Quality Engineer I

Summary

The Quality Engineer I supports product and process compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry standards while developing proficiency in structured problem solving and quality tools. This role is hands-on by design—supporting production, participating in shop floor activities, and working closely with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain. The QE I is expected to take ownership of assigned responsibilities, ask questions early, and actively contribute to quality improvements.

Core Expectations

• Hands-On Engagement: Regularly support production activities, participate in Gemba walks, and assist with inspections, rework, or builds as needed.
• Collaboration: Work closely with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and other quality team members to resolve issues and improve processes.
• Accountability: Own assigned deliverables, follow through on actions, and communicate status, risks, and needs clearly.
• Structured Problem Solving: Apply foundational quality tools (8D components, basic data analysis, root cause techniques) with guidance.
• Compliance: Follow ISO 9001, transit standards (FTA, APTA, FMVSS), and applicable material regulations (REACH, RoHS).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support logging and tracking of customer complaints.
• Assist with containment activities, data collection, and documentation for root cause analysis.
• Participate in customer communications under guidance from senior Quality Engineers.
• Participate in Gemba walks to identify quality issues and improvement opportunities.
• Support MRB activities by assisting with data collection, documentation, and disposition preparation.
• Assist manufacturing with rework verification and process adherence.
• Support structured problem-solving activities (8D/DMAIC) by gathering data, validating assumptions, and documenting findings.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and Kaizen events as an active team member.
• Support PFMEA activities by preparing data, maintaining documentation, and tracking action items.
• Assist with internal audits and ensure quality records are accurate and complete.
• Support SQE and Quality Engineers in tracking supplier issues and corrective actions.
• Assist with supplier-related complaint documentation and follow-up activities.
• Support APQP/PPAP activities by tracking deliverables and maintaining documentation.
• Assist with process readiness reviews and data collection for new product launches.
• Support review of Field Modification Instructions (FMIs) by checking documentation completeness and traceability.
• Assist with field rework verification and documentation under guidance.
• Support quality inventory accuracy through MRB and RMA documentation.
• Assist with cycle counts, physical inventory activities, and identification of owned inventory.
• Maintain quality records including PPAP/FAI documentation and inspection records.
• Utilize ERP/MES and digital QMS systems for data entry, traceability, and reporting.
• Support collection and analysis of quality data and KPIs.
• Assist with preparation of quality metrics and summaries for review meetings.

Required Education & Experience

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Science, or related field.
• Experience: 1+ years in quality, manufacturing, or engineering support roles.

Skills & Competencies

• Foundational knowledge of quality tools: FMEA, PPAP, SPC, CAPA.
• Basic data analysis skills; proficiency in Excel.
• Ability to follow structured processes and document work accurately.
• Willingness to ask questions, seek feedback, and learn quickly in a production environment.

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Office-based with regular shop-floor presence.
• Ability to stand, walk, and navigate manufacturing areas; occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Limited domestic travel may be required.

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $55900-74100. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
 

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.