Senior QC Engineer - Bellingham, WA

Senior QC Engineer - Manufacturing · Location: Bellingham, WA (Headquarters) · We are seeking a Senior Quality Control Engineer to lead, standardize, and continuously improve site-wide quality systems supporting the manufacturing of industrial power tools, woodworking and metalwo ...

Job description

Senior QC Engineer - Manufacturing

Location: Bellingham, WA (Headquarters)

We are seeking a Senior Quality Control Engineer to lead, standardize, and continuously improve site-wide quality systems supporting the manufacturing of industrial power tools, woodworking and metalworking machinery.

This role provides technical and operational leadership across internal teams and global suppliers, ensuring products meet specifications, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements. The Senior QC Engineer drives Total Quality Management (TQM) principles, leads structured root cause investigations, and implements systemic corrective and preventive actions that reduce defects, improve process capability, and lower Cost of Quality (CoQ).

Key Responsibilities

Lead and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) in alignment with ISO 9001 certification requirements.

Own and drive plant-level quality KPIs including First Pass Yield (FPY), scrap, rework, warranty trends, and supplier performance metrics.

Lead cross-functional root cause investigations using structured methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, A3, and CAPA.

Develop and implement PFMEA, control plans, and risk mitigation strategies for new and existing manufacturing processes.

Review and approve inspection plans, First Article Inspections (FAI), test protocols, and quality documentation.

Conduct internal audits and support external audits; document findings and ensure timely corrective action closure.

Partner with Engineering and Product Development to ensure Design for Quality (DFQ) principles are embedded early in product development.

Support APQP/PPAP processes where applicable for new product introductions.

Oversee supplier quality assurance activities including quality agreements, supplier audits, performance scorecards, and corrective actions.

Analyze quality data using SPC, Minitab, and statistical tools to identify trends and improve process capability (Cp/Cpk).

Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements to ensure inspection accuracy and compliance.

Support field failure analysis and customer quality escalations with structured problem-solving approaches.

Maintain familiarity with applicable regulatory and safety standards (UL, CSA, TUV, CE, RoHS, ANSI, OSHA, etc., as applicable to product lines).

Lead and mentor junior QC staff; assist with training, onboarding, and development of quality procedures and documentation.

Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve operational efficiency.

Domestic and international travel (up to 20%) to suppliers, contract manufacturers, and industry trade events.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline.

Minimum 4 years of experience in manufacturing quality engineering within machinery, industrial equipment, automotive, or consumer electronics environments.

Demonstrated experience leading quality systems in an ISO 9001-certified environment.

Strong working knowledge of:

Root cause methodologies (8D, DMAIC, A3); CAPA systems; PFMEA / DFMEA; Control Plans; SPC and statistical analysis (Minitab or equivalent); APQP / PPAP (preferred)

Experience with metrology tools and inspection equipment (CMM, calipers, micrometers, gauges).

Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ERP/MRP systems.

Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification preferred.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present findings and recommendations to senior leadership.

Self-driven with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This position plays a critical leadership role in protecting brand reputation, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring our customers receive safe, reliable, and high-performing equipment. The Senior QC Engineer serves as both a technical expert and a change agent, driving measurable improvements across the organization.

About Our Company:

Since our inception in 1983, Grizzly Industrial, Inc. ) has become one of the USA's largest providers of woodworking and metalworking machinery, tools and related accessories, with almost a million square feet of warehouse space in two states. Grizzly products can be found in all sizes of shops, from the large industrial production users to the smaller cabinet and machine shops.

We provide high-quality products at the lowest possible prices through strong internet and catalog presence. Grizzly was the first tool and machinery company to have a website over two decades ago.

Our Culture:

We are a company built on accountability, driven by results, and committed to delivering real value to our customers, keeping the focus on our customers - before, during and after the sale. We take ownership of our work, measure success by outcomes, and believe that doing things right matters just as much as getting them done. transparency is central to how we operate — we communicate openly, make informed decisions, and trust our teams to act with integrity. Our culture values collaboration, continuous improvement, and a shared commitment to excellence for both our customers and each other.

Compensation and Benefits:

For a complete summary of our current benefit offerings please go to:

Grizzly is a drug-free and equal employment opportunity employer.

To learn more about our company's products and history, visit our website