Quality Engineer II

At Benchmark, we are driven by our purpose: to innovate for a healthier, safer, and better-connected world to create a brighter future. When you join us, you become part of a team passionate about making a meaningful impact across various sectors, including commercial aerospace, defense, advanced computing, next-generation communications, complex industrials, medical, and semiconductor capital equipment. We prioritize career growth, fostering a culture that ensures you reach your full potential. At Benchmark, your work is purpose-driven, enabling you to create a positive impact on the world and make your career truly meaningful. You'll be part of a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive team that values your ideas and contributions.

Summary:
The Quality Engineer designs, installs, and evaluates Quality Assurance (QA) process sampling systems, procedures, and statistical techniques. Designs or specifies inspection and testing mechanisms and equipment. Analyzes production and service limitations and standards. Monitors manufacturing process, fabrication, inspection, test and shipping activities. Recommends revision of specifications. Formulates or helps formulate QA policies and procedures and conducts training on QA concepts and tools. Interfaces with all other engineering functions in Benchmark and with customers and suppliers on quality-related issues.

Responsibilities:
* Assists with an analysis of routine contract requirements to determine what quality characteristics are to be controlled; manufacturing, inspection, test equipment required; special controls of special processes; and special skills needed to ensure their proper application.
* Validates SPC limits and controls. Audits process to ensure proper use and corrective action when out-of-control limit is reached.
* Reviews the contract data item descriptions and requirements and assist with establishing the necessary controls to ensure compliance.
* Creates control plans that align to customer, product, regulatory and sector requirements.
* Participates in pilot runs and preproduction runs; Assist with a basic analysis of results.
* Reviews production and manufacturing specification processes to ensure conformance to drawings specifications and contract requirements.
* Assist with the establishment of quality controls over all production processes and testing during the product cycle.
* Participates in the generation and review of various types of specification, drawings and Acceptance Test Procedures.
* Performs, when applicable, measurement capability and correlation studies to ensure continual adequacy and capability.
* Monitors special test programs on assemblies, components, special processes, etc. due to design changes and/or problems developing during the manufacturing cycle.
* Assists in inspection and testing of preproduction equipment to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications and contract requirements, prior to submittal, for customer acceptance.
* Prepares summaries and analysis of evaluations, together with all pertinent charts, graphs, etc., under guidance of more senior engineers.
* Ensures that records/files are initiated and maintained in all relevant documentation pertaining to Quality Assurance.
* Performs Quality Audits to determine the effectiveness of the Quality Program and prepare audit reports.
* Participates in the verification (First Article Configuration Inspection) of hardware versus drawing/specifications.
* Prepares reports and corrective action documentation, under review of more senior engineers, in answer to Customer inquiries or complaints regarding inspection, test and production activities.
* Drives corrective, preventive and closure actions for project issues related to quality and/or test nonconformance.
* Develops and improve the site's quality organization 's ability to perform complex problem solving to more effectively address customer complaints, service deviations and internal corrective actions
* Performs analysis of reports and production data to identify trends and recommend updates or changes to quality standards and procedures when necessary.
* Drives/ Use Key Process Indicators (KPIs) to determine process effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, best practices and drive continuous quality improvement.
* Supports cross-functional teams in the execution and reporting of quality improvement projects with a focus on overall process improvements, scrap reduction and supplier quality improvement.
* Writes verification and validation documentation and conduct required testing as needed.
* Assists in driving the standardization of manufacturing processes of global customer accounts.

Other information:
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Effective interpersonal skills
* Effective multitasking skills and the ability to take on additional responsibilities as required
* Effective organization and prioritization skills
* Demonstrate high attention to detail
* Ability to work with diverse groups
* Demonstrates discretion, confidentiality, independent judgment and professionalism.
* Ability to work with minimal supervision and guidance, exercising discretion and independent judgment.
* Understanding of and ability to use continuous improvement tools.
* Strong customer service and client focus
* Working knowledge of productivity tools, including Microsoft Office products and Teams conferencing software
* Proven ability to complete projects in a timely manner
* Ability to support a 24/7 global business operation as required
* Ability to work individually or in teams
* Understanding of and ability to use metrics and continuous improvement tools (e.g. Defect per Million Opportunities (DPMO), First Pass Yield (FPY), Defects per Million (DPM), Six Sigma, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), etc)
* Demonstrates knowledge of domestic and international requirements, standards and regulations such as Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Quality System Regulation (QSR) Part 820, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), International Automotive Task Force (IATF), etc. Supports internal, corporate, notified body, FDA, customer and other audits.
* 5+ years of electronics manufacturing experience; Familiarity with advanced technologies and applications; Accredited certification preferred; Master of advanced technologies and applications; Able to travel up to 10% of the time, including day and overnight as required * Perform a specific analysis of routine contract requirements to determine what quality characteristics are to be controlled; manufacturing, inspection, test equipment required; special controls of special processes and special skills needed to ensure their proper application
* Review the contract data item descriptions and requirements and make recommendations to establish the necessary controls to ensure compliance
* Participate in planning pilot runs and preproduction runs; Analyze results and furnish analysis with appropriate recommendations to senior engineering
* Maintain control over all production processes and testing during the product cycle; Review production and manufacturing specification processes to ensure conformance to drawings specifications and contract requirements
* Evaluate capability of manufacturing processes to meet quality requirements
* May recommend adjustments for process condition to Methods Department and/or adjustment of production specifications to Production Engineering to create an economical and compatible relationship between processes and the products
* May participate in design reviews to ensure designs permit and facilitate productivity, repeatability and inspect ability, and that related quality considerations are obtained in order to ensure product quality
* May participate in Engineering evaluations and Change Control Boards to ensure design and proposed changes are within the scope of contract definitions and requirements
* Participate in the generation, review and approval of various types of specification, drawings and Acceptance Test Procedures to ensure that they contain sufficient quality requirements and comply with contract requirements
* Prepare quality program plans defining the responsibility and authority of all functions necessary to comply with provisions of all specifications and contract requirements
* Prepare preliminary proposals, define tasks necessary to be responsive or "describe exceptions, man load needed hours" to accomplish the task
* Provide technical assistance in the preparation of workmanship standards, instructions and inspection criteria
* Resolve fabrication, test and inspections problems
* Assist in the planning and performing of process controls, surveillance and monitoring procedures to ensure product quality
* Aid in the establishment of formats for the collection of inspection data
* Under guidance from senior engineering, review procurement documents to ensure that all provisions necessary for the suppliers to achieve control of the quality of the product being procured are included; Make recommendations for review of any requirements needed to ensure product quality, as necessary
* Review test reports and information furnished by suppliers in support of materials being supplied
* Participate in special testing to ensure that units or assemblies are compatible to system end use requirements
* Analyze reported defects and failures; Review discrepancies and may approve dispositions and corrective action
* May participate as an active member of the MRB Board in the Receiving, Inspections and Production areas
* Participate in the timely investigation, disposition and corrective actions to prevent recurrence of non-conforming materials, processes and products; Follow up for completion and measurement of effectiveness
* Perform, when applicable, measurement capability and correlation studies to ensure continual adequacy and capability in cooperation with Production Engineering or others
* Take corrective action to assist in the solution of measurement problems, as required, with guidance from senior engineering
* Assist in coordinating activities of manufacturing and test with Program Quality Assurance, Production Control, Production Engineering, Inspection and various internal and external laboratories
* May meet and discuss problems relative to the production cycle
* Monitor special test programs on assemblies, components, special processes, etc. due to design changes and/or problems developing during the manufacturing cycle
* Perform inspection and testing on preproduction equipment to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications and contract requirements prior to submittal for customer acceptance
* Participate in the verification (First Article Configuration Inspection) of hardware versus drawing/specifications and coordinate this effort with customer personnel
* Review procurement documents to ensure that all provisions necessary for the suppliers to achieve control of the quality of the product being procured are included; Add any requirements necessary to ensure product quality
* Prepare reports and corrective action documentation in answer to Customer inquiries or complaints regarding inspection, test and production activities; May/may not present material directly to customers
* Perform the planning, in-process inspection, progress reviews, validation and certification of routine technical manuals required by the contract
* Maintain state-of-the-art knowledge by keeping abreast of new QA techniques and methods by contacts with other industries, current publications and advanced education and membership in professional societies/organizations

Education:

Geographical Location: Alabama: Huntsville

Physical Location: Huntsville, AL

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: M-F 0800-1700

Full Time

Export Control: This job position may include access to controlled information or technology covered under applicable U.S. export control laws. As such, employment for this job position may be contingent on either verification that an applicant falls under the definition of a "U.S. Person" (which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and those granted U.S. asylum or refugee status)or on the Company timely obtaining any necessary export license required under federal laws. The Company evaluates such export license situations on a case-by-case basis and may decline to proceed with a job applicant in its sole discretion since export license applications can take many weeks to be processed.

In our innovative environment, you'll work with cutting-edge technology, leading the way in engineering design and delivering world-class manufacturing services for products that make a real difference in the lives of others. At Benchmark, your career is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to be part of something bigger, where your work matters and helps shape a brighter future for everyone. Together, we will achieve extraordinary things.

Benchmark is an equal opportunity employer. We are bringing together a diverse workforce with unique talents, life experiences, cultures, and perspectives to promote an innovative, collaborative, and creative place to work. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at careers@bench.com.