Quality Engineer

Who We Are

Ames Corp. has provided engineers with innovative and cost-effective solutions since 1949. From the aerospace and automotive industries, where protective coatings and elastomeric technologies are vital, to office automation and alternative energy markets, where seals and rollers are key, Ames has materials, material applications expertise, and passion to grow that leads the way.

Ames has the know-how and expertise with elastomeric materials and process technologies to meet the exacting requirements and provide critical components to high-end and demanding partners everywhere: earth, air, and space.

Ames’ value is in the precise combination between capabilities, know-how, experience, expertise, and our customer-centric approach.

Who You Are

We are seeking a senior-level, hands on Quality Engineer to support our manufacturing operations in Hamburg, New Jersey, with the potential to grow into a Quality Manager role for the right candidate. This position will focus on analyzing quality data, identifying trends, maintaining internal records, and reporting findings to stakeholders while supporting testing and evaluation using equipment such as CMM, laser measurement, nondestructive testing, calipers, micrometers, and other precision tools. The ideal candidate will be able to read and interpret blueprints, apply statistical analysis using tools such as Minitab, and contribute to activities including gauge R&R, calibration, inspection plans, first article inspections, PFMEA, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.

What You'll Do

Quality Planning & Systems

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality plans for new and existing products and processes.
• Ensure quality objectives align with internal standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS).

Manufacturing Floor Support (Hands-On)

• Provide direct, on-the-floor quality support in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, routings, and customer specifications.
• Support production teams with real-time quality issue resolution.

Inspection & Measurement

• Perform and/or oversee inspections of raw materials and finished goods.
• Mandatory hands-on use of:
  • Calipers
  • Micrometers
• Nice-to-have: Optical comparator and advanced visual inspection systems.

Data, Documentation & Reporting

• Collect, review, and manage quality data to identify trends and risks.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of inspection records and quality documentation.
• Prepare reports and communicate findings to operations and leadership.

Audits & Compliance

• Prepare for and support internal, external, and customer audits (including surveillance audits).
• Establish audit cadence and ensure corrective actions are completed and effective.
• Maintain compliance with applicable quality standards (ISO and customer-specific requirements).

Corrective & Preventive Actions

• Lead root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Implement and validate corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor recurring issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Training & Collaboration

• Assist in training inspection and production teams on quality requirements.
• Provide examples and guidance on defective vs. acceptable product.
• Act as a key liaison between Quality, Engineering, Operations, and Leadership.

Operating Environment & Expectations

• Dynamic manufacturing floor environment.
• Role requires both strategic quality thinking and tactical execution.
• High visibility with leadership due to audit exposure and prior staffing gaps.
• Success measured by:
• • Audit readiness and outcomes
  • Reduction in quality escapes
  • Responsiveness to production issues
  • Strength of documentation and data integrity

What You Bring

Required

• Proven experience as a Quality Engineer in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving capability.
• Demonstrated ability to function in a fast-paced, high-accountability operation.
• Hands-on inspection and measurement experience (non-negotiable).
• Strong documentation discipline and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Preferred / Nice-to-Have

• Experience with optical comparator or advanced inspection systems.
• Experience supporting regulated or audited manufacturing environments.
• Prior involvement in audit preparation and execution.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or Science.

What We Offer

• $85,000-$110,000; dependent on experience.
• Competitive PTO

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