Quality Engineer - New Ulm - Careen, Inc.

Description

If you are interested in becoming an Employee Owner , read on...
Windings Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company where every team member shares in our success. Since becoming an ESOP in 1998, we've proudly supported critical industries like Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, and Medical. Our unique ESOP benefits can contribute 10-12% of your annual earnings to your retirement-at no cost to you-helping your savings grow through compound interest.
For over 60 years, Windings has provided critical custom motors and components for the harshest applications, including outer space, military, downhole drilling, and motor sports to name a few. If you like to take on the "tough stuff", join us and be part of a forward-thinking, people-focused company driven by our purpose: " Making our Customer's Critical Mission Possible."
Do you thrive on solving problems at the root cause-and making sure they never come back? We're looking for a hands-on, results-driven Quality Engineer to own and elevate quality across key product areas in our facility.
In this role, you'll lead quality planning, compliance, corrective actions, inspections/testing methods, and reporting-while partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain to drive supplier and production improvements. You'll play a key role in strengthening our Quality Management System (QMS), improving process capability, and ensuring customer satisfaction through consistently conforming product and reliable manufacturing performance.
What you will do...
Lead Quality Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) by identifying true root causes, implementing corrective actions, and validating long-term effectiveness using 8D and A3 methodologies.
• Act as a change agent-implementing improvements that enhance production methods, product quality, equipment performance, and efficiency.
• Establish and achieve quality performance targets for product conformance and process capability, proactively reporting variances and recommending corrective actions.
• Use Statistical Process Control (SPC) tools to support process capability and problem-solving efforts.

Build and Maintain Strong Quality Systems

• Develop and maintain inspection, testing, calibration, and evaluation methods for incoming materials, in-process product, finished goods, returns, and equipment.
• Create and implement sampling plans and systems for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.
• Support and strengthen QMS processes aligned to applicable standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001:2015, and IPC J-STD.
• Assist in performing gap assessments and translating findings into actionable improvement plans that close system and capability gaps quickly.

Partner Across the Organization

• Collaborate with coworkers and leaders to apply structured quality improvement methods: assessment, planning, implementation, and validation.
• Work closely with Supply Chain to support supplier quality improvement and strengthen incoming quality performance. Support mechanical/electrical testing for new and existing products, raw materials, warranty returns, and calibration activities.
• Assist in developing and updating policies and procedures critical to the ongoing success of the Quality Management System.

Requirements
What you will bring...

• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems and quality function leadership within a manufacturing environment.
• Solid experience with problem-solving methods, continuous improvement philosophies, and Lean/Six Sigma practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills-you can clearly document issues and influence cross-functional action.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and deliver results.
• Comfortable partnering with all levels of the organization-from the production floor to senior leadership.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline (EE, ME, IE, BS, or similar), or equivalent training and experience.

Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in Quality Engineering, Quality Systems, and/or Engineering.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Experience supporting Aerospace, Defense, or Space products (preferred).
• Certifications such as CQE, ASQ Green/Black Belt, or QMS certification are a plus.

Salary Description:
$75,000 - $95,000 annual DOQ
We are committed to providing pay ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations. The listed pay range is provided in good faith and is subject to adjustments in accordance with company policies and market conditions.
This position is eligible to participate in a performance-based bonus program based on company performance goals. Bonus payouts are not guaranteed and are determined at the company's discretion.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. Specific vision ability by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Other Requirements:
Because employees in this position must handle information covered by the International Trade and Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), successful applicants will be: (1) required to verify their identity and their status as a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or person granted refugee or asylee status (or equivalent) in the U.S.; OR (2) undergo additional steps, including but not limited to licensure from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and/or the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Windings is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected Veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.
No Soliciting
Windings will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to Windings job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Windings Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Windings Talent Acquisition team.
Salary Description