Quality Engineer in Waukesha, Wisconsin at KDV Label

Job Title: Quality Engineer

Reports to: VP of Operations & Quality

LEADING WITH SERVICE SINCE 1974

At KDV Label, we’re passionate about what we do and hold ourselves, and one another, accountable to living our core values each day: craftsmanship, care, collaboration, creativity, and curiosity. This creates a friendly and rewarding work environment where you can grow your career and truly be part of the team!

KDV Label has production facilities in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Loveland, Colorado and Sugar Grove, Illinois. We have become a leader in the label industry by maintaining our strong reputation for quality, consistency, and performance.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the VP of Operations & Quality, this position leads customer complaint investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, supplier quality programs, third-party certification activities, and first-time order verification. The Quality Engineer partners closely with Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and suppliers to ensure quality standards are consistently achieved while supporting customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

Duties/Responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and

responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

1. Lead investigations into quality issues and customer complaints using root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
2. Develop, implement and verify the effectiveness of complaint-related corrective actions and communicate outcomes to internal stakeholders and customers as appropriate.
3. Analyze quality and test data using statistical methods to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
4. Conduct internal audits and implement quality system improvements.
5. Collaborate with Operations to ensure consistent quality practices.
6. Ensure compliance with AIB (or GFSI) standards, prerequisite programs, and GMP requirements, and promptly escalate safety concerns.
7. Support supplier quality activities, including specification development, supplier qualification, and performance monitoring.
8. Lead and verify first-time run items, and customer trials.
9. Champion all quality and safety regulations throughout the organization.
10. Maintain quality records, documentation, and reporting to support compliance and continuous improvement objectives.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Working knowledge of root cause analysis tools and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collect, interpret, and evaluate data to draw valid conclusions.
• Printing industry experience, particularly in flexographic and/or digital printing, strongly preferred.
• Color management experience preferred.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions, diagrams, specifications, and mathematical concepts.
• Exhibit and uphold KDV’s Core Values in all situations.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and communicate across all levels.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business software, including email, Microsoft Office, and ERP systems.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to professionally resolve customer questions and complaints.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing, or a related field and two to three years of relevant experience; or
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible quality or manufacturing experience; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move reports, files, office supplies, etc. weighing up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments. The employee may be exposed to production equipment, moving machinery, varying temperatures, and standard manufacturing noise levels. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when working in production areas.