Quality and Safety Engineer - Thermal Spray

Description

Job Title: Quality and Safety Engineer

Reports to: Quality & Safety Manager, Surface Technologies US

Work Location: Kymera – CASL Houston

FLSA Status: Hourly Non-Exempt

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Kymera International:

Kymera International is a leading global producer of specialty metal powders, pastes, and granules, catering to industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and electronics. Our mission is to drive innovation while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability, operational excellence, and ethical business practices. We are committed to continuous improvement and regulatory compliance on a global scale.

Position Summary:

The Quality and Safety Engineer – CASL Houston is a senior-level role responsible for leading quality and safety execution across machining, coating, and thermal spray operations. This position operates at a level above Quality Control Inspector III, with expanded responsibility for quality systems, safety compliance, process improvement, and cross-functional leadership.

The role ensures compliance with company standards, customer specifications, OSHA regulations, and ISO-based Quality Management Systems. It serves as a key driver of continuous improvement, root cause resolution, and audit readiness, while providing technical leadership and mentorship to inspection and production personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Internal Audit Leadership & Multi-Site Audit Support

• Serve as the Lead Internal Auditor for the CASL Houston facility, managing the full ISO 9001 internal audit life cycle, audit scheduling, pre-audit planning, audit execution, and reporting.
• Provide internal audit support, cross-site auditing, and audit standardization assistance to other Kymera US Surface Technologies manufacturing locations as requested.
• Evaluate Quality Management Systems (QMS) and EHS programs across sites to ensure compliance with customer standards, internal procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and host external third-party registrar audits (ISO 9001) and customer quality audits at the Houston site, serving as the primary audit point of contact.
• Track, verify, and validate corrective action effectiveness resulting from internal and external audit findings across supported facilities.

Quality & Safety Engineering Systems

• Develop, review, and maintain quality engineering standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality control plans for machining, grinding, and thermal spray operations.
• Evaluate facility environmental, health, and safety (EHS) risks in Houston; design engineering controls and safety protocols in compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Exercise independent Stop-Work Authority and product containment discretion whenever safety risks or quality non-conformances are identified.
• Manage the site non-conformance system (NCRs), determining technical dispositions (Rework, Scrap, Use-As-Is) in coordination with Engineering and Operations.

Root Cause Analysis & CAPA Management 

• Lead complex root-cause failure investigations for customer returns, internal defects, and safety incidents using 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone problem-solving tools.
• Design, implement, and validate Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) programs to permanently eliminate systemic operational defects.
• Analyze quality and safety data metrics using statistical process control (SPC) techniques to identify defect trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Metrology & Functional Inspection Leadership 

• Establish inspection criteria and metrology standards for visual, dimensional, and metallurgical evaluation of thermal spray coatings and machined components.
• Oversee the site tool calibration system and conduct measurement system analysis (Gauge R&R) to ensure inspection accuracy.
• Provide functional technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to non-exempt Quality Control Inspectors (Levels I–III).

Cross-Functional & EHS Collaboration 

• Collaborate with Process Engineers, Metallurgists, and Production Managers to optimize thermal spray parameters and resolve manufacturing bottlenecks.
• Prepare comprehensive monthly quality metrics, EHS trends, and audit summaries for executive site and regional leadership.

Travel:
• Occasional travel up to 10% may be required to support other locations or business needs.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership and functional oversight to quality inspectors and production personnel.
• Support prioritization of inspection, audit, and quality activities.
• Mentor and guide team members in quality standards, inspection methods, and safety practices.
• Reinforce accountability for adherence to company policies, quality standards, and safety requirements.
• Support performance feedback, training development, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits Summary:

At Kymera International, we provide a competitive benefits package to support your health, well-being, and financial security, including:

Generous Time Off: 11 annual company-paid holidays and PTO.

Healthcare Savings: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and comprehensive dental and vision coverage.

Retirement Support: 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.

Insurance Coverage: Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance, with additional voluntary options like critical illness, hospital care, and long-term disability coverage.

Competitive pay.

Team Benefits: A supportive team culture and resources to help you thrive.

We are dedicated to helping you live your best life, both professionally and personally. Benefits are reviewed annually.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Materials, Industrial, Chemical, or Quality) or STEM field required.
• Degree Equivalence Option: Associate’s Degree in Engineering Technology with 5+ years of advanced quality/audit specialist experience, OR 8+ years of demonstrated quality engineering tech and auditing experience in industrial manufacturing.
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive quality engineering, EHS, or internal auditing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 2+ years of hands-on experience in thermal spray, machining, heavy grinding, or surface technology processes.
• Demonstrated experience leading ISO 9001 internal audits and driving multi-site CAPA resolutions.
• Strong proficiency in root-cause analysis (8D, 5-Why), blueprint interpretation/GD&T, and metrology standards.
• Demonstrated progression beyond inspection-level responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of machining processes, thermal spray coatings, and surface preparation methods strongly preferred.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Certified ISO 9001 or AS9100 Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor (Highly Preferred / Required within 6 months).
• ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) preferred.
• NACE / AMPP Level I or II Coating Inspector Certification preferred.
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Advanced knowledge of machining, coating, and thermal spray processes strongly preferred.
• Strong proficiency with inspection tools and measurement techniques required.
• Advanced blueprint and technical drawing interpretation required.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills required.
• Strong experience leading audits and driving corrective actions required.
• Ability to influence and lead quality and safety initiatives.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across all levels of the organization.
• High level of accountability, judgment, and decision-making capability.
• Continuous improvement mindset with focus on efficiency and defect reduction.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and perform inspections for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, reach, operate precision measurement tools and perform physical tasks as required.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
• Ability to work in environments with noise, dust, fumes, and varying temperatures.
• Manual dexterity to operate tools, equipment, and inspection instruments safely.

Work Environment

The role is based in a thermal spray, grinding, and machine shop environment. Employees may be exposed to fumes, dust, and airborne particulates generated during thermal spraying, grinding, and machining operations. The work area can be noisy, with exposure to moving equipment and varying temperatures.

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and other protective equipment as required. Employees are expected to follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean and organized work environment.

EEO Statement

Kymera International is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.