Quality control engineer jobs entail many aspects of ensuring the quality of a product or service. The exact scope of the job depends on the field in which the quality control engineer is employed; however, the assurance of quality, precision strategies, and testing standards is a common characteristics across different fields. Quality control engineer jobs typically require a bachelor's degree in engineering.
Developing best-quality practices for the company's product development is a common responsibility for a quality control engineer. This can include designing the manufacturing process as well as overseeing quality audits to be sure the process continues to be effective. When new products are introduced, adjusted, or designed, manufacturing processes are also the responsibility of the quality control engineer.
Testing the product to maintain quality standards is usually included in quality control engineer jobs. Developing standards for measurement and methods for testing those standards is a typical duty, as is evaluation of test results. Documentation is required so future mistakes can be avoided by reviewing what did and did not work in the past. A quality control engineer will also develop solutions for identified issues or weaknesses with the current product assembly or service criteria.
Many quality control engineer jobs require supervision of staff members. The staff is responsible for ensuring the quality control measures are implemented and that results are continually evaluated. The number of employees the engineer supervises depends on the size of the company and department. Within this responsibility, the quality control engineer also directs the training of new employees in the quality control department.
The quest for continuing product improvement is generally led by the quality control engineering department. New or improved manufacturing methods are constantly being developed and tried. Evaluation of new methods and the decision whether to continue using them are the responsibility of the quality control department.
Quality control engineers are often called upon to present findings to members of management, assembly supervisors, and investors. Engineers must be comfortable speaking in front of groups and be able to answer questions. Product funding depends on the investor's confidence that the product or service will succeed and turn a profit. Convincing the investor of the product's potential due to high quality control standards often is the job of the quality control engineer.
