Sr Engineer, Quality

Job Summary

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Senior Engineer, Quality, is responsible for ensuring comprehensive Quality Assurance & Quality Control across assigned product lines and manufacturing processes. This role drives quality excellence through rigorous testing, process control, customer complaint resolution, and continuous improvement methodologies. The position requires technical expertise in polymer and masterbatch manufacturing, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams to meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements.

Essential Responsibilities

Quality Assurance & Testing Operations

• Product Testing & Grading: Perform standard and advanced tests on production batches and incoming raw materials; ensure all product grading is completed accurately and timely in accordance with Avient Lab Performance Policy
• Quality Control: Ensure incoming raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products consistently meet Avient and customer specifications through comprehensive quality protocols and testing procedures
• Lab Operations Management: Oversee quality testing procedures; maintain lab equipment calibration and verification; ensure compliance with testing standards and documentation requirements
• Product Specification Compliance: Verify that all products meet or exceed customer requirements; conduct quality inspections and determine product release eligibility
  
  

Process Control & Monitoring

• Process Condition Monitoring: Monitor and control manufacturing process conditions to ensure product consistency and adherence to specified operational parameters
• MSA/CSA Compliance: Ensure all product and process changes follow prescribed Measurement System Analysis/Change System Assessment sequences and are properly documented
• Process Documentation: Maintain comprehensive process control documentation; ensure adherence to established procedures and specifications
• Process Improvement Identification: Identify opportunities for process improvements; suggest facilities, procedural, and process enhancements to maintain and improve quality, safety, cost, and efficiency
• Collaboration: Work effectively with production teams and process engineers to ensure manufacturing-related processes remain in control
  
  

Customer Complaint Management & Root Cause Analysis

• Complaint Investigation: Coordinate investigation and corrective action on plant-related customer complaints; analyze quality issues and implement preventive measures
• Root Cause Analysis: Conduct root cause analysis investigations using appropriate methodologies (5-Why, Fishbone, etc.); identify underlying causes and implement effective solutions
• CAPA Implementation: Manage Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA); ensure proper documentation and timely closure of corrective actions
• Customer Interface: Represent the plant and Avient in professional dealings with customers; resolve and communicate customer complaints; handle technical and quality questions from internal and external sources
• Complaint Trials: Conduct trials at customer facilities to observe and verify problems; perform failure analysis to identify root causes and implement solutions to reduce complaint recurrence
• Coordination: Coordinate with marketing and sales teams on complaint-related issues; manage material reuse and product disposition decisions
  
  

Quality System Compliance & Documentation

• ISO Compliance: Participate in internal and external quality audits; maintain quality (ISO 9001:2015) documentation and ensure compliance with certification requirements
• Quality Documentation: Maintain quality records, test reports, and certificates of analysis (COA); ensure all documentation is accurate, complete, and properly filed
• Audit Support: Interface with external certifying bodies, regulatory authorities, and customers regarding quality audits and compliance matters
• Quality Procedures: Follow and maintain adherence to all quality procedures, work instructions, and quality standards
  
  

EHS&S Compliance & Safety

• Safe Work Practices: Ensure all work is conducted in a safe and effective manner; comply with all EHS&S procedures, policies, and safety training requirements
• Hazardous Material Management: Follow current waste disposal and prevention procedures; ensure proper storage and disposal of liquid and solid hazardous wastes
• Safety Participation: Participate in raw material review boards with EHS&S; take action to correct unsafe acts, systems, and procedures
• Training & Development: Assess quality and safety training needs for lab and production employees; provide targeted training on testing protocols, quality procedures, and safety requirements
• Safety Culture: Contribute to an injury-free and incident-free workplace through active participation and adherence to safety standards
  
  

Product Development & Technical Expertise

• New Product Development: Support new product development initiatives including pigment testing, color correction, and formulation of specialized masterbatches
• Technical Support: Provide expert technical support to customers addressing inquiries related to products, specifications, and troubleshooting application issues
• Applications Expertise: Serve as applications expert for assigned product lines; provide in-depth product knowledge and customer training
• Color Matching: Perform color matching for masterbatch products; match customer-specific samples to requirements while optimizing for target cost
• Online Quality Control: Execute online color matching and quality verification during production runs
• Equipment Knowledge: Gain hands-on experience with manufacturing equipment including injection molding, film processing, two-roll mills, lab-scale extruders, FPV systems, and MFI apparatus
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Team Collaboration: Work effectively with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Commercial teams to ensure product quality, process control, and operational excellence
• Communication: Communicate effectively with production teams regarding quality outcomes, process compliance, and continuous improvement opportunities
• Problem-Solving: Participate in cross-functional teams to identify and resolve quality and process-related issues
• Knowledge Transfer: Share technical knowledge and best practices with team members and production employees
  
  

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing), Science, or related technical discipline OR equivalent professional experience demonstrating required technical and quality competency
• ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor certification or equivalent quality systems knowledge
  
  

Experience

• Minimum 5-7+ years of progressive quality assurance, quality control, or quality engineering experience in manufacturing
• Proven experience in polymer, masterbatch, or specialty chemical manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated expertise in quality testing, process control, and root cause analysis
• Track record of successful customer complaint investigation and resolution
• Experience with color matching, pigment technology, or polymer compound formulation preferred
• Familiarity with manufacturing equipment operation and troubleshooting
  
  

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of ISO 9001:2015 quality management system standards
• Comprehensive knowledge of quality testing methods and analytical techniques
• Proficiency in process control, capability analysis, and quality documentation
• Understanding of MSA/CSA (Measurement System Analysis/Change System Assessment) procedures
• Knowledge of pigment chemistry, colour-matching techniques, and polymer processing
• Familiarity with lean tools and continuous improvement methodologies
  
  

Technical & Quality Skills

• Quality Assurance & Control: Advanced knowledge of QA/QC methodologies, testing protocols, and quality standards
• Statistical Analysis: Strong analytical and statistical skills; ability to interpret quality data and identify trends
• Root Cause Analysis: Expertise in RCA methodologies; demonstrated ability to identify root causes and implement preventive actions
• Process Control: Knowledge of process monitoring, control methods, and capability analysis
• Testing & Analysis: Proficiency with lab testing equipment, procedures, and documentation (MFI, tensile, impact, DSC, TGA, etc.)
• Troubleshooting: Problem-solving capability for quality issues, process deviations, and product failures
• Quality Tools: Familiarity with quality management tools and continuous improvement method
  
  

Technical Specialization

• Pigment Technology: In-depth knowledge of inorganic and organic pigments, metallic effects, and fluorescent pigments
• Color Matching: Advanced color matching capability; ability to replicate customer specifications with cost optimization
• Polymer Knowledge: Understanding of polymer chemistry, engineering polymers, masterbatch formulation, and material properties
• Equipment Operation: Hands-on experience with manufacturing equipment (injection molding, extruders, film processing, MFI apparatus)
  
  

Software & IT Skills

• Quality Software: Experience with quality management information systems, LIMS, or similar quality platforms
• ERP Systems: Familiarity with SAP or equivalent enterprise resource planning systems
• Microsoft Office: Proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook for documentation, data analysis, and reporting
• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze quality data and create meaningful reports
  
  

Professional & Interpersonal Skills

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate technical information clearly to diverse audiences
• Customer Focus: Strong customer orientation; commitment to meeting customer requirements and resolving complaints professionally
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and build collaborative relationships
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities; ability to work methodically through complex quality issues
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to accuracy and documentation; commitment to quality standards
• Self-Motivation: Self-directed professional with initiative; commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Adaptability: Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing priorities and circumstances
  
  

Stress Management: Ability to manage workload and work under pressure while maintaining focus on quality

Key Competencies

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent quality/manufacturing experience
• 5-7+ years in quality/manufacturing operations
• ISO 9001:2015 knowledge or Internal Auditor certification
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with quality testing equipment and procedures
• Excellent communication and customer interaction skills
• Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance
  
  

Nice To Haves

• Six Sigma or Lean certification
• Experience in masterbatch/polymer manufacturing
• Color matching or pigment technology knowledge
• Experience with quality management systems or LIMS
• Exposure to injection molding or film processing equipment
• Background in troubleshooting polymeric products and failure analysis
  
  

Additional Information

• This position may require occasional weekend or shift work depending on operational needs
• Travel may be required for customer visits, audits, or quality-related activities
• Flexibility and willingness to work on special projects and new product development initiatives
• Continuous learning and skill development expected
  
  

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to: Assistant Manager, Quality or Quality Manager
• Direct Reports: None (individual contributor role)
• Collaborates with: Production Teams, Process Engineers, Maintenance, Engineering, EHS&S,
• Commercial/Sales, Quality Team Members
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to handle or manipulate objects
• Frequently required to move around the facility and production areas
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain close vision for detailed inspection and testing
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 23 kg (50 lbs) of materials or equipment
• Must be able to tolerate extended periods of standing during lab work and production area inspections
  
  

Work Environment

• On-site manufacturing environment with exposure to:
• Moving mechanical equipment, machinery, and production processes
• Chemical and hazardous materials used in manufacturing
• Fumes, airborne particles, dust, and other airborne substances
• Varying noise levels ranging from normal office to loud industrial environments
• Strict adherence to EHS&S policies, procedures, and safety requirements mandated
• Protective equipment (PPE) usage required as mandated by facility safety standards
• Potential exposure to inclement weather during facility inspections and process monitoring
• Lab environment with exposure to various testing equipment and materials
• Production floor access and monitoring during manufacturing operations
  
  

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms
• The employee is frequently required to walk throughout the facility
• The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain close vision for detailed inspection work
• The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 23 kg (50 lbs)
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, toxic or caustic chemicals, and fumes or airborne particles
• The noise level in the work environment ranges from normal office noise levels to loud industrial levels
  
  

COMPETENCIES & BEHAVIORS

• Required Competencies (Avient Framework):
• Instills Trust: Demonstrates integrity and transparency in all dealings
• Action Oriented: Takes initiative; follows through on commitments; drives results
• Collaborates: Works effectively with cross-functional teams and colleagues
• Customer Focus: Places customer needs at the center of decisions; pursues customer satisfaction
• Situational Adaptability: Adjusts approach based on circumstances and changing needs
• Resilience: Maintains focus and performance under pressure
• Self-Awareness: Understands personal strengths and development areas; seeks feedback
• Communicates Effectively: Conveys messages clearly to audiences at all levels; listens actively
  
  

About Us

Our purpose at Avient Corporation is to be an innovator of materials solutions that help our customers succeed, while enabling a sustainable world.

Innovation goes far beyond materials science; it's powered by the passion, creativity, and diverse expertise of 9,000 professionals worldwide. Whether you're a finance wizard, a tech enthusiast, an operational powerhouse, an HR changemaker, or a trailblazer in materials development, you'll find your place at Avient.

Join our global team and help shape the future with sustainable solutions that transform possibilities into realities. Your unique perspective could be the key to our next breakthrough!

We believe that all of our global employees are leaders and that the six most important behaviors for driving our strategy and culture are the same no matter if an employee is a leader of self, a leader of others, or a leader of the business.

By playing to win, acting customer centric, driving innovation and profitable growth, collaborating seamlessly across Avient, and motivating and inspiring and developing others and yourself you will accelerate your ability to achieve Avient's strategic goals, to meet our customer needs, and to accomplish your career goals.

At Avient, we believe a wide variety of thoughts, ideas and backgrounds gives us the creativity to be successful in a rapidly changing world. In support of this, we stress equality of opportunity for all qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. Decisions on hiring, promotion, development, compensation or advancement are based solely on a person's qualifications, abilities, experience and performance.