Quality Engineer Nonwoven -1445
SP Associates · Greenville
A leading nonwoven textiles manufacturer is seeking a Quality Engineer with 2–3 years of hands-on experience in nonwoven / extrusion-based nonwoven production or textile manufacturing quality. This role supports quality engineering activities to ensure consistent fiber and fabric performance across spunbond and/or meltblown processes. The Quality Engineer will work closely with production, engineering, and quality teams to monitor process performance, investigate quality issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Experience with hygiene-grade nonwoven extrusion is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Support quality activities across extrusion, fiber spinning, web formation, and bonding processes.
- Monitor and analyze textile performance characteristics including basis weight (GSM), fiber diameter, filament distribution, tensile strength, elongation, and fabric uniformity.
- Perform quality inspections and support the identification and resolution of fabric defects such as streaks, holes, thin/thick areas, and contamination.
- Assist with structured problem-solving activities using tools such as 5 Whys, 8D, root cause analysis, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
- Collect and analyze process data using Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods to identify trends and reduce process variation.
- Work with production teams to optimize extrusion process parameters including temperature, throughput, quench air, and draw ratios.
- Develop and maintain quality documentation including control plans, inspection standards, work instructions, and testing procedures.
- Perform and review nonwoven fabric testing including tensile, tear, air permeability, thickness, and uniformity testing.
- Support product trials, process improvements, and new product introductions.
- Assist with internal audits and maintain compliance with quality standards such as ISO 9001.
- Support customer complaint investigations and corrective/preventive action activities.
- Provide technical support and training to quality technicians and production employees.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
- 2–3 years of experience in quality engineering, manufacturing quality, or textile/nonwoven production.
- Understanding of extrusion-based nonwoven manufacturing processes, including spunbond and/or meltblown technologies.
- Knowledge of textile structure-property relationships and nonwoven fabric performance characteristics.
- Understanding of polymer processing, preferably polypropylene.
- Experience with quality tools including root cause analysis, SPC, FMEA, and corrective action processes.
- Ability to interpret technical specifications, drawings, testing requirements, and customer standards.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work effectively with production and engineering teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with hygiene nonwoven applications such as diapers, wipes, medical textiles, or filtration materials.
- Familiarity with multilayer nonwoven structures such as SMS and SMMS.
- Knowledge of ASTM/ISO textile testing standards for nonwoven materials.
- Experience supporting Six Sigma or continuous improvement initiatives.
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent training.
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