Quality & EHS Engineer
Sandvik · Greer
Walter Tools has an opportunity for a Quality Engineer at our Greer, South Carolina production facility. This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports, focused on the hands-on quality engineering work that keeps our solid carbide drill manufacturing and reconditioning operations running to specification. Working closely with the Quality Manager and cross-functional partners in Operations and Engineering, the Quality Engineer inspects product, investigates nonconformances, and drives corrective action and process improvements on the production floor. The ideal candidate brings solid manufacturing quality experience in a precision machining environment, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and a collaborative, hands-on approach.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Engineering & Inspection
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to reduce defects, scrap, and cost of poor quality using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone)
- Maintain and support continuous improvement of the site's ISO 9001 Quality Management System documentation and audit readiness
- Support supplier qualification activities and track supplier corrective action requests through to closure
- Partner with Operations and Engineering to improve process capability, grinding and coating quality, and reconditioning consistency
- Collect, monitor, and report quality KPIs including scrap rate & cost, rework cost, and customer complaints
- Apply carbide tool inspection standards, CNC grinding tolerances, coating quality, and reconditioning service acceptance criteria
- Investigate customer complaints, document findings, and help implement preventive actions to eliminate recurrence
- Support new product introduction (NPI) and production transfers by developing inspection plans and supporting process validation
- Perform incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities to verify product conformity for solid carbide drills and reconditioned tools as needed
Continuous Improvement
- Participate in and support Lean and continuous improvement projects across manufacturing, reconditioning, and support functions
- Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen tools to reduce waste, cycle time, and variability in production processes
- Contribute to cross-functional CI teams and support the development of problem-solving capability on the floor
- Track and report progress on assigned CI projects, including operational and financial impact
- Support benchmarking of best practices across Walter and Sandvik global sites and help implement relevant improvements at Greer
Environment, Health & Safety (EHS)
- Follow all site EHS procedures and support a zero-accident safety culture aligned with Sandvik's vision of zero workplace accidents
- Participate in safety meetings, audits, risk assessments, and hazard identification walks across manufacturing and reconditioning areas
- Support incident investigations using root cause analysis methodologies and help implement corrective and preventive actions
- Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local EHS regulations (OSHA, EPA) as well as Sandvik and Walter internal EHS standards
- Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials used in solid carbide grinding operations, including coolants, grinding oils, and carbide dust
Your Profile
● Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing preferred); or
equivalent experience in a precision manufacturing environment
● 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing quality in a precision machining, cutting tool, or
similar high-precision environment
- Solid understanding of CNC processes, or reconditioning services is a strong advantage
- Demonstrated experience applying root cause analysis, corrective action, and process
improvement tools
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 QMS requirements
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, or similar); strong written and oral
communication skills in English
Preferred Qualifications
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT)
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification
- Lean certification or demonstrated experience participating in Lean transformation projects
- Experience working within a global manufacturing group
Technical Skills & Competencies
- Root Cause Analysis: 8D, Fishbone, 5-Why
- Lean tools: Value Stream Mapping, KANBAN, SMED, 5S, Kaizen
- Statistical Process Control (SPC) and process capability analysis
- Metrology, inspection systems, and measurement equipment used in precision tool
manufacturing
- Strong data analysis and reporting capabilities (Excel, Power BI, or similar)
- Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP preferred) for quality and nonconformance tracking