Position Overview
The Quality & Production Engineer plays a central role in day-to-day quality operations and shop-floor execution at Steel Plate LLC. This position, working directly under the Quality Manager and Vice-president, is responsible for ensuring that all steel plate products leaving our facility meet the dimensional, metallurgical, and certification requirements established by our customers and applicable industry standards.
This is a hands-on, dual-environment role split between the shop floor and the office. On the floor, the engineer works alongside CNC operators, material handlers, and production staff to verify quality in real time. In the office, the role involves reviewing technical documentation, analyzing MTRs, maintaining quality records, and supporting continuous improvement efforts. The ideal candidate is technically sharp, organized, and thrives in a team environment where collaboration across departments is essential to delivering quality products on time.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform dimensional inspection of cut steel plates using calipers, tape measures, and layout tools; verify compliance with engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, and customer tolerances.
- Conduct visual inspection of oxy-fuel and plasma-cut parts; identify, document, and communicate nonconformities such as dross, angularity deviation, surface roughness, and bevel defects.
- Support CNC burn table operators on setup verification, nesting review, and in-process quality checks; provide real-time technical support and guidance.
- Assist with bevel geometry verification, hole location checks, and weld preparation inspection.
- Identify and segregate nonconforming material; initiate and track NCR documentation through resolution.
- Participate in root cause analysis for recurring cutting defects, dimensional rejections, and equipment-related nonconformities in collaboration with the production and maintenance teams.
- Verify measuring and test equipment calibration status before use; support calibration recordkeeping.
Office / Quality Systems (50%)
- Review Mill Test Reports (MTRs) for compliance with applicable ASTM standards (A572, A709, A6, A36, A516) and customer PO requirements, including CVN, tensile, chemistry, and heat number traceability.
- Maintain quality records, including inspection reports, NCRs, CAPAs, and material certifications; ensure documentation is complete, traceable, and audit-ready.
- Cross-reference engineering drawings (PDF and DXF formats) against work orders and customer POs to verify dimensional accuracy before production release.
- Collaborate with the Quality Manager to develop and revise internal procedures, work instructions, and inspection checklists aligned with ISO 9001 practices.
- Support the sales team and customer service with technical inquiries related to material testing, tolerances, and certification documentation.
- Track and analyze quality KPIs (rework rate, rejection rate, NCR trends) and contribute data-driven input to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Participate actively in internal audits and cross-functional meetings, bringing shop-floor insight to office-level decisions.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field, OR equivalent hands-on experience in steel fabrication or heavy manufacturing.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a quality or production engineering role in a metals, fabrication, or industrial manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and CNC cutting specifications.
- Familiarity with ASTM material standards and MTR review; training in the most common standards can be provided.
- Basic working knowledge of oxy-fuel and/or plasma cutting processes and cut quality parameters.
Technical Skills
- Proficient with precision measuring instruments: calipers, tape measures, squares, angle gauges, and levels.
- Strong documentation skills; ability to write clear, accurate inspection reports, NCRs, and technical notes.
- Comfortable working in an active shop environment with exposure to CNC machinery, heavy plate handling, overhead cranes, metal fumes, and industrial noise.
Preferred / Advantageous
- Basic NDT knowledge.
- Experience with welding inspection is a plus.
- Experience with DXF/CAD file interpretation (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar).
- Knowledge of bridge fabrication standards.
- Six Sigma awareness or familiarity with structured problem-solving tools.
- Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency is not required but is a strong plus given our diverse production team.
Collaborative Mindset & Team Attributes
Beyond technical knowledge, this position requires a person who genuinely enjoys working with others and understands that quality is a team effort. The Quality & Production Engineer will interact daily with CNC operators, production supervisors, the sales team, and direct management. We are looking for someone who:
- Approaches teammates, operators, and colleagues with respect and a willingness to listen before acting.
- Communicates technical findings clearly and constructively, both verbally on the floor and in formal written reports, without creating friction or blame.
- Proactively shares knowledge and supports operator training with patience, helping the team understand quality requirements rather than simply enforcing them.
- Contributes to a positive, problem-solving culture that raises issues early, proposes solutions, and follows through on commitments.
- Adapts communication style effectively between shop-floor personnel and office/management contexts.
- Is comfortable asking for help and equally willing to offer it; this role succeeds through collaboration, not in isolation.
Work Environment
- Active steel processing shop floor: CNC cutting machinery, heavy plate handling, overhead cranes, metal fumes, and high noise levels. Full PPE is required at all times in shop areas.
- Climate-controlled office: document review, data analysis, reporting, and team coordination.
- Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift to 50 lbs unassisted.
- Standard schedule is Monday–Friday; occasional flexibility may be required to support production needs.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Location:
- Pendergrass, GA 30567 (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Pendergrass, GA 30567 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
