Quality Engineer II

Status: Exempt (salaried)                                                                    

Department:  Quality

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer II is a vital team member that supports activities related to the development and continual operation of Plug Power’s products. The Quality Engineer II will drive continuous quality improvement through development and use of a customized QMS, KPIs, effective root cause analysis and problem resolution. Enabling optimized decision making by focusing on risk reduction and defect prevention. The position will also be responsible for product environmental, safety and regulatory compliance. The role also requires close interaction with the supply chain, Engineering, manufacturing and other cross-functional departments to ensure that designs meet all cross-functional requirements.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensures compliance to all Regulatory (Local, Federal, International), Corporate, and Plant standards. 
• Work to thoroughly understand Plug Power’s projects including but not limited to relevant codes & standards, hydrogen production technology, customer site requirements, troubleshooting history, design limitations, and optimal system performance targets.
• With support from internal and external expertise, develop, implement and maintain a certified QMS to ISO 9001:2015.  Support Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and Part Submission Warrant (PSW) preparation.
• Work with Manufacturing and Engineering teams to develop and revise effective procedures that comply with ISO 9001:2015 QMS requirements while maintaining lean operations.
• Provide training and support to operations personnel in all aspects of quality.
• Review user documentation to ensure that required warnings, labels and symbols are properly documented as required by standards.
• Support Engineering FMEA initiatives with collection of KPI data on critical design features.
• Participate in complaint investigations, failure analysis of returned products, and issues resulting in a stop ship/stop production; document findings, provide reports and analysis; apply root cause analyses using 5Why, Fishbone diagrams etc.; drive implementation of solutions to prevent recurrence of root causes.
• Execute and document supplier non-conformance reports Supplier Corrective Actions (SCARs) and Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPAs). Develop inspection plans for incoming material, ensuring parts are inspected per AQL.
• Work cross functionally with Engineering to evaluate and improve inspection processes and tooling designs through data analysis and feedback loops, aiming for enhanced productivity and quality assurance.  Ensure appropriate critical characteristics (per latest Plug procedure EN-0010) cascade in the Process Monitoring Forms as needed to enable compliance to safety, performance and durability product targets.
• Ensure Production Equipment and Tooling are maintained in the Calibration program. Ensure tooling and equipment is scheduled for calibration at defined intervals. Ensure calibration records are properly maintained.
• Monitor, communicate and improve key Quality KPI’s, DPPM and waste.
• Support in complaint investigations, failure analysis of returned products, and issues resulting in a stop ship/stop production; document findings, provide reports and analysis; apply root cause analyses using 5Why, Fishbone diagrams etc.; drive implementation of solutions to prevent recurrence of root causes.
• Develop and lead in-process inspection capabilities.
• Lead Material Review Board discussions , determining product dispositions for nonconforming material.
• Work directly with Quality and Engineering team members to develop and qualify inspection, monitoring, and verification methods.
• Conduct rigorous Continuous Improvement activities to prevent recurrence of non-conformances during assembly.
• Perform internal audit activities to ensure compliance to QMS requirements.
• Build relationships and engage in regular communications with cross-functional colleagues.
• Represent Plug Power in a professional manner at all times and in all interactions.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• BS in Engineering or a STEM related discipline

• 3-5 years’ experience working in Engineering
• Computer and software systems skills as applicable to position including but not limited to: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook 
• Experience with ISO 9001:2015 or ISO13485 and other recognized international quality system standards.
• Knowledge of engineering change process.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated analytical abilities with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering diagrams.
• Ability to role model high standards of professionalism with an uncompromising dedication to quality design & documentation and operational safety.
• Knowledge of quality system methodologies including 8D, Lean, 5 Why’s, Pareto Analysis, Six Sigma, 8-D.
• Knowledge with implementation Statistical Process Controls, applying Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and root cause analysis are a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Project management skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Travel as needed to accomplish program objectives.

Plug Power, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Estimated Base Salary Range: