QA Engineer (Architecture)

POSITION SUMMARY: The focus of this position is to improve product quality and reduce cost using product and process quality evaluation techniques and quality control principles.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Technical support for threading and inspection operations to resolve multi-disciplinary problems.

· Maintain and improve standard procedures; train the operators and inspectors on inspection and gaging techniques and the use of procedures.

· Assist in the control of material certification documents from in-house or sub-contract process. Monitor, Validate and Approve mechanical property tests, stress relieve curves, buck-on graphs, etc.

· Review work order packets for accuracy and acceptability according to internal procedures and special customer requirements

· Train and guide QA auditors as required.

· Generate or revise QA documents such as procedures, work instructions and specifications as needed; and train affected personnel on such documents.

· Interface with subcontractors on clarification of quality requirements.

· Use knowledge of product and inspection/testing requirements to collect data and perform evaluation when customer issues arise. Utilize 8D problem solving to address customer claims.

· Implement root cause analysis and corrective action of non-conformance reduce variation of key process indicators, mitigate rework, reduce cost, and improve quality.

· Collect appropriate data and use advanced problem-solving techniques such as process capability, SPC, FMEA and Design of Experiments to isolate and reduce sources of variation and to resolve production and quality issues.

· Review customer specifications/requirements to evaluate capability and develop quality plans as needed.

· Perform internal and supplier/subcontractors process and management system audits as scheduled or needed.

· Support external audits as scheduled or needed. Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for audit findings.

· Communicate with customers and other Vallourec entities on topics related to internal/external non-conformances, special requirements, and other activities related to the product.

· Support project activities and product industrialization by working with VAM USA R&D, methods department and external suppliers and organizations.

· Promote effective communication vertically and horizontally within the organization.

· Follow all company policies, practices, and regulations to include Quality and Safety.

· Any other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

Required

· Strong quality/process/operations engineering background in manufacturing environment.

· Experience in a machining operation is desired.

· Proficient in wide range of problem-solving tools and methods, including Six Sigma Methodology and advanced statistics.

· Has extensive, in-depth knowledge of quality requirements and systems.

· The individual must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, and PowerPoint.

· Proficiency using statistical analysis software, (Minitab is preferred).

· Highly motivated, willingness to dig into situations and work with all functions of the business. The ability to work in diverse groups to achieve a common goal is critical to the success of this position.

· Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.

· Capable of working independently in a self-directed environment.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

· Experience with ISO9001 and API Q1 standards

· Experience with API 5CT, API 5CRA, API, 5B

· Knowledge of OCTG and premium connections

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Required

· Bachelor's degree in quality engineering or in another engineering discipline with quality experience (MBA preferred).

Preferred

· Lead auditor training (ISO 9001, API Q1)

· ASQ - Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

· Six Sigma certification or training

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES & CAPABILITIES:

The position will require demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to concisely communicate objectives and results to reach targeted goals. Strong understanding of and flexibility to work on quality assurance/process control principles as well as manufacturing quality control (inspection and gaging).

Quality