Principal Advanced Quality Engineer - Laser Welding

At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make "good things, for life." As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we're powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there's always a better way. We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together.
The GE Appliances philosophy, backed by three simple commitments defines the way we work, invent, create, do business, and serve our communities: we come together, we always look for a better way, and we create possibilities.
Interested in joining us on our journey?
Owns the quality initiatives for laser thin metal welding and metals fabrication on a new part, or New Product Introduction (NPI) product design to set the factory up for sustainable long-term ownership and success. Manages problems that requires independent problem solving and self-direction. Independently manages entire projects for a work area and executes/implements quality systems primarily on an NPI. Requires limited supervision and advanced knowledge of engineering/quality/product line. Very data driven and makes decisions based on the data. Based out of Appliance Park but supports other locations as we introduce additional models, increased complexity, and increased volume with the goal of reduced Cost of Quality metrics.
Position
Principal Advanced Quality Engineer - Laser Welding
Location
USA, Louisville, KY
How You'll Create Possibilities

• New Product Introduction (NPI) Program Support:

• The AQE has ownership and responsibility for all new equipment qualification in an area. The AQE will become the process expert for that area of responsibility.
• The AQE travels to equipment suppliers, manufacturing site for planning meetings, runoffs, and significant production runs. The role also requires getting approval from top management on equipment results before equipment ships from supplier.
• The AQE develops a robust qualification plan for each piece of new equipment. The employee will work with AME, equipment supplier to deliver quality equipment & process to site.
• The AQE learns and leads gaging development for all gages required for production. Utilize GEAs gage specification process. Get buyoff from/communicate to cross-functional team before gage design confirmation. Hold kickoff meetings for gages including cross functional team members (AMEs, plant Quality Engineers, design engineers)
• The AQE leads dimensional analysis meetings of measurement results from new equipment. The AQE builds consensus with design engineers and management to develop next steps.
• The AQE learns and utilizes GEA's 9-step process to integrate quality into the design as early as possible. The AQE participates in drawing reviews.
• The AQE develops traceability solutions for each piece of equipment and process in the area back to the raw material. Implement digital footprints and poke-yoke solutions as much as possible. The AQE leads and pulses team members for progress on projects. The AQE works with test and controls AMEs to implement and execute on all projects. Work with plant Quality Engineers, write work instructions as needed to ensure seamless handoff of all projects.

• The role is to work with a cross functional team to implement a new part, product, or process, that is 'turn-key' sustainable with regards to quality at product launch for the factory to agree to and take ownership of executing.
• Balance the communication between product design and manufacturing to ensure all issues get addressed with minimal surprises to achieve world class manufacturing goals.
• Drive COQ improvements: scrap, factory yield, concessions, damage, service calls, etc.
• Provide technical leadership & in-depth expertise to investigate, initiate and drive the development, procurement, and implementation of equipment & processes for manufacturing.
• Lead cross-functional team PFMEA's to understand the risks of new part/process changes, ensure team agrees to the mitigation accordingly and is implemented prior to product launch.
• Interfacing with team leaders to develop job instruction and define what is critical. Define the jobs through standard work and job instructions.
• Responsible for executing drive/strip/torque studies on new joints to validate capable torques.
• Responsible for all Quality Manufacturing System (QMS) documentation including MCPs, FRMs, MCIs meeting or exceeding all ISO standards for the changes being implemented.
• CIB Site C-Change Support:
• Follow the same responsibilities and duties mentioned above for NPI programs, but also for new part/product PCTO related projects introduced at CIB.
• PPAP: Own the process for newly introduced in-house manufactured parts, assemblies, and processes
• Responsible for the qualification of in-house equipment and parts primarily associated with a NPI without significant direction.
• Understand GEA technical drawings, both MBD/GD&T and linear dimensions, and ensure the quality plans established meet the drawing specifications.
• Independent part scanning and/or CMM, and caliper measurements may be required at times, although CMM tech additional resources are available to collect most measurements.

What You'll Bring to Our Team

• Experience in laser thin metal welding and metals fabrication processes.
• Experience in manufacturing plant environment.
• Experience with manufacturing equipment and processes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Engineering
• Leadership and effective communication experience in the definition, design, implementation and troubleshooting of manufacturing processes.
• Self-starter and influencer - metric driven and willing to work with cross-functional teams and hourly workforce.
• Excellent project tracking and detailed planning skills required.
• Computer literate and highly skilled in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and others.
• Influencer and team player - drive quality metrics but willing to look at the bigger picture.
• Good communicator - data driven, makes decisions based on the data. Speaks up in meetings along with leading meetings with a strong passion for world class quality.
• Experience interpreting data to solve manufacturing problems.
• Proactive to seeing a problem and eager to drive an innovative sustainable long-term solution without significant direction.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience with metals and laser thin metals welding.
• Already familiar with Home Laundry/AP1, how they work, who to go to, the struggles, and the strengths
• Experienced using, programming, and interpreting CMM/3D scanning/metrology systems.
• Significant experience in implementing Lean process improvements in high volume manufacturing operations.

• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification proficient with Minitab

• Experience in metrology / measurement systems, Polyworks.
• Proficient with understanding both coordinate and geometric GD&T drawings

Working Conditions:

• Business casual dress attire
• 70% office leading meetings / scoping / planning / etc.
• 30% factory environment understanding the people / processes / troubleshooting / coordinating part qualifications / etc.
• Support GE Appliances in Home Laundry.
• This role is based in Louisville but will be supporting other sites with travel.
• 1st shift is primary shift to support, but some occasional weekends, 2nd, and 3rd shift may be required on occasion.
• Travel Required:
• This role is Louisville, KY (GEA headquarters) based, but travel will be required to support the remote sites and potential supplier equipment run-offs.
• Rental cars, gas, hotel rooms, and meals are paid for by GEA when traveling with a company provided T&L card.

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Our Culture
At GE Appliances, creativity meets passion and conversations lead to exceptional outcomes and experiences. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that everyone brings to GE Appliances. We believe a diverse workplace, where everyone is included and people can be their true and authentic selves, fosters creativity and innovation. We know our differences are our greatest strength. The very best innovations across every function of a company come from diverse teams. Our commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued allows employees to perform at their best, every day. Diversity at GE Appliances helps us achieve zero distance to our owners, innovate smartly and connect to the communities and customers we serve. We encourage and support the ideas, aspirations, and the wellbeing of everyone - our employees and our communities
GE Appliances is a trust-based organization. It is important we offer our employees the flexibility they need to do their best work while balancing the needs of the business and individuals. When you join GE Appliances, you will have the opportunity to work with your leader to create a flexible work arrangement that balances the needs of the individual, team, and organization.
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