Are you an analytical engineering or technology professional with strong problem-solving skills, great communication, and a passion for shop-floor quality operations? Do you excel at identifying root causes, collaborating with supplier networks, and working directly within a world-class manufacturing facility to ensure zero-defect production? As Cerebral Staffing, we are seeking a motivated, hands-on Tactical Quality Engineer, Supplier Quality to join our team supporting our client, John Deere, at their Tractor Operations facility in Waterloo, IA. If you are ready to take ownership of supplier quality containment, troubleshoot shop-floor assembly issues, drive corrective actions, and build an exceptional multi-year career path with an industry leader, we want to hear from you.
Tactical Quality Engineer, Supplier Quality – John Deere Waterloo Works This is a high-visibility, long-term opportunity featuring an uncommonly stable 2+ year contract runway paying up to $38/hr, including 1 week of PTO. Operating 100% onsite in Waterloo, IA on a standard 1st shift schedule (7:00 AM – 3:30 PM with potential overtime at the end of shift), this position is rooted on the factory floor (~80% of time spent on your feet within the plant). You will serve as the tactical quality link between shop-floor assembly lines and external suppliers, investigating non-conformance, driving containment, and implementing root-cause solutions.
Position Details & Compensation
- Pay Rate: Up to $38/hr (W2).
- Location: 100% Onsite at John Deere Waterloo Works – Tractor Operations (Waterloo, IA). Includes occasional local intra-facility travel within a 20-mile radius using a personal vehicle, as well as operating indoor utility vehicles (Gators) within the factory complex.
- Duration: 2+ Years (Providing outstanding multi-year assignment stability).
- Shift & Hours: 1st Shift, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday – Friday (Overtime may be scheduled at the end of the shift).
- Benefits: 1 Week PTO, Health, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k, and Referral Bonuses.
- Safety Gear & Attire: Metatarsal safety boots strictly required on Day 1. Business casual dress code.
- Interview Process: Conducted via Microsoft Teams.
- Visa Sponsorship: Strictly NOT available now or in the future for this position.
Core Responsibilities
- Shop-Floor Tactical Quality: Spend ~80% of your time active on the factory floor addressing non-conforming purchased parts, containing defects, and supporting assembly line continuity.
- Supplier Quality Containment & RCCA: Partner with suppliers to perform Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations, issue quality holds, and execute rapid defect containment strategies.
- Data-Driven Problem Solving: Utilize engineering and data analytics methodologies to track defect trends, evaluate part quality metrics, and report findings to quality and production teams.
- Cross-Functional Communication: Serve as the primary technical quality contact between plant operations, assembly supervisors, design engineers, and external supplier quality teams.
- Intra-Facility Logistics: Drive John Deere indoor utility vehicles (Gators)—following internal safety certification—to transport parts, testing tools, and laptop equipment across the connected indoor facility.
Required Skills & Experience
- Education: Degree in Engineering, Technology, Business, Communications, Computer Science, Data Analytics, or a related discipline. (Open to recent graduates with manufacturing internship experience!)
- Core Competencies: Strong analytical problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, paired with outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
- Factory Readiness: High comfort level working in an active heavy manufacturing shop-floor environment (~80% walking/standing), with a strong willingness to learn and adapt.
- Licensing & Travel: Willingness to complete internal Deere Gator safety training and possess a valid driver's license for occasional personal vehicle travel to local Waterloo-area facilities (within 20 miles).
What Makes You Stand Out
- Prior internship or hands-on experience in supplier quality engineering, manufacturing operations, or quality assurance.
- Familiarity with root-cause analysis tools (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone diagrams) and non-conforming material control.
- Data analytics exposure to track defect metrics and improve factory floor quality trends.
APPLY NOW to step onto the factory floor, lead supplier quality containment, and build an extended career path with John Deere!
Pay: $38.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
