Quality Engineer duties and responsibilities
Quality Engineers define the methods and equipment that development and production teams use to measure the quality characteristics of a process or product. They assess products and create documentation that reports issues and errors in the production process. Some of the primary duties and responsibilities of a Quality Engineer include:
- Monitoring an entire production process and performing regular tests to identify potential problems and malfunctions in the early stages
- Inspecting raw materials and electrical systems to find defects and enhance durability
- Identifying the root causes of technical issues and performing debugging procedures or recommending fixes
- Preparing reports and documentations on malfunctions and corrective measures
- Reviewing product blueprints and quality documentations
- Setting and tracking assurance goals
- Coordinating with external Quality Assurance Auditors and Technicians to ensure legal compliance
- Working with internal teams to improve the quality of products for enhancing customer satisfaction
Quality Engineer skills and qualifications
Quality Engineers possess a wide range of skills to fulfil many functions in the production departments and customer relations department. They utilise a combination of six sigma techniques and lean methodologies to pinpoint manufacturing defects and streamline production. Some of the top skills and qualifications to look for in Quality Engineers include:
- Ability to take the initiative and make sound judgments in work methods and interpreting goals
- Ability to work independently and in teams with infrequent supervision and reviewing
- High attention to details to ensure proper manufacturing, installation and operation of products
- Good analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills and the ability to conduct root cause analyses and devise suitable preventive action plans
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to communicate new processes clearly and document critical aspects of the job
- Sincere work ethic for adhering to standards and managing potential harmful effects on timelines and budget, and the ability to operate under pressure
- Excellent interpersonal and team-player skills
- Good mathematical skills and proficiency with computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
Quality Engineer experience requirements
Job applicants typically need a strong background in engineering to qualify as Quality Engineers. Employers may require a successful track record of working as a Quality Engineer, Project Manager or Mechanical Engineer. Some employers also consider higher education if the candidate lacks experience. However, such a candidate needs to be proficient in computer technology, system operations and market research tools.
Quality Engineer education and training requirements
The minimum education requirement for Quality Engineers is a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, production engineering or another related field. Employers usually prefer applicants with Master’s degrees over those with Bachelor’s degrees because these higher qualifications demonstrate additional knowledge in decision making, quality evaluation and safety control. In some sectors, candidates with a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or a Higher National Diploma (HND) in quality or engineering can also apply if they have experience in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and extensive knowledge of ISO standards.
Quality Engineer salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Quality Engineer in the UK is £34,496 per year, depending on factors like experience, education, location and company.
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