job responsibilities.
• Eagerness to learn and grow.
• Must be able to travel and work off-shifts as needed.

Work Environment

This job is primarily performed in an office environment.  The noise level in the office is generally moderate.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently interacts with individuals on the plant floor, near moving mechanical parts.  The noise level in the production environment is usually loud.

Pay Range

• $75,000-$85,000

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Our Benefits

Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.