Quality Engineer - Pursuit

Job DetailsJob Location: Pursuit FL - Fort Pierce, FL 34946Position Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting all quality functions and team members. This role partners closely with production, engineering, and supply chain teams to drive continuous improvement, resolve quality issues, and implement robust quality systems that support world-class manufacturing standards. This role leads efforts to reduce Cost of Poor Quality – including rework, quality issues, and defects in the process. This person is responsible to directly communicate with all relevant stakeholders on activities including critical quality issues, project status, root cause analysis, and corrective actions. The ideal candidate is direct, data-driven, and enthusiastic about delivering positive/exceptional customer experience through flawless product quality.

Key Responsibilities

Product & Process Quality

Lead plant-level quality activities to ensure products meet specifications and customer expectations.
Analyze and facilitate efforts to reduce internal Scrap and Rework throughout the site.
Analyze and facilitate efforts to reduce process defects and non-conformances at all stages of the process.
Monitor in-process and final product quality metrics (FPY, DPU, COPQ, scrap, rework, warranty trends)
Develop and maintain control plans, inspection standards, and quality documentation.
Perform layered process audits and product audits to verify compliance.
Provide primary support in the creation/completion of the Monthly Quality Updates
Lead improvement projects based on internal quality metrics/data, warranty data, and customer feedback to reduce and eliminate repeat issues, while improving overall quality of product(s)
Develop criteria for acceptance documents, FMEA, control plans, Product/Process Check Sheets, Work Instructions, as needed to communicate requirements to production and inspection teams.

Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis

Lead root cause investigations using structured methodologies (8D, A3, 5 Whys, Fishbone)
Implement and validate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA methodology)
Support containment actions to protect customers and production flow.
Analyze internal defects and field/warranty data to identify systemic issues.

Continuous Improvement

Support/Drive Lean or structured methodologies (Six Sigma) to improve product quality and reduce variation.
Identify and eliminate waste through process optimization and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke)
Support Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement projects.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Supplier Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams to resolve quality issues.
Participate in new product introduction (NPI) to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet quality standards.
Provide feedback on design improvements based on plant and field data.

Supplier Quality Support

Collaborate with Supplier Quality and Procurement to address incoming material issues.
Support supplier corrective actions and qualification activities as needed.

Customer & Warranty Focus

Review warranty claims and customer feedback to identify trends.
Support field issue resolution and corrective action implementation.
Ensure lessons learned are communicated and incorporated into processes.

Compliance & Standards

Maintain compliance with company quality systems and applicable standards.
Support internal and external audits.
Ensure adherence to safety and environmental regulations.
Provide support or lead efforts to all assigned quality team members to ensure training, development, and support as needed in the completion of their duties.

Miscellaneous Responsibilities

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
Learn how to measure parts as needed using CMM/Scanner (Keyence WM 6000) or other measuring systems.
Ensure product/process tests and procedures are properly understood, conducted, and evaluated and that product/process modifications are investigated if necessary.
Develop tools/fixtures to aid in the process and improve efficiency.
May be customer facing – requiring issue investigation, CAR completion, internal solution validation, proper communication, and documentation control.
Maintain spending in support of departmental budget goals.
Other duties as assigned

QualificationsQualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field) or Business (with strong technical focus)
Equivalent >8+ years related experience. Could include formal training/certifications in quality disciplines and 5+ years related experience.
3+ years of experience in a manufacturing (shop floor) quality role
Strong knowledge of quality tools (SPC, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA)
Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
Demonstrated “fit” in team and at site – well respected and collaborative.

Preferred

Experience in marine, automotive, RV, or similar assembly manufacturing environments
Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
Familiarity with fiberglass/composite manufacturing processes
Experience with ERP/MES systems and quality data analysis tools
Strong corrective action and troubleshooting background required.
Strong PPAP, Gage R&R, 8D’s & 5Why Analysis
Experience managing projects or leading a team required.
Boat manufacturing experience is a plus.
Six Sigma training is a plus.
Ability to travel (<20%) with little notice.

Key Competencies

Direct, shop-floor oriented mindset
High diligence and commitment to excellence
Effective communication and people skills
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and build dynamic relationships.
Ownership mentality and accountability
Continuous improvement mindset
High attention to details
High attention to issue closure and metrics

Other Preferred Qualifications

Conditions

Primarily based in a manufacturing plant environment
Frequent interaction with production floor and firsthand problem solving.
Occasional travel to customers, suppliers, or other Malibu Boats facilities

What “Success” Looks Like – in 3-12 Months

Measurable reduction in defects, rework, and warranty and impact to COPQ
Stable, predictable processes with strong process controls
Documented, sustainable solutions that improve quality metrics.
Faster, more effective problem solving with low recurrence.
Improved plant quality culture (operator ownership)
Strong influence on product design feedback loop
Recognized as a go-to leader on the shop floor.

Why Malibu Boats

Industry leader in performance boats and innovation
Strong culture of quality, craftsmanship, and customer passion
Opportunity to directly impact product excellence and customer satisfaction.

12-Month Targets & Metrics

1. Product Quality Performance

First Pass Yield (FPY)

Target: ≥ 95–98% (depending on baseline)
Improvement: +3–5 percentage points vs. start of year

Internal Defect Rate (PPM or DPU)

Target: ≥ 30–50% reduction YoY
Focus on top 5 recurring defect categories.

Scrap & Rework Cost

Target: ≥ 20–30% reduction
Measured as COPQ - % of Revenue and cost per boat.

1. Warranty & Customer Quality

Warranty Claims Rate

Target: ≥ 25% reduction YoY

Top Warranty Drivers

Reduce top 3 failure modes by ≥ 40%.

Customer Satisfaction (Quality-related)

Improve quality-related NPS/CSI inputs by measurable margin.

1. Problem Solving Effectiveness

Corrective Action Closure Time

Target: < 30 days average (for standard issues)
Containment within 24–48 hours

Recurrence Rate

Target: < 10% repeat issues after closure

8D / A3 Quality Score:

≥ 90% on internal quality audits of problem-solving rigor

1. Process Control & Stability

PFMEA/Control Plan – drive into Top 3 substantial risk processes

Control Plan Adherence

≥ 95% audit compliance

Layered Process Audit (LPA) Completion

≥ 98% on time completion
Closure of findings within 14 days

1. Culture & Engagement

Quality Training & Awareness

Train / coach operators on critical quality standards
Conduct monthly quality stand-downs or refreshers.

Employee Quality Suggestions

Adopt ideas from production teams.

Escapes (Customer or line-stop events)

Zero major escapes
≥ 50% reduction in minor escapes

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