SUMMARY
We are seeking a highly skilled Quality Assurance Engineer (QAE) with expertise in complex fabrication and shipbuilding to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and AISC Complex Bridge standards. The QAE Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality management systems (QMS) across fabrication processes, shipbuilding projects, and bridge manufacturing to meet regulatory, contractual, and industry standards.
Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are typical for this role. Other duties may be assigned to address business needs and changing business practices.
Quality Management System (QMS)
· Oversee and maintain compliance with ISO 9001, ABS Marine Rules, and AISC Complex Bridge requirements, ensuring all welding/metallurgical processes align with industry best practices and company policies.
· Support Management Review, internal audits, and certification audits by preparing technical documentation, data analysis, and records of compliance.
· Review and revise all QMS documentation to include procedures, instructions, and checklists.
Process Improvement & Automation
· Identify inefficiencies in welding, inspection, and documentation processes; recommend and implement automation technologies to improve throughput and consistency.
· Lead special projects focused on welding process optimization, robotic welding trials, and advanced data-capture solutions.
Defect Analysis & Non-Conformance Management
· Investigate quality issues and hardware nonconformances, prepare technical reports (NCR’s/CAR’s), and lead resolution efforts with internal and external stakeholders.
· Implement corrective/preventive actions and monitor effectiveness to prevent recurrence.
· Support NCR disposition with detailed metallurgical or weld engineering justifications when applicable.
Compliance & Documentation
· Maintain welder continuity records, qualification logs, WPS/PQR registers, and QA/QC weld documentation packages.
· Ensure all certifications, inspection records, and supporting documents meet regulatory and project-specific requirements.
· Partner with Document Control to keep all welding and metallurgy-related documents current, properly revised, and audit-ready.
Supplier & Subcontractor Audits
· Evaluate suppliers and subcontractors for compliance with welding and metallurgical quality standards.
· Conduct audits, review MTRs and C of Cs, and oversee corrective action plans when deficiencies are identified.
· Verify compliance with Build America/Buy America (BABA) and project-specific requirements.
Customer & Regulatory Interaction
· Liaise with clients, ABS Surveyors, ODOT, and third-party auditors on welding, metallurgy, and automation practices to ensure product acceptance and certification compliance.
· Provide technical support during inspections, witness testing, and project reviews.
· Present data and reports in a clear, professional manner to internal leadership and external stakeholders.
Team Development & Training
· Mentor and train Quality team members in welding processes, metallurgy fundamentals, and automation tools, ensuring knowledge transfer and building long-term departmental capability
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The following generally describes requirements to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period to successfully perform the assigned duties.
· 5+ years of QA/QC experience in heavy fabrication, shipbuilding, or bridge manufacturing
· Expertise in ISO 9001, AISC Complex Bridge Certification, AWS D1.5/D1.1, and NAVSEA standards
· Strong understanding of structural steel fabrication, shipbuilding processes, and regulatory requirements
· Certifications such as CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Level III UT, or Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt)
· Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
· Experience with QA software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite
Experience and Education
· A high school diploma or equivalent.
· An associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.
· A minimum of three to five years of relevant work experience is required, with demonstrated knowledge of industry practices, procedures, and standards.
· Quality Auditing experience preferred
· Ability to read and interpret blueprints
An equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Working Conditions
· The office conditions will require: usage of standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, and copiers. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and frequent communication with employees, customers, and vendors. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of light materials up to 20 pounds may be required.
· The plant conditions will require: work around traffic and heavy manufacturing equipment, work at heights on scaffolding and ladders, in dim-lit areas, on slippery or uneven surfaces, exposure to heat, cold, noise, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, chemicals, and inclement weather conditions.
Physical Demands Key
N (Not Applicable): Activity is not applicable to this occupation
O (Occasionally): Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time
F (Frequently): Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time
C (Constantly): Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time
Activities
· Sit: O
· Stand: F
· Walk: F
· Bend: O
· Kneel/Squat: O
· Crawl: N
· Climb: N
· Reach Forward: F
· Reach Upward: O
· Handling/Fingering: F
Push / Pull
· 12 lbs. or less: O
· 13- 25 lbs.: O
· 26 -50 lbs.: N
· 51-100 lbs.: N
Lift / Carry
· 1-11lbs: O
· 11-20 lbs.: O
· 21-50 lbs.: N
· 50-75lbs.: N
· 76 -100lbs: N
Safety Equipment Required in Projection Area
· Hardhat
· Eye protection
· Hearing protection
· Steel Toed Shoes