What Does a Quality Engineer Do?
A quality engineer ensures that products, processes, and systems meet established quality and safety standards. They design and implement quality control procedures, conduct audits, and monitor performance metrics to identify areas of improvement. By applying engineering principles to quality assurance, they help organizations reduce defects, improve efficiency, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
Quality engineers work closely with manufacturing, design, and supply chain teams to evaluate processes and recommend corrective actions. Their role includes analyzing data, investigating root causes of failures, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. In industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and software development, quality engineers play a vital role in delivering reliable, safe, and cost-effective products.
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Quality Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Develop and implement quality assurance procedures and standards
- Perform audits of manufacturing processes, systems, and suppliers
- Investigate and resolve product quality issues through root cause analysis
- Track and analyze quality metrics to identify trends
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement corrective and preventive actions
- Maintain documentation to support compliance with ISO, FDA, or industry standards
- Review engineering designs and specifications for quality considerations
- Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean or Six Sigma tools
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Knowledge of quality management systems (QMS) and regulatory standards
- Proficiency with measurement tools and statistical analysis techniques
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and engineering specifications
- Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action tools (e.g., 5 Whys, FMEA, Fishbone diagrams)
- Familiarity with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Clear and effective communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and teams
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong organizational and project management skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality management, or a related technical field
Certifications
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) strongly recommended
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification valued in process improvement roles
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in engineering, quality management, or related discipline
- Experience with advanced statistical tools such as Minitab or JMP
- Background in supplier quality management and audits
- Familiarity with industry-specific compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO 13485, AS9100, IATF 16949)
- Proven record of implementing successful process improvement initiatives
National Average Salary
Quality engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Quality Engineer is:
$85,683
Sample Job Description Templates for Quality Engineers
Junior Quality Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a junior quality engineer to support our quality assurance and production teams by performing inspections, collecting data, and assisting in process improvements. This entry-level role is designed for recent graduates or individuals with limited experience who are eager to build their careers in quality engineering.
Responsibilities
- Assist in inspections and audits of products, materials, and processes
- Collect and analyze quality data to support decision-making
- Help investigate product defects and support corrective actions
- Maintain accurate records of inspections and test results
- Ensure compliance with company standards and safety requirements
- Learn and apply root cause analysis techniques under supervision
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of quality management systems and inspection tools
- Familiarity with technical drawings and specifications
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace for reporting
- Exposure to Lean or Six Sigma concepts
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Willingness to learn and accept feedback
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality management, or a related technical field
Certifications
- Six Sigma White Belt or Yellow Belt recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or project experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Familiarity with ISO or other quality standards
Mid-Level Quality Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a mid-level quality engineer to design and implement quality control procedures, perform audits, and work with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues. This role requires hands-on experience in quality engineering and the ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain quality procedures and inspection plans
- Conduct audits of suppliers, processes, and production areas
- Analyze defects and recommend corrective and preventive actions
- Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams on quality issues
- Use statistical methods to monitor quality metrics and identify trends
- Support regulatory and compliance requirements as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with quality tools such as FMEA, 5 Whys, and control charts
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
- Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC)
- Familiarity with ERP or quality management systems
Soft skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
- Effective communication and reporting skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Team-oriented with collaborative mindset
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field
Certifications
- Six Sigma Green Belt recommended
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in supplier quality management
- Familiarity with ISO, FDA, or other industry-specific regulations
- Background in Lean manufacturing environments
Senior Quality Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a senior quality engineer to lead complex quality initiatives, oversee audits, and ensure compliance with industry standards. This role requires advanced technical knowledge, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to mentor junior engineers.
Responsibilities
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts
- Develop and implement quality systems for new products or processes
- Oversee supplier audits and manage vendor compliance
- Prepare and analyze detailed quality reports for management
- Train and mentor junior and mid-level quality engineers
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across departments
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of quality management systems and standards
- Expertise with statistical analysis tools such as Minitab or JMP
- Strong understanding of compliance requirements (ISO, FDA, AS9100, etc.)
- Proficiency in advanced root cause analysis techniques
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Analytical mindset with a detail-oriented approach
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field required; master’s preferred
Certifications
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) required in many industries
- Six Sigma Black Belt recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in regulated industries such as aerospace, automotive, or medical devices
- Background in new product introduction (NPI) and validation
Lead Quality Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a lead quality engineer to oversee quality engineering projects, manage a team of engineers, and serve as the primary point of contact for quality initiatives. This role requires both technical expertise and leadership skills to ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate the activities of quality engineering teams
- Define and enforce quality policies, standards, and procedures
- Oversee audits, inspections, and compliance activities
- Monitor and report on quality metrics and performance trends
- Provide coaching and guidance to engineering staff
- Partner with senior leadership to align quality initiatives with business goals
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in QA methodologies, audits, and compliance standards
- Experience managing quality engineering teams
- Strong knowledge of process improvement tools and methodologies
- Ability to develop quality metrics and dashboards
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and decision-making abilities
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to collaborate across technical and business functions
- Strategic thinking with focus on continuous improvement
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred in engineering or related field
Certifications
- ASQ CQE or equivalent certification strongly recommended
- Six Sigma Black Belt preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading global or multi-site quality initiatives
- Familiarity with digital quality management systems
Quality Engineering Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a quality engineering manager to lead the department, manage staff, and develop strategies that ensure products and processes meet company and industry standards. This role requires strong leadership, resource management, and the ability to influence organizational quality goals.
Responsibilities
- Manage quality engineering teams and oversee daily operations
- Develop and implement organization-wide quality policies and procedures
- Oversee supplier quality management and compliance audits
- Allocate resources and manage departmental budgets
- Track performance metrics and report results to senior leadership
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the business
Requirements
Hard skills
- Extensive knowledge of QA tools, methods, and industry standards
- Strong background in automation, process improvement, and compliance audits
- Ability to manage large teams and multiple projects
- Proficiency with quality reporting and ERP systems
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and team development skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
- Analytical and strategic problem-solving skills
- Ability to foster a culture of quality across departments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
Certifications
- ASQ CQE or Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) recommended
- Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt valued
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing quality in global manufacturing operations
- Proven record of implementing successful process improvement programs
Director of Quality Engineering
Position Overview
We are hiring a director of quality engineering to provide strategic leadership for the company’s quality initiatives. This executive-level role requires managing senior quality leaders, shaping long-term strategies, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements while driving innovation in quality systems.
Responsibilities
- Define the long-term vision and strategy for quality engineering
- Oversee multiple teams and managers across quality functions
- Establish and monitor KPIs to track organizational quality performance
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and corporate standards
- Partner with executives to align quality initiatives with business objectives
- Lead innovation in testing methods, tools, and process improvements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert-level knowledge of quality management systems and compliance frameworks
- Proven experience leading enterprise-level quality operations
- Strong background in supplier quality, audits, and regulatory compliance
- Expertise in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and decision-making skills
- Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
- Visionary thinking with ability to influence organizational strategy
- Ability to manage complex, global quality initiatives
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree strongly preferred
Certifications
- ASQ CQE or CMQ/OE strongly recommended
- Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading quality functions in global organizations
- Proven track record in digital transformation and modernization of QA systems
- Active involvement in professional quality organizations