What the work is
A quality engineer makes sure products meet requirements: standards, the contract and the customer’s expectations. They design inspection plans, organise incoming checks of raw materials and testing of finished goods, investigate the causes of defects and complaints, introduce corrective actions and maintain the quality management system, for example under ISO 9001.
A typical day
Analysing the week’s defect statistics. A meeting on a customer complaint: containment measures and a root-cause search with the “5 whys”. Inspecting a batch of parts from a supplier. Training operators on a new inspection template. Preparing for an internal process audit.
How to start
- Learn metrology, tolerances and statistical quality control.
- Get to know ISO 9001 and tools such as the fishbone diagram, 8D and FMEA.
- Do an internship in a plant’s laboratory or quality control department.
- Build attention to detail and the ability to talk about problems calmly.
Related professions
Production technologist, mechanical engineer, auditor, occupational safety engineer.