| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Quality |
| Level | Mid level |
| Reports to | Quality Manager or Quality Assurance Manager |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | 2 to 6 years in quality or process engineering |
Process Quality Engineer job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: Process Quality Engineer
Department: Quality
Reports to: Quality Manager or Quality Assurance Manager
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A Process Quality Engineer keeps quality under control right at the production process. They own control plans and in-process checks for a line or area, monitor process capability with SPC, respond to defects at the source, and drive process changes that reduce variation. The role sits between quality and production, using data to keep the process stable. In an Indian plant the process quality engineer sets up control charts, reacts fast when a parameter drifts, and works with operators and maintenance so the process makes good parts consistently rather than relying on final inspection.
Key responsibilities
- Own control plans and in-process inspection points for the assigned line or process area.
- Set up and monitor SPC control charts and act when a parameter drifts out of control.
- Respond to in-process defects at the source and drive quick containment and correction.
- Run process capability studies and improve processes that cannot hold specification.
- Set up poka-yoke and error-proofing to stop defects being made.
- Analyse in-process defect data and lead reduction actions with production.
- Update control plans and work instructions when the process or product changes.
- Support new product and process trials with quality checks and data.
- Train operators on checks, control charts and defect identification.
- Coordinate with maintenance on machine issues that affect quality.
Requirements
- B.E. or B.Tech in an engineering discipline
- Knowledge of SPC, control plans and core quality tools
- A Six Sigma Green Belt is an advantage
- 2 to 6 years in quality or process engineering
KRAs and KPIs for a Process Quality Engineer
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Process control | Key process parameters held in control, out-of-control reactions closed on time |
| In-process defects | In-process defect rate on the line reduced to the agreed target |
| Process capability | Capability indices for key characteristics meet the agreed target |
| Error-proofing | Planned poka-yoke actions implemented and verified effective |
| Control plan accuracy | Control plans and work instructions current for every change |
| Defect reduction | Top in-process defects reduced through data-led action each quarter |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: SPC software, Measuring instruments, Control plans and FMEA, MS Excel, Quality management system (QMS).
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Assistant Quality Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Continuous Improvement Engineer
Interview questions for a Process Quality Engineer
- A control chart shows a point outside the limit. What do you do?
- How do you decide the in-process check points on a new line?
- Walk me through improving a process that cannot hold its tolerance.
- How do you error-proof a step where operators keep making the same mistake?
- How do you tell common cause variation from special cause?
- How do you cut the top in-process defect on your line?
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What does a process quality engineer do?
A process quality engineer keeps quality under control at the production process. They own control plans and in-process checks for a line, monitor process capability with SPC, respond to defects at the source, and drive process changes that reduce variation. They set up error-proofing, train operators, and work with production and maintenance so the process makes good parts consistently.
What is the difference between a process quality engineer and a QC inspector?
A process quality engineer works on keeping the process stable and capable, using SPC, control plans and improvement to prevent defects. A QC inspector checks parts against specification to catch defects. The engineer is process-focused and data-driven, while the inspector is product-focused, and the engineer often designs the checks the inspector performs.
What qualifications does a process quality engineer need?
A B.E. or B.Tech in an engineering discipline is the usual base, with knowledge of SPC, control plans and the core quality tools. A Six Sigma Green Belt is an advantage. Employers value data skills, the ability to work with production and operators, and a few years in quality or process engineering.