Director of Quality & Engineering - #1334379

Director of Quality & Engineering Company Overview: Field is a family owned global supplier of fasteners, "C" commodities, inventory management services and technical support. For the past 30 years, Field has grown rapidly because of its dedication to lowering our customers overall cost and improving quality through a technical approach to fasteners and fastenings. We currently have locations in Rockford, IL (headquarters), Texas, South Carolina, Mexico, and Taiwan. Field has built its reputation on meeting customers' quality, cost reduction, and inventory targets by utilizing superior systems, team members, and suppliers. We’re proud of the fact that Field’s technical approach to fastening and our empowered team of experts have enabled Field to grow an average of 19% annually since 1990. By joining Field you will experience an exceptional culture built on Integrity, Commitment, Teamwork, Innovation, Flexibility, and Fun! At Field, Culture is everything. Field was recognized by INC. magazine as one of the fastest growing privately owned companies in the USA. In 2015 and 2016, Field was recognized nationally by Great Places to Work as one of the Best Small Companies in America, ranking #8 nationally among small companies and #5 nationally among manufacturing/production companies. In 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Field was recognized locally by the Rockford Register Star as one of the top Employers Who Rock in the Rock River Valley
Position Summary: This is a critical leadership position for our technical areas providing direction, support, and assistance for Field’s Engineering and Quality teams. This position will promote, develop, evaluate and lead Field’s engineering and quality efforts in fastening and fastener solutions. Additionally, this position provides leadership for Field’s Quality Management System and promotes continuous improvement and efficiencies through the application of lean strategies. This role is customer facing and requires excellent communication, planning, problem-solving, and team leadership This position reports to: President This position has direct reports: Yes Location: Rockford, IL FLSA Hourly/Salary: Salary
Essential Duties:

• Commit to FIELD’s Mission Statement and Core Values.
• Provide strong leadership and strategic direction to the engineering and quality teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Provide mentorship and team development of our technical team and help improve the technical competency across the organization while getting team members and leaders ready for future roles/growth.
• Monitor individual team member performance, provide feedback, coaching, and guidance.
• Lead customer development of new fastener design and improvements to existing customer products, from concept to production.
• Internal Support Engineering: Oversee technical support, training and troubleshooting of internal technical issues, specifically supply chain, sales, and implementation/new business onboarding.
• Continually evaluate Field’s engineering capabilities to ensure we meet and exceed customer requirements.
• Review and ensure all product testing meets or exceeds customers’ requirements and applicable regulations.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards, keeping the company’s products in line with safety and quality requirements.
• Direct various engineering and quality projects, prioritize tasks, and ensure timely completion within budget.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and efficiency gains at customers, both internally and externally.
• Promote Field’s Engineering Value Proposition.
• Analyze problems, develop, and present alternative solutions and influence eventual outcomes.
• Participate in fastener application testing and confirm system and product capabilities by designing feasibility and testing methods.
• Maintain effective communication with all Team Members, and serve as the face of Field in regards to Engineering and Quality performance and capabilities.
• Ensure continued ISO certification for all Field operations.
• Meet with customers, suppliers, and internal groups to provide training, corrective actions, and process improvements.
• Make effective presentations in order to communicate capabilities and results.
• Remain up to date with relevant industry trends and emerging technologies to drive innovation in fastener design and manufacturing processes.

Education, Skills and Experience Required:

• Mechanical Engineering or Industrial & Systems Engineering and Technology degree preferred.
• Bachelors Degree in a technical-related field required.
• Polite and professional manner.
• Must possess a strong mechanical aptitude.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; and one of the following CAD programs; Auto CAD, Solid Works or Pro/ENGINEER.
• Understand testing and machining equipment as needed to resolve problems and/or provide technical solutions.
• Effective leadership of multiple groups, including remote personnel.
• Experience with process improvement and quality systems, preferably in a distribution environment.

• Strong communication skills to interact with internal and external customers and suppliers.
• Meet deadlines, communicate in a timely manner, and address issues as they arise.
• Internal audit experience.
• Strong time management skills and detail orientation.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Highly motivated, well organized.
• Effective presentation skills.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, team-based environment.
• Ability to drive results without a great deal of direct supervision.

Skills Preferred:

• Previous fastener application engineering experience, preferred.
• ISO9001:2008 understanding, preferred.
• Gage control knowledge background is desired.

Field provides equal employment opportunities to all team members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.