Motivated by the idea that experiences were best made behind the wheel, QA1 manufactures high performance suspension and driveline designed for those who #goDRIVEit.
Founded in 1993, QA1 is an industry leader in performance shocks, suspension components, composite driveshafts, rod ends, spherical bearings and related accessories for the motorsports and industrial markets. QA1 has more than 100,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space in Lakeville, Minnesota. The state-of-the-art facility includes a complete line of CNC machines, hydraulic presses, filament winding and laser cutting equipment that permit all-inclusive shock absorber, suspension component and composite driveshaft manufacturing and assembly operations. QA1’s quality system is certified to the ISO 9001 standard.
Summary: Responsible for implementing and consistently applying the safest and most efficient manufacturing methods, while ensuring the ability to adhere to world class quality standards.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Ensure machine and process safety throughout QA1
- Lead a team of manufacturing engineers and tool designers
- Develop consistent and cost-effective manufacturing processes utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles
- Continuously improve quality standards and the means to achieve superior quality
- Ensure a focus on automation in all areas of production
- Direct machine improvements, redesigns, installation, and maintenance
- Collaborate with Design Engineering to ensure timely introduction of new products
- Improve manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout
- Ensure creation and maintenance of work instructions
- Establish standards for labor operations, equipment set up, and workstation layout
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualifications, Education & Experience:
- BS Degree in Engineering field required
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience (10+ years preferred) in Manufacturing Engineering
- Minimum 2 years direct supervisory experience (5+ years preferred)
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Language Ability:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Math Ability:
Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism including (formulas, scientific equations and graphs) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software (Word/Excel), 3D modeling software (SolidWorks preferred), and MRP software (Infor Syteline preferred). CMM/FARO inspection software and PLC programming ability a plus.
Specialized Training:
- Leadership
- Project Management
Equipment:
- Familiarity with mills, lathes, press brakes, tube benders, and lasers
- Understanding of welding processes and automation
- Automotive mechanic equipment
- Shock dynos
- Inspection systems (CMM/FARO)
- Diverse manufacturing processes (welding, CNC machining, tub and sheet bending, mechanical assembly, automation)
Knowledge, Skills and Other Abilities:
- Strategic planning and prioritization
- Effective processing of multiple tasks simultaneously
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to plan both individual and employee projects
- Comprehensive understanding of engineering topics, including but not limited to:
- Root Cause Analysis
- Strength of materials
- Fatigue behavior
- Fits and interferences
- GD&T
- Experience with production of shock absorbers or hydraulic cylinders a plus
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and ability to see color.
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; outdoor weather conditions; and vibration. Occasionally, the noise level in the work environment can be loud.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
QA1 Precision Products Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their rate, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
Background Check and Drug Screen:
All potential QA1 employees are required to pass a criminal background check and drug screen prior to starting employment.