Quality Engineer at Aero Industries in Indianapolis, IN

Apply Description COMPANY SUMMARY Aero Industries, Inc. (Aero or the “Company”), is a global leader in the manufacturing of tarp systems and trailer accessories. With a long track record of success, a reputation for superior capabilities and long-standing customer relationships, Aero represents a compelling platform for growth. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Aero also serves customers through satellite locations in Nebraska, Ohio, and a nationwide network of dealers. This 80+-year-old, family-owned business has endured through a dedicated workforce and a commitment to support its employees. As a small, fast-moving company, we're building out our quality systems and processes to match the growth and demands of our business. We’re looking for a Quality Engineer who is ready to roll up their sleeves, take ownership, and help drive improvements from the ground up. PURPOSE AND SCOPE The Quality Engineer (QE) is responsible for ensuring that all materials, components, and services meet company standards and regulatory requirements. This role works cross-functionally with Engineering, Procurement, and Production teams to assist in developing and implementing quality management strategies that support high product quality, reliability, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will bring a proactive approach to Quality development, a strong background in manufacturing quality systems, and the interpersonal skills needed to work collaboratively across internal and external teams. This is a highly hands-on position, ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving on the shop floor, working directly with suppliers, and helping establish quality systems in a growing business. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: · Develop and implement quality assurance plans and requirements. · Conduct supplier audits and assessments to verify compliance with quality management systems · Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and performance evaluation efforts. · Investigate and resolve quality issues (e.g., non-conformances, defective materials), including root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions. · Collaborate with internal and external suppliers to drive continuous improvement initiatives and corrective action effectiveness. · Monitor quality performance metrics (PPM, on-time delivery, defect rates) and maintain regular communication with key internal and external contacts. · Support new product introduction (NPI) and first article inspections (FAI) by working closely with Engineering team and suppliers. · Maintain documentation including supplier scorecards, quality agreements, inspection plans, and audit reports. · Facilitate containment and disposition of nonconforming materials and support material review board (MRB) processes. · Participate in internal and external quality audit reviews as required Requirements REQUIRED SKILLS/ ABILITIES: Ability to Manage, Grow, and Motivate a Team Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving Skills Detail Oriented Planning & Organizing Negotiation Ability to Meet Strict Deadlines Stress Tolerance Teamwork Adaptability Creative Thinker Leadership Communication Skills Decision Making Problem Solver Ethics – Respects Others, Inspires Trust of Others, Integrity in Their Work, Upholds Organizational Value and Culture EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: · Degree in Engineering; Quality, or related technical field · 3+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or supplier development role. · Knowledge of quality tools and methodologies (e.g., 8D, FMEA, PPAP, APQP, SPC, MSA). · Experience conducting supplier audits and working with suppliers to improve processes. · Familiarity with ISO 9001 or other relevant quality standards. · Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. · Proficient in Microsoft Office and quality management software/tools · Practical problem-solving skills and the ability to work without a rigid system in place. · Exposure to MRP/ERP experience · Familiarity with aluminum fabrication, cast parts, or truck/trailer components · Create and manage basic quality documentation such as inspection sheets, material specs, and checklists PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to sit; walk; talk; hear; use hands to keyboard, finger, handle, and feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach, and stretch. The employee is occasionally required to move around the plant. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Ability to stand, walk, and move through manufacturing areas and supplier facilities The employee may be required to travel based on business needs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is occasionally exposed to a high level of heat/humidity conditions due to working in a non-climate controlled facility. The noise level in the work environment can occasionally be loud. Can work under deadlines.