Are you an analytical problem-solver, engineering graduate, or tech-minded communicator looking to jumpstart or advance your career in world-class manufacturing? Do you thrive in an active factory environment, love getting hands-on with shop-floor quality processes, and want to build high-visibility enterprise experience with an industry leader? As Cerebral Staffing, we are seeking an enthusiastic, detail-oriented Quality Engineer to join our team supporting our client, John Deere, at Waterloo Works – Tractor Operations in Waterloo, IA. Whether you are a recent graduate with manufacturing internships or an early-career engineer ready to make a tangible impact, this role offers an incredible pathway to master quality engineering systems on the shop floor.
Quality Engineer – John Deere Waterloo Works This is an exceptional 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 1st shift (7:00 AM – 3:30 PM with potential shift-end overtime), this position places you right at the heart of tractor assembly operations. You will spend roughly 80% of your time on your feet in the plant, investigating quality issues, driving root-cause solutions, and collaborating across assembly lines and cross-functional teams.
Position Details & Compensation
- Pay Rate: Up to $38/hr (W2).
- Location: 100% Onsite at John Deere Waterloo Works (Waterloo, IA). Includes indoor factory navigation and occasional intra-facility travel within a 20-mile radius.
- Duration: 2+ Years (Providing outstanding multi-year assignment stability).
- Shift & Hours: 1st Shift, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday – Friday (Overtime may occasionally be scheduled at the end of the shift).
- Benefits: 1 Week PTO, Health, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k, and Referral Bonuses.
- Dress Code & Safety Attire: Business casual attire. Metatarsal safety boots are strictly required on Day 1.
- Factory Mobility: Opportunity to drive indoor utility vehicles (John Deere Gators) across the factory floor and complete optional safety training for internal tractor transport.
- Interview Process: Conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams.
- Visa Sponsorship: Strictly NOT available now or in the future for this position.
Core Responsibilities
- Shop-Floor Quality Auditing & Support: Spend ~80% of your time active on the factory floor evaluating assembly quality, auditing processes, and responding to immediate manufacturing containment needs.
- Root-Cause Analysis & Problem Solving: Apply structured decision-making skills to isolate quality defects, determine root causes, and partner with cross-functional teams to implement lasting corrective actions.
- Process & Data Documentation: Capture, track, and report quality metrics, assembly defect trends, and corrective action documentation within John Deere's quality management frameworks.
- Cross-Functional Communication: Serve as a clear, active liaison between shop-floor operators, quality leadership, manufacturing engineers, and team supervisors.
- Intra-Facility Coordination: Navigate large, connected factory facilities using indoor utility vehicles (Gators) and travel locally between Waterloo Works facilities (<20 miles) as operational quality needs require.
Required Skills & Experience
- Educational Foundation: Degree in Engineering, Technology, Data Analytics, Computer Science, Business, Communications, or a related field (Recent graduates with manufacturing/quality internships are welcome and encouraged to apply!).
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Aptitude: Strong logical decision-making capabilities with a desire to troubleshoot physical hardware and process issues.
- Communication & Drive: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; eager to learn, adapt, and build strong relationships with shop-floor operators and engineering teams.
- Physical & Environmental Readiness: Comfortable working 100% onsite in a high-activity factory environment, remaining on your feet for ~80% of the shift, and wearing required metatarsal safety gear on day one.
What Makes You Stand Out
- Prior internship, co-op, or hands-on project experience in a manufacturing, assembly, or quality control environment.
- Familiarity with core quality and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Root Cause Analysis, 8D, FMEA, 5S).
- Demonstrated passion for heavy machinery, automotive assembly, or complex mechanical systems.
APPLY NOW to step onto the factory floor, lead quality resolution for world-class tractors, and secure an incredible 2+ year career path with John Deere!
Pay: Up to $38.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
