Stoughton Trailers, LLC
Job Summary
This position will lead, execute, and manage Weld Quality Engineering activities across all welding production plants/areas at Stoughton Trailers. The role acts as the primary point of contact, demonstrates strong technical proficiency in weld manufacturing processes, and serves as subject matter expert in providing welding technical knowledge and process guidance for all welded components and finished assemblies. Key responsibilities include directing the Weld School, managing weld tech and weld quality inspection staff, overseeing the Critical Road Safety (CRS) program, and monitoring product weld quality inspections online, at end‑line, and off‑line. The position ensures adherence to quality systems in weld areas/processes, handles non‑conforming material and corrective actions, and manages calibration. Additionally, it collaborates with cross‑functional areas to establish quality planning for weld controls, set quality and compliance standards, analyze inspection results, assist in problem solving, monitor production parts, prepare inspection plans and instructions, select sampling plans, prepare procedures, train weld quality inspectors, perform audits, and apply fundamental statistical methods for process control. The role works closely with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, operations, quality, suppliers, and other functional areas to continually improve welding processes, resolve quality problems, and implement effective corrective/preventive actions. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Responsible for adherence to the Cardinal Rules of Safety. Lead, execute, sustain weld quality inspection of welded components, sub‑assemblies, and finished welded parts on‑line, end‑of‑line, and off‑line to ensure compliance with engineering specifications, blueprint dimensions, material and quality standards. Monitor, track, and analyze weld product quality inspection results/data to assure conformance to weld engineering specifications, customer requirements, and industry welding standards. Implement processes consistent with AWS D1.1 weld procedure specifications and weld performance qualification standards while managing welding procedure qualifications and generating welding standard work procedures. Assist in conducting failure analysis and root cause analysis on welding quality issues. Direct, supervise, and manage Weld School functions/staff, weld student training, testing, qualification, ongoing welder performance qualification testing, and records. Monitor and enforce adherence to Critical Road Safety (CRS) tasks, including effective weld audits. Execute, control, analyze, and improve tasks related to First Article Inspection (FAI), First Piece Inspection (FPI), layered process audits (LPA), and welded part sampling inspection/audits. Develop, refine, track, and adjust GMAW weld parameter settings and ranges for wire feed speed, voltage, current, gas flow rate, travel speed, technique, and other protocols. Provide technical expertise in heat distortion and weld process control methods. Resolve distortion problems in production related to welding heat application. Recommend and implement new and improved welding technologies and practices, including distortion control methods to minimize distortion in assemblies. Provide input for training welders to control heat input during production. Guide fixture design to incorporate distortion control methods and techniques. Evaluate welding processes and workmanship to ensure compliance with quality requirements, while providing best practices to minimize camber, shrinkage, and distortion due to fixturing and weld process including control of weld spatter and other imperfections. Interpret engineering drawings and apply requirements in weld inspection activities, select and use measurement gauges to verify weld quality characteristics, and evaluate results to determine conformance to specifications. Actively participate in new product launch, pilot builds, weld defects/integrity analysis, and weld joint discontinuity evaluation/assessment. Lead, execute APQP tasks for welding operations including PFD, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, AIAG CQI welding system assessment, and layered process audits. Support deployment of poka‑yoke/mistake‑proofing jigs & fixtures/clamps, go/no‑go and functional gaging methods. Assist sorting, inspection, containment, and segregation of non‑conforming material while facilitating problem containment at the source and expediting resolution. Assist in resolving issues with welding equipment and cutting processes in sheet metal. Effectively collaborate and communicate with cross‑functional areas in a dynamic fast‑paced team environment to achieve superior project goals. Seek feedback and self‑assessment to identify stakeholder needs, determine areas of improvement, and seek support in identifying opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Welding Engineering, Weld Quality education with a minimum of 10+ years of quality assurance experience in welding operations, manufacturing, and/or assembly; Business Management degree a plus.
Licenses / Certifications:
Welding Engineer or Inspector certification (e.g., CWI, AWS). Professional certifications such as ASQ CQE, Six Sigma highly desired. ISO 9001 or IATF Internal Auditor experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Demonstrated understanding and working knowledge of welding, manual and robotic weld operations. Extensive knowledge of physics, engineering, metallurgy, materials, welding, and standards to examine and evaluate welds and plan, supervise, and document welding operations. Experience with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 requirements. Ability to lead, execute, and influence stakeholders on decisions related to best manufacturing practices in welding, finished weld quality, results, capabilities, inspection, methods, and technique without direct authority. Strong experience in leading and managing projects with proven welding technical expertise. Strong understanding and demonstrated use of quality tools and principles such as 6‑Sigma, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC. Strong technical problem‑solving skills, including root cause analysis and statistical decision‑making. Proven success in mentoring problem‑solving methods and statistical decision‑making processes. Strong analytical skills to interpret data for informed decisions. Experience in project management (planning, supervising, monitoring, accomplishing project goals). Knowledge of QMS assessment, measurement techniques, and product development processes. Ability to work with all levels of the organization in a team‑based environment. Substantial experience leading teams and fostering stakeholder relationships. Attention to detail and accuracy. Demonstrated ability for self‑development and skill growth. High preference for quality/engineering certification; other professional society certifications a plus. Proficient PC operations including systems and software. Strong organizational and communication skills. Able to travel when required (~10‑15%).
Core Competencies:
Knowledge of industry standards/guides and accreditation/registration boards related to welding. Demonstrated problem‑solving aptitude, strong foundation in FAI, ISIR, blueprint reading, and interpretation of welding symbols and GD&T. Experience with CAD software; SolidWorks experience preferred. Strong understanding of applied mathematics, statistics, and sampling plans. Prior experience in product and process audit in an assembly/manufacturing environment. Ability to simplify, clarify, and intensify execution of actions within milestones and timelines. Persistent follow‑up to track, monitor, and close out issues. High sense of urgency, action bias, and results orientation. Self‑motivated, confident, energetic, proactive, anticipatory, and forward‑thinking. Ability to use quality data to articulate findings, recommendations, and solutions. Well organized, self‑starter, and team player as both member and leader. Multi‑tasking and prioritization skills. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Proficient in computer systems, software, and database applications.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level Employment type
Full‑time Job function
Quality Assurance Industries
Truck Transportation
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This position will lead, execute, and manage Weld Quality Engineering activities across all welding production plants/areas at Stoughton Trailers. The role acts as the primary point of contact, demonstrates strong technical proficiency in weld manufacturing processes, and serves as subject matter expert in providing welding technical knowledge and process guidance for all welded components and finished assemblies. Key responsibilities include directing the Weld School, managing weld tech and weld quality inspection staff, overseeing the Critical Road Safety (CRS) program, and monitoring product weld quality inspections online, at end‑line, and off‑line. The position ensures adherence to quality systems in weld areas/processes, handles non‑conforming material and corrective actions, and manages calibration. Additionally, it collaborates with cross‑functional areas to establish quality planning for weld controls, set quality and compliance standards, analyze inspection results, assist in problem solving, monitor production parts, prepare inspection plans and instructions, select sampling plans, prepare procedures, train weld quality inspectors, perform audits, and apply fundamental statistical methods for process control. The role works closely with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, operations, quality, suppliers, and other functional areas to continually improve welding processes, resolve quality problems, and implement effective corrective/preventive actions. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Responsible for adherence to the Cardinal Rules of Safety. Lead, execute, sustain weld quality inspection of welded components, sub‑assemblies, and finished welded parts on‑line, end‑of‑line, and off‑line to ensure compliance with engineering specifications, blueprint dimensions, material and quality standards. Monitor, track, and analyze weld product quality inspection results/data to assure conformance to weld engineering specifications, customer requirements, and industry welding standards. Implement processes consistent with AWS D1.1 weld procedure specifications and weld performance qualification standards while managing welding procedure qualifications and generating welding standard work procedures. Assist in conducting failure analysis and root cause analysis on welding quality issues. Direct, supervise, and manage Weld School functions/staff, weld student training, testing, qualification, ongoing welder performance qualification testing, and records. Monitor and enforce adherence to Critical Road Safety (CRS) tasks, including effective weld audits. Execute, control, analyze, and improve tasks related to First Article Inspection (FAI), First Piece Inspection (FPI), layered process audits (LPA), and welded part sampling inspection/audits. Develop, refine, track, and adjust GMAW weld parameter settings and ranges for wire feed speed, voltage, current, gas flow rate, travel speed, technique, and other protocols. Provide technical expertise in heat distortion and weld process control methods. Resolve distortion problems in production related to welding heat application. Recommend and implement new and improved welding technologies and practices, including distortion control methods to minimize distortion in assemblies. Provide input for training welders to control heat input during production. Guide fixture design to incorporate distortion control methods and techniques. Evaluate welding processes and workmanship to ensure compliance with quality requirements, while providing best practices to minimize camber, shrinkage, and distortion due to fixturing and weld process including control of weld spatter and other imperfections. Interpret engineering drawings and apply requirements in weld inspection activities, select and use measurement gauges to verify weld quality characteristics, and evaluate results to determine conformance to specifications. Actively participate in new product launch, pilot builds, weld defects/integrity analysis, and weld joint discontinuity evaluation/assessment. Lead, execute APQP tasks for welding operations including PFD, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, AIAG CQI welding system assessment, and layered process audits. Support deployment of poka‑yoke/mistake‑proofing jigs & fixtures/clamps, go/no‑go and functional gaging methods. Assist sorting, inspection, containment, and segregation of non‑conforming material while facilitating problem containment at the source and expediting resolution. Assist in resolving issues with welding equipment and cutting processes in sheet metal. Effectively collaborate and communicate with cross‑functional areas in a dynamic fast‑paced team environment to achieve superior project goals. Seek feedback and self‑assessment to identify stakeholder needs, determine areas of improvement, and seek support in identifying opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Welding Engineering, Weld Quality education with a minimum of 10+ years of quality assurance experience in welding operations, manufacturing, and/or assembly; Business Management degree a plus.
Licenses / Certifications:
Welding Engineer or Inspector certification (e.g., CWI, AWS). Professional certifications such as ASQ CQE, Six Sigma highly desired. ISO 9001 or IATF Internal Auditor experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Demonstrated understanding and working knowledge of welding, manual and robotic weld operations. Extensive knowledge of physics, engineering, metallurgy, materials, welding, and standards to examine and evaluate welds and plan, supervise, and document welding operations. Experience with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 requirements. Ability to lead, execute, and influence stakeholders on decisions related to best manufacturing practices in welding, finished weld quality, results, capabilities, inspection, methods, and technique without direct authority. Strong experience in leading and managing projects with proven welding technical expertise. Strong understanding and demonstrated use of quality tools and principles such as 6‑Sigma, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC. Strong technical problem‑solving skills, including root cause analysis and statistical decision‑making. Proven success in mentoring problem‑solving methods and statistical decision‑making processes. Strong analytical skills to interpret data for informed decisions. Experience in project management (planning, supervising, monitoring, accomplishing project goals). Knowledge of QMS assessment, measurement techniques, and product development processes. Ability to work with all levels of the organization in a team‑based environment. Substantial experience leading teams and fostering stakeholder relationships. Attention to detail and accuracy. Demonstrated ability for self‑development and skill growth. High preference for quality/engineering certification; other professional society certifications a plus. Proficient PC operations including systems and software. Strong organizational and communication skills. Able to travel when required (~10‑15%).
Core Competencies:
Knowledge of industry standards/guides and accreditation/registration boards related to welding. Demonstrated problem‑solving aptitude, strong foundation in FAI, ISIR, blueprint reading, and interpretation of welding symbols and GD&T. Experience with CAD software; SolidWorks experience preferred. Strong understanding of applied mathematics, statistics, and sampling plans. Prior experience in product and process audit in an assembly/manufacturing environment. Ability to simplify, clarify, and intensify execution of actions within milestones and timelines. Persistent follow‑up to track, monitor, and close out issues. High sense of urgency, action bias, and results orientation. Self‑motivated, confident, energetic, proactive, anticipatory, and forward‑thinking. Ability to use quality data to articulate findings, recommendations, and solutions. Well organized, self‑starter, and team player as both member and leader. Multi‑tasking and prioritization skills. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Proficient in computer systems, software, and database applications.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level Employment type
Full‑time Job function
Quality Assurance Industries
Truck Transportation
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