Quality Engineer

General Kinematics is the premier manufacturer of vibrating equipment for the processing of bulk materials. From vibratory feeders to entire process systems, General Kinematics creates the solutions customers require to process even the most difficult materials.

The Quality Engineer will be responsible for being a liaison between our purchasing team in Crystal Lake, IL, and our external supply base, ensuring sourced products and services meets GK quality and print specifications. 

Job Responsibilities

• Working with the sourcing team, assist in the development and support of an outsourced supplier strategy. Deploy strategy and measure results monthly – sharing results with designated team.
• Assist in company ISO 9001:2015 Audit Program. Conduct internal audits, supplier audits, and support QMS management. 
• Support purchasing with the development and certification of suppliers and contractors of outsourced products, services, and components. Create the process, document the process, and maintain appropriate records, i.e., supplier score cards, supplier agreements and financial review, Syteline documentation, supplier training needs, PPV, and response to SCARs.
• Review, approve and validate all supplier PPAP’s, traveling to subcontractors both domestic and international to verify compliance to GK engineered specifications, inspect, and perform factory acceptance test as needed. When quality gaps occur, provide technical direction to subcontractors under the direction of engineering and fabrication departments. Provide resolution information to affected GK offices and cost information to purchasing and product management.
• Assist with the development and certification of GKC service suppliers.
• Facilitate and educate teams internally and externally to develop APQP (or similar). Integrate into our systems when ready.
• Maintain weekly communication with internal departments with status updates to ensure proper adherence to established timelines and objectives.
• Assist in contract review that includes inspection/approval criteria, part routings, and process sheets as needed for all phases of product realization related to supply base.
• Manage all supplier charge back related to outsourced supply base. Measure monthly and report to finance and purchasing.
• Research and develop alternate sources to support manufacturing and OSP initiatives with a focus on top 10% of outsourcing spend, or critical parts with longer lead times. Ensure we have an appropriate supply chain for critical components and manufacturing.
• Fully support the Company’s ISO objectives, policies, procedures and the GK WAY program. Monitor, problem solve and document QMS issues, metrics, and all related issues during Management Reviews or as appropriate.
• Miscellaneous responsibilities include; maintaining diversity spend, monitor supplier backlog, annual supplier financial review, review, develop/maintain strong working relationship with key supplier personnel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Skills Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical/business field or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge in ISO 9001:2015 and experience internal auditing
• Confidence and skill in comparing engineering drawings with product and assessing gaps – primarily with steel fabrication and assembly techniques.
• Demonstrate objectivity, professionalism, integrity, and honesty in dealing with people at all levels and facilitate an environment for open and honest discussion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Project and program management skills (organization, communication, conflict resolution).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products (WORD, EXCEL, etc.) required.
• Prior welding inspection experience plus.
• Working knowledge of CAD (Autodesk products) is preferred.
• Prior vendor & contract negotiation or outsourcing experience is preferred.
• Vibratory equipment and Foundry/Mining/Recycling industries’ knowledge a plus.
• About 20% travel, domestic and international will be required.

Pay: $70,000 to $80,000 paid annually. The range provided is a guideline and not a guarantee of compensation. Other factors that are involved in offer decisions include, and are not limited to a candidate’s experience, qualifications, geography, and internal equity.

Benefits: The position also comes with an annual profit-sharing incentive bonus payment. Our benefit programs provide choice and flexibility to meet the needs of you and your family. This includes health and well-being, financial planning tools, career development, PTO, and more.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions of the job.

EOE M/F/D/V