Quality Engineer

Tenneco – Blacksburg, VA
Job Title: Quality Engineer

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that all products manufactured at the Tenneco Blacksburg facility meet or exceed customer requirements and internal quality standards. This position supports continuous improvement initiatives, leads problem-solving efforts, manages corrective and preventive actions, and partners with Production, Engineering, and Suppliers to maintain robust quality processes throughout the plant.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary quality contact for assigned manufacturing areas and customer accounts.

• Investigate product nonconformances, perform root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective actions using tools such as 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone.

• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards.

• Support customer audits, internal audits, and layered process audits.

• Review and approve PPAP documentation, control plans, FMEAs, and work instructions.

• Monitor and analyze quality metrics (scrap, defects per million, rework, etc.) to identify trends and drive process improvement.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Maintenance to ensure process capability and control.

• Lead containment and disposition of suspect or nonconforming material.

• Participate in launch readiness reviews, capability studies, and new product introductions.

• Support training and development of associates in quality awareness, inspection standards, and defect prevention.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field required.

• Minimum of 3 years of quality experience in a manufacturing or automotive environment.

• Working knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, SPC, and MSA.

• Proficient in reading blueprints and using measurement systems (calipers, micrometers, CMM, etc.).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.

• ASQ CQE certification preferred but not required.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, statistical software, and ERP/QMS systems.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing plant environment and requires daily interaction on the production floor. Some travel may be required for supplier or customer visits. Noise levels can vary and appropriate PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.) must be worn as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, or move about the manufacturing floor for extended periods (up to 8–10 hours per day).

• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 30 pounds occasionally.

• Frequent reaching, bending, stooping, and climbing stairs or ladders as needed to access production areas or inspection stations.

• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate measurement tools, inspection equipment, and computer systems.

• Visual acuity to read blueprints, measurement instruments, and computer screens with precision.

• Must be able to wear required personal protective equip