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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Quality Engineer - **Company:** Associated Materials - **Location:** Cedar Rapids, IA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Document Management Systems, Failure Mode Effects Analysis, Laboratory Information Management Systems, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Visual Systems, Performance Monitor - **Published:** June 5, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=26b9cf91a8356ce0 ## About the Role Do you have experience in Team motivation (leadership skill)?, We are looking for someone confident, capable, and skilled in problem-solving who can lead a team with clarity and purpose., * Experience: 2+ years in quality or manufacturing (preferably in building materials, aggregates, cement, composites, glass, metals, or related continuous/batch process industries). * People Leadership: 2+ years of people leadership (supervisor, lead, or coordinator) in a plant environment. Ability to motivate, coach, and guide a team to achieve results. * Proficient with SPC, gauge R&R, capability studies, control plans, PFMEA, and problem-solving tools (8D, DMAIC, 5 Whys). * Education: Bachelors in engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical), Quality, Materials Science, Operations, Technology or related field (or equivalent experience). * ASQ certifications (CQI, CQT, CQI, CSSGB) or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. * Experience with layered process audits (LPA) and visual management. * Safety-First Mindset: Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe work environment. * Problem-Solving Abilities: Strong analytical skills to identify issues and develop solutions quickly. * Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to influence Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain or other stakeholders. * Ability to work off-shifts or weekends as needed to support operations. ## Description Under the direct supervision of the Quality Manager, the Quality Supervisor is responsible for overseeing day-to-day quality operations and ensuring coordination across all aspects of the quality process. This role leads the Quality team in meeting productivity expectations, maintaining compliance with quality standards, and supporting Lean and continuous improvement initiatives-all while upholding the highest levels of safety and operational performance. You will set clear goals, provide necessary tools and support, remove obstacles to success, and hold team members accountable for achieving results. Role Summary The Quality Supervisor leads a frontline team of Quality Technicians/Inspectors to ensure products meet internal specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory/industry standards. This role drives process capability, first-pass yield, and customer satisfaction through robust quality systems, root cause analysis (RCA), and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA). The supervisor partners closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain to prevent defects, reduce scrap/rework, and build a culture of quality and continuous improvement. What to Expect Quality Operations & Compliance * Oversee daily quality control activities across assigned lines/shifts; ensure timely inspections, sampling plans, and test results per control plans and work instructions. * Maintain compliance with ISO 9001 (or relevant standard) and customer-specific requirements; support internal and external audits. * Own nonconformance management (NCRs), MRB decisions within delegated authority, and product hold/release processes. * Ensure calibration and maintenance of inspection/test equipment; escalate issues that risk data integrity. Safety Compliance * Promote a strong safety culture by prioritizing the health and safety of all team members. * Ensure full compliance with all safety, environmental, and operational policies and procedures. * Maintain a safe and clean work environment through employee training and enforcement of established standards. * Exercise the authority to stop or modify work due to non-conformance or unsafe conditions. Quality Planning and Coordination * Plan and organize daily quality activities to optimize the use of equipment, personnel, and materials. * Coordinate quality inspections, documentation processes, and product verification activities. * Ensure product compliance with specifications and established quality standards. Data, Problem Solving & Improvement * Monitor process and product quality using SPC, control charts, capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), and layered process audits. * Lead structured problem solving (8D, DMAIC, 5 Whys, Fishbone); implement and verify effectiveness of CAPAs. * Reduce scrap, rework, and customer complaints through systemic fixes; partner with Production to lock in process controls. * Drive standardization: update control plans, inspection instructions, and visual standards for clarity and ease of use. * Contribute to PFMEA maintenance and risk mitigation; ensure reaction plans are clear and followed at point of use., * -15 Quality Technicians (scope can be adjusted to site size); ensure consistent coverage across shifts. * Coach technicians and line operators on defect detection, escalation paths, and quality at the source. * Build a safety-first, quality-always culture; recognize good catches and escalate risk without delay. * Conduct performance check-ins; identify skills gaps and deliver training on inspection methods and problem solving. * Provide leadership, training, and team-building to support quality and operational objectives. * Communicate job expectations clearly, monitor performance, and evaluate results. * Partner with HR on recruitment, performance evaluations, merit increases, disciplinary actions, and talent development. * Resolve personnel issues by investigating concerns, determining root causes, and recommending corrective actions. Process Monitoring and Quality Control * Analyze production and quality control processes to ensure the delivery of high-quality products. * Monitor operational reports to maintain best practices in inspection, documentation, and product handling. * Implement and oversee preventive maintenance programs that support consistent equipment and process performance. Communication and Collaboration * Communicate effectively with team members, management, and cross-functional departments to ensure alignment on quality goals and challenges. * Support continuous improvement and Lean initiatives through collaborative problem-solving and process refinement. Documentation & Systems * Maintain accurate, timely records in the QMS, MES/ERP, and LIMS (as applicable). * Author and revise SOPs, work instructions, and visual aids; ensure document control and version discipline. * Compile and analyze quality performance records and data to provide actionable insights. * Track progress toward quality goals, resolve operational issues, and report on key performance metrics to leadership. Customer & Supplier Interface * Support customer complaint investigations, RCCA responses, and containment activities; participate in customer site visits as needed. * Collaborate with Supply Chain and SQE on supplier quality incidents, incoming inspection standards, and supplier CAPAs. ## Related Videos - [What Developers Get Wrong About Application Quality](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/233-what-developers-get-wrong-about-application-quality) - [Solving Architectural Entropy With Runnable Diagrams](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100144-solving-architectural-entropy-with-runnable-diagrams) - [Automate everything via NodeJS and Puppeteer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/322-automate-everything-via-nodejs-and-puppeteer) - [Same Tower, New Confusion: The Tower of Babel 2.0](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100101-same-tower-new-confusion-the-tower-of-babel-2-0) - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) ## Related Articles - [Now is the time for industrialized software development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/601-now-is-the-time-for-industrialized-software-development) - [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [How Engineering Hubs Build Visibility at Developer Conferences like WeAreDevelopers World Congress](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/720-how-engineering-hubs-build-visibility-at-developer-conferences-like-wearedevelopers-world-congress)