Quality Engineer (Operational Excellence)

Job DetailsJob Location: Morton North - Morton, IL 61550Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $70,000.00 - $105,000.00 SalaryTravel Percentage: Less than 10%Integrity In Action We do the right thing, even when no one is looking. Focused on Team Success We achieve company goals through camaraderie and serving together. Driven to Deliver We fulfill our commitments with exceptional effort. Consistent Progress We are dedicated to the ongoing improvement of our people and processes. Professional Authenticity We bring excellence using our individuality. Position Summary Morton Industries, LLC is adding a Quality Engineer – Operational Excellence to support Destination 2030, the company's multi-year strategic quality roadmap spanning all six facilities. This is a net-new role dedicated to Operational Excellence activities across the full arc of the strategy, rather than a single facility or objective. The Quality Engineer designs and scales error-proofing solutions, leads structured root-cause analysis for recurring and cross-facility defect drivers, and partners with Process Engineering, the Continuous Improvement Lead, and facility Quality Circles to convert standardized defect data into measurable, sustained improvement — supporting Employee Development, Reduced Defects, and On-Time Delivery in turn. Key Responsibilities Design, pilot, and scale poka-yoke (error-proofing) devices and in-process checks at the highest-risk process steps identified through standardized defect data (Destination 2030 Action #8) Lead structured root-cause analysis — 5-Why, fishbone, A3, and 8D methodologies — for recurring and cross-facility defect drivers Partner with the Process/Manufacturing Engineering on standard work documentation, process control plans, and quarterly Kaizen events Support supplier quality agreements, monitoring incoming-material inspection standards, and supplier corrective-action requests (Action #9) Provide engineering support to monthly Quality Circle sessions, helping cross-functional teams apply the A3 method to top defect drivers Analyze standardized defect data in Epicor's Quality module to identify and prioritize top defect drivers by facility using Pareto analysis Support the On-Time Delivery objective indirectly by reducing scrap- and rework-driven schedule variance Support the Employee Development objective by training operators, technicians, and Quality Circle members on error-proofing methods, root-cause tools, and standard work Maintain non-conformance, corrective-action (CAPA), and process control plan documentation to audit-ready standards Report on assigned Destination 2030 action items and defect-reduction metrics to the Steering Committee and quarterly scorecard as needed Travel periodically across MNO, MSO, MTN, MTX, MEP, and MDAL to support facility-specific defect-reduction initiatives (estimated 20–30%) Required Qualifications & Skills Education Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and hands-on manufacturing experience will be considered in lieu of a degree ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Green Belt, or Six Sigma Black Belt preferred Experience 3–5 years of quality engineering, manufacturing engineering, or process engineering experience in a machining, welding, or metal fabrication production environment Demonstrated hands-on experience with structured root-cause analysis (5-Why, fishbone diagrams, A3, 8D) Experience designing, piloting, and validating poka-yoke/error-proofing solutions on the shop floor Experience with ERP-based quality or non-conformance systems; direct Epicor experience is a strong plus Multi-site manufacturing experience is a plus, given this role's scope across six facilities   Technical Skills Working knowledge of GD&T, blueprint/drawing interpretation, and standard inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers, gauges, CMM) Proficiency with statistical process control (SPC) and basic process capability analysis (Cpk/Ppk) Familiarity with Lean and Six Sigma tools: Kaizen events, value stream mapping, 5S, and standardized work Strong Microsoft Excel skills; familiarity with Power BI or similar reporting/visualization tools is a plus Working understanding of common failure modes in machining, welding, and fabrication processes (tool wear, weld defects, dimensional drift, material-handling damage) Soft Skills Strong facilitation skills — comfortable leading or co-leading cross-functional Quality Circle and Kaizen teams that include operators, technicians, and supervisors Clear written and verbal communication across audiences ranging from shop-floor operators to plant and executive leadership Self-directed and comfortable prioritizing across multiple facilities and competing requests A coaching orientation — genuinely invested in building others' problem-solving skills, not just solving problems personally Data-driven but practical; able to translate Pareto charts and control plans into shop-floor action Work Environment & Physical Requirements Primarily based at an assigned Central Illinois facility, with regular, sustained presence on the production floor (safety glasses, hearing protection, and other PPE required per site policy) Periodic travel (estimated 20–30%) to other Morton Industries facilities (MNO, MSO, MTN, MTX, MEP, MDAL) Ability to stand, walk, and move through production areas for extended periods; occasional lifting up to 25 lbs QualificationsPREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Minimum 2 years quality engineering experience within a manufacturing environment Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering or similar field   ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS High level of proficiency using spreadsheet applications such as Excel, including the use of pivot Attendance In order to perform this job the employee must meet all Company attendance requirements. Safety The ability to continuously practice safe habits in the workplace while following all policies and procedures related to health and safety Morton Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, among other things, or as a qualified individual with a disability. Equal Employment Opportunity is the law.