Design Quality Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the arena of product development, the emphasis on Design Quality Engineers has never been more pronounced.

As advancements in technology continue to surge, the demand for skilled professionals who can develop, enhance, and ensure the quality of our design processes grows stronger.

But let’s delve a bit deeper: What’s truly expected from a Design Quality Engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of design quality engineering,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a flexible Design Quality Engineer job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Design Quality Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Design Quality Engineers focus on the quality assurance of product design and development.

They use their expert knowledge of quality standards and engineering principles to ensure products are designed and manufactured to meet the highest quality requirements.

Design Quality Engineers have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Work closely with product development teams to ensure quality standards are integrated into all design and manufacturing processes
• Review and approve design and development documents and plans to ensure conformance with quality system requirements
• Conduct risk assessments and failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) for new and changed product designs
• Develop and implement quality control methods, procedures and performance metrics for product design and manufacturing
• Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, and potential problems
• Lead problem solving and improvement activities to address quality issues and reduce product and process nonconformities
• Conduct audits of design and manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with quality system requirements and identify opportunities for improvement
• Train and mentor staff on quality system requirements, quality tools and best practices
• Compile and analyze statistical data to identify and prioritize areas for quality improvement
• Prepare and present reports on product and process quality to management and customers

 

Design Quality Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a meticulous Design Quality Engineer to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for driving the design of quality plans, verifying engineering tests, and validating system reliability.

The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of quality assurance methodologies and be familiar with product design and manufacturing processes.

The goal of the role is to ensure products meet the required quality standards and customer expectations.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality control methodologies to ensure compliance with quality assurance standards, guidelines, and procedures in each product’s design phase.
• Collaborate with product designers and developers to understand product specifications and develop corresponding quality assurance plans.
• Carry out risk management activities for new product development including risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Conduct root cause analysis for defects in design, process, and product.
• Perform regular review of technical design documents to ensure comprehensive test coverage.
• Provide guidance and expertise to engineers on quality, compliance, and safety matters.
• Develop training materials and conduct training sessions on quality control activities.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Quality Engineer or similar role in the Engineering sector.
• Familiarity with quality standards and processes.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, quality improvement techniques, and root cause analysis.
• Strong knowledge of risk management, risk identification, and risk-based decision-making.
• Excellent technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and team management abilities.
• BSc degree in Engineering, Quality, Business or relevant field.
• Certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) will be a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Design Quality Engineer
• Work Environment: This role is primarily office-based but may require visits to manufacturing sites.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Quality Assurance Manager.
• Salary: The salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, and in line with market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Design Quality Engineer Do?

Design Quality Engineers are typically employed in manufacturing or production industries, where they focus on ensuring that the design of a product meets both the company’s standards and regulatory requirements.

They work closely with design and production teams to develop quality standards for new products, and they also assess existing products for potential improvements.

Their job involves identifying potential design flaws, running rigorous tests, and analyzing data to determine the quality of a product’s design.

They are required to understand and implement various quality methodologies and tools, such as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing.

Design Quality Engineers also assist in the development of product specifications to ensure that they meet the necessary regulatory standards.

They might be involved in reviewing and updating product documentation, including design specifications, manufacturing processes, and test methods.

In case of a product defect, they investigate the root cause and propose corrective measures to prevent recurrence.

In addition, they play a crucial role in auditing internal systems and processes to ensure adherence to quality standards and regulations.

Design Quality Engineers need to maintain open lines of communication with different departments, suppliers, and clients to ensure customer satisfaction and the continuous improvement of a product’s design and manufacturing process.

 

Design Quality Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Design Quality Engineers require a mix of technical expertise, creativity, and detail-oriented precision to ensure that product designs meet quality standards.

Key skills and qualifications include:

• Technical skills in design engineering to comprehend and improve product designs, ensuring they meet the necessary quality requirements.
• Proficiency in quality assurance standards and methodologies to anticipate potential issues, propose solutions, and maintain consistent quality performance.
• Exceptional attention to detail to identify any design flaws or inconsistencies that may affect the final product’s quality.
• Problem-solving skills to efficiently rectify any design errors or quality issues, preventing defects and ensuring the product’s reliability and functionality.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate design concepts, explain quality issues, and propose improvements to diverse stakeholders, including project teams, management, and clients.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with design teams and other departments, fostering a culture of quality throughout the organization.
• Ability to use design and quality assurance software tools, such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and statistical analysis software, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of quality control processes.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and standards in the industry to ensure the designs comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

 

Design Quality Engineer Experience Requirements

Design Quality Engineers should ideally have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in the field of quality engineering, preferably within a manufacturing environment.

This experience can be gained through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles in quality assurance or design engineering.

In these roles, they should have acquired a solid understanding of quality control principles and techniques, design processes, and regulatory requirements.

They should also have experience with quality testing tools and software, as well as data analysis methods.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are often considered for senior or specialist roles.

They should have demonstrated proficiency in leading design quality projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and implementing quality improvement initiatives.

Professionals with more than 5 years of experience may have gained experience in managerial roles, overseeing a team of quality engineers.

They are often responsible for setting quality standards, leading strategic planning for quality improvement, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards.

A strong track record of successful project management and team leadership is important for these positions.

 

Design Quality Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Design Quality Engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality assurance, or a related field.

In-depth knowledge of quality control procedures and legal standards is imperative.

Familiarity with statistical analysis and quality control programs like SigmaXL, Minitab, or similar is often required.

For some positions, especially those in highly technical industries like aerospace or biomedicine, employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in quality engineering or a similar discipline.

Design Quality Engineers may also need to have professional certification such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, or ISO 9001 Quality Management.

Experience with CAD software and a strong understanding of manufacturing methods and procedures are also typically required.

Continuing education and training to stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards and quality control techniques is crucial for this role.

In addition to formal education, these engineers should possess excellent problem-solving skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with various departments.

 

Design Quality Engineer Salary Expectations

A Design Quality Engineer earns an average salary of $85,000 (USD) per year.

However, this can differ based on factors such as years of experience, educational background, location, and the size and type of the employing company.

 

Design Quality Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Design Quality Engineer need?

Design Quality Engineers need a strong understanding of design principles, quality control, and statistical analysis.

They should be proficient in using various CAD software and have excellent problem-solving skills.

Communication and interpersonal skills are also crucial as they need to liaise with different departments to ensure the quality of the design.

 

Do Design Quality Engineers need a degree?

Yes, most Design Quality Engineer roles require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality assurance, or a related field.

Certain roles might even require a master’s degree or further qualifications.

They may also need certifications like the Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) from the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

 

What should you look for in a Design Quality Engineer resume?

When reviewing a Design Quality Engineer’s resume, look for a degree in an engineering field and certifications related to quality assurance.

Experience with quality control, product testing, and CAD software is a must.

Additionally, look for skills like attention to detail, problem-solving, project management, and strong written and verbal communication.

 

What qualities make a good Design Quality Engineer?

A good Design Quality Engineer is detail-oriented and has a keen eye for spotting design flaws or inconsistencies.

They should be able to troubleshoot issues and think critically to come up with solutions.

They must have a good understanding of quality standards and regulations in their industry.

Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential for coordinating with different teams and effectively communicating findings and recommendations.

 

What are the daily duties of a Design Quality Engineer?

A Design Quality Engineer’s daily tasks can vary widely based on the industry and specific project they are working on.

Generally, they will review designs and blueprints for new products, ensure compliance with quality standards, conduct statistical analysis to identify problem areas, and work with the design team to correct any issues.

They might also be involved in conducting inspections and testing, analyzing quality data, and preparing quality reports.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

We’ve just shed light on the true essence of a Design Quality Engineer role.

Surprise, surprise.

It’s not just about analyzing and testing designs.

It’s about shaping the quality of design, one specification at a time.

With our handy design quality engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up your game.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating laser-focused job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every design specification contributes to the overall quality.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Design Quality Engineer (Complete Guide)

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