Quality Engineer

Job Description: Quality Engineer

Location: Carson, CA

Department: Quality

Reports To: Quality Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

About Us

Woojin IS America, Inc. (WISA), locations in Santa Fe Springs and Carson, CA, is a fast-growing manufacturer specializing in electric equipment for rolling stock and light rail vehicles. We proudly serve North American customers with advanced technologies that deliver safe, reliable, and long-lasting transportation equipment.

About the Role

Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that rail vehicle equipment and components meet engineering specifications, customer requirements, and internal quality standards throughout the product lifecycle. The role supports manufacturing quality, supplier quality, and field performance by investigating product nonconformances, performing root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Product & Manufacturing Quality

• Ensure manufactured products comply with engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Monitor production processes and quality checkpoints to ensure consistent product quality.
• Support implementation and maintenance of the Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 22163.
• Review inspection and test documentation prior to product release or shipment.

First Article Inspection (FAI)

• Plan, coordinate, and execute First Article Inspections for new products, engineering design changes, and new suppliers.
• Review engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOM), and technical specifications to develop FAI inspection plans.
• Prepare or review ballooned drawings and dimensional inspection requirements.
• Verify that first production parts meet all dimensional, functional, and material requirements.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams to ensure all required documentation and components are available for FAI.
• Review and validate supporting documentation including:
• Dimensional inspection results
• Material certifications
• Test reports and validation records
• Document FAI results and prepare formal FAI reports for internal and customer review.
• Identify discrepancies during FAI and initiate Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) when required.
• Track resolution and closure of FAI-related issues prior to production release.

Nonconformance Management & Root Cause Analysis

• Investigate product nonconformances identified during:
• Assembly and manufacturing processes
• Internal testing and validation procedures
• Customer acceptance testing
• Field operations or commissioning
• Document and manage Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs).
• Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methods such as:
• 8D methodology
• 5 Why analysis
• Fishbone diagrams
• Implement and track Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to prevent recurrence.

Field Quality & Customer Support

• Travel to project sites when required to investigate and resolve quality issues.
• Support commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of rail equipment.
• Prepare technical reports documenting investigation findings and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with project teams and customers to ensure timely resolution of field quality issues.

Process Improvement

• Analyze quality trends, defect data, and production metrics.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes and product reliability.
• Recommend updates to procedures, inspection plans, or product design to reduce defects.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma projects.

Supplier Quality Support

• Work with procurement and engineering teams to resolve supplier-related quality issues.
• Support supplier qualification and corrective action activities.
• Review supplier documentation and component compliance with technical specifications.

Project & Proposal Support

• Assist with preparation of technical and quality documentation for project proposals.
• Review project specifications to ensure quality requirements are understood and implemented.
• Participate in technical evaluations of components or subsystems proposed for new projects.

Educational Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent Required. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Degree or related technical field preferred.

Experience

Minimum 3~5 years of quality engineering experience in manufacturing.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of quality management systems and manufacturing quality processes.
• Experience managing FAI processes, NCRs, and CAPA activities.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and inspection requirements.
• Familiarity with root cause analysis tools and quality methodologies.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
• Effective cross-functional communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience in rail, transportation, aerospace, or heavy equipment manufacturing.
• Familiarity with rail industry standards such as ISO 22163.
• Experience supporting field service, commissioning, or system testing activities.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, Critical Illness).
• Paid Time Off (Holidays, Vacation, Sick, Bereavement).
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match.