Quality Engineer - Cooling Systems

HYDAC is a family-owned and operated business with a vibrant and rewarding working environment for our employees across the country. Our goal is to provide quality products, components and services that meet our customer expectations while being committed to the protection and preservation of our environment. HYDAC’s passionate team designs and manufactures a comprehensive line of innovative and reliable solutions optimized for mobile, industrial and process applications. We offer excellent benefits and a friendly, safe work environment. We are looking for motivated, energetic people to join our dynamic Team!

The Quality Engineer is responsible for fulfilling the role of Quality expert; this is a hands-on position. They will ensure the quality of the parts produced meet all customer expectations; quickly and effectively and act when non-conformances are found. Maintain the most recent interpretations of the quality system requirements and therefore ensure that documented practices meet the true interpretation of the quality management system standards. This role will also include Supplier Quality responsibilities as well.

Internal Quality Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers’ quality and engineering personnel to determine critical part features and review manufacturability of design. Make recommendations to modify customer part specifications and tolerances as necessary to support cost-effective production.
• Provide engineering support to operations ensuring consistent application of quality techniques.
• Resolve internal quality issues related to capability, tolerancing, and materials.
• Effectively communicate and reinforce HYDAC’s commitment to quality improvement efforts.
• Develop and submit PPAP documents for new product launches to meet customer requirements.
• Determine when process stability and capability studies should be performed on existing processes. Review and analyze results. Recommend changes and verify effectiveness.
• Participate in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities to determine appropriate use of measurement systems during new tool or process design and startup.
• Coordinate pre-launch production trial run process monitoring.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Control Plans.
• Facilitate and promote use of appropriate problem-solving techniques for effective root cause analysis and successful corrective action.
• Perform duties in accordance with quality system requirements as the voice of HYDAC' customers.
• Coordinate with Sales, Purchasing, Engineering, and Production to resolve customer complaints and concerns.
• Lead PPM improvement plans for strategic customers.

Supplier Quality Responsibilities

• Lead the supplier quality management program in collaboration with Procurement and internal quality teams.
• Conduct supplier validation audits and lead supplier approval processes by assessing manufacturing and technology capabilities.
• Support new product launches to ensure supplier quality meets required standards.
• Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier quality issues.
• Perform on-site supplier visits for issue resolution and verification of corrective actions.
• Evaluate supplier quality data to identify process improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with suppliers on process improvement and value enhancement initiatives.
• Promote use of continuous improvement techniques such as lean, Six Sigma, poke-yoke, and measurement system analysis.
• Escalate unresolved supplier quality issues in coordination with Procurement.
• Monitor and report on supplier product quality and performance.
• Manage and coordinate supplier PPM, problem-solving timeliness, and warranty indicators.
• Initiate and manage supplier improvement projects; set short- and long-term development targets.
• Define key suppliers with Procurement and lead quality audits including planning, execution, documentation, and reporting.
• Stay current on supply chain risks and advise on quality impact.

Skills and Attributes

• Adaptability – open to and actively solicit new ideas and opinions.
• Assertiveness – readily offer opinions and take action even when their position may be unpopular.
• Business Thinking – sees the organization as a series of integrated and interlocking business processes.
• Communication   – demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional work groups including suppliers, customers, and associates, both verbally and in writing.
• Coaching & Counseling – effectively instructs associates and suppliers at all performance levels.
• Conflict Management – support and manage differences of opinion using consensus and collaboration.
• Diplomacy - skilled at handling situations without arousing hostility.
• Energy – stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace and continue to produce.
• Influence & Positive Impact – skilled at persuading, motivating, and energizing others at all levels.
• Initiative – proactive and takes action without being prompted.
• Learning Agility – continuously seeks new knowledge and adapts to change.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Manufacturing or Mechanical preferred)
• 5–7 years' experience managing a certified quality management system (e.g. ISO9001, IATF16949)
• Experience in supplier quality assurance and auditing
• Proven track record of driving continuous quality improvement in a manufacturing environment
• Experience in the automotive industry and with OEM customers is a plus
• Previous audit experience (lead auditor certification preferred)
• SAP experience preferred
• Ability to travel up to 50%, including internationally
• Mandarin language skills a plus

Safety and Personal Protective Equipment

• Must adhere to all safety rules in force for the location you are in while performing your job responsibilities, including customer or supplier sites.