Quality Engineer

Job Description

Company Profile

A well-established small-scale manufacturing enterprise based in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, with over two decades of experience in precision plastic moulding solutions. The company manufactures plastic moulded components and industrial parts for the automotive, electrical, appliance, and engineering sectors. Operating from the Waluj MIDC industrial zone, the organization is known for its commitment to dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and process-driven manufacturing practices that meet customer and industry quality benchmarks.

Position Overview

The Quality Engineer will be responsible for executing in-process, incoming, and final quality inspections across the plastic injection moulding production line. This role ensures that all manufactured components conform to defined dimensional, visual, and functional specifications before dispatch to customers. The incumbent will apply quality control tools, support root cause analysis for rejections, assist in mould setup and parameter validation, and contribute to the organization’s continuous improvement initiatives including 5S and Kaizen. The role directly impacts customer satisfaction, rejection rates, and the overall quality reputation of the organization.

Qualifications

• ITI (Plastics / Mechanical / Tool & Die), B.Sc. (Physics / Chemistry), Diploma in Mechanical / Production Engineering (DME), B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical / Production / Plastics Engineering — or equivalent qualification
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management system requirements and documentation practices
• Hands-on proficiency with measuring instruments — vernier calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and profile gauges
• Basic understanding of injection moulding process parameters and their influence on component quality
• Familiarity with basic ERP systems and production quality reporting tools is an advantage

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Inspection & Control

• Conduct incoming, in-process, and final inspection of plastic moulded components as per defined quality plans, control plans, and customer specifications
• Inspect components for visual defects — flash, short shots, sink marks, warpage, weld lines, burn marks, surface scratches, and dimensional deviations
• Verify component dimensions using appropriate measuring instruments and record inspection results accurately in the designated formats

2. Plastic Visual Defect Identification

• Identify, classify, and document visual and dimensional defects on moulded components with precision and consistency
• Segregate non-conforming components, apply appropriate rejection tags, and ensure rejected material is quarantined and not dispatched
• Communicate defect observations clearly to the production supervisor and initiate immediate corrective actions on the shop floor

3. Injection Moulding Process Knowledge & Mould Setup Support

• Support the production team during mould setup by verifying that process parameters — temperature, pressure, speed, and cooling time — are set within approved ranges before production commences
• Conduct first-off and first-article inspections after mould setup or process changeover and provide approval for production to proceed
• Assist in mould parameter optimization activities to reduce recurring defects and improve component consistency

4. Root Cause Analysis & Defect Control

• Investigate the root causes of recurring quality rejections using structured problem-solving tools — 5 Why, Ishikawa diagrams, or equivalent methods
• Prepare and maintain rejection analysis reports and ensure corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are implemented and tracked to closure
• Monitor rejection trends across shifts and machines and flag deteriorating quality metrics to the quality head proactively

5. Production Planning Support & Target Achievement

• Coordinate with the production supervisor to align quality inspection activities with the daily production plan and shift targets
• Ensure that quality checks do not unnecessarily delay production flow while maintaining full compliance with inspection frequency requirements

6. Team & Shift Management Support

• Guide and support shop floor operators and helpers on basic quality awareness — correct handling of components, visual inspection techniques, and defect identification
• Maintain shift-wise quality records and hand over accurate quality status reports during shift transitions

7. 5S & Kaizen Implementation

• Actively participate in 5S implementation and sustenance activities on the shop floor — Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain
• Contribute ideas for Kaizen improvements in quality processes, inspection methods, and defect prevention practices

8. Safety & Compliance Awareness

• Adhere to all workplace safety protocols and ensure quality inspection activities are carried out without compromising shop floor safety standards
• Maintain compliance with ISO 9001 quality management system requirements, including calibration records, inspection documentation, and audit readiness

9. Basic ERP & Production Reporting

• Enter quality inspection data, rejection records, and non-conformance reports into the ERP system as required
• Generate and share daily and shift-wise quality performance reports with the production and quality teams

Skills Required

• Quality Control Tools Knowledge: Practical understanding and application of quality tools — control plans, inspection checklists, CAPA formats, and rejection trend analysis
• Measuring Instrument Proficiency: Hands-on experience with vernier calipers, micrometers, height gauges, feeler gauges, and other precision measuring instruments used in plastics component inspection
• ISO 9001 Understanding: Working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management system standards, documentation requirements, and audit preparation
• Root Cause Analysis: Ability to apply structured root cause analysis methodologies (5 Why, Fishbone / Ishikawa) to investigate and resolve quality rejections
• Defect Identification & Rejection Control: Strong ability to visually and dimensionally identify plastic moulding defects and implement rejection control measures effectively
• In-Process & Final Inspection Techniques: Proficient in executing incoming, in-process, and final inspection procedures in a moulding production environment
• Injection Moulding Process Awareness: Practical understanding of injection moulding process parameters and how deviations in settings lead to component defects
• 5S & Kaizen Orientation: Demonstrated commitment to workplace organisation, cleanliness standards, and continuous quality improvement practices
• Reporting & Documentation Discipline: Accurate and timely maintenance of inspection records, rejection logs, and quality performance reports

Special Requirements

• Must possess strong working knowledge of common plastic moulding defects and their causes including short shots, flash, warpage, sink marks, weld lines, and burn marks.
• Experience conducting incoming, inprocess, and final inspection in a moulding production facility is required.
• Must be willing to work in shifts if production requirements demand.