Quality Assurance / Quality Control Engineer (Joinery)

Job Title: QA/QC Engineer / Quality Manager (Joinery)

Department: Quality

Reports To: Technical Director, Operations Director, or Head of Manufacturing

Job Purpose:

The QA/QC Engineer is the guardian of quality throughout the entire joinery process. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and auditing quality management systems to prevent defects (QA) and for inspecting materials, processes, and final products to identify and rectify non-conformities (QC). The goal is to ensure every item leaving the workshop or installed on site meets or exceeds the defined standards of craftsmanship, material integrity, and design specification.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality System Management (QA):
Develop, document, and maintain the company's Quality Management System (QMS).
Establish and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all critical processes in design, planning, workshop, and installation.
Conduct internal audits of processes to ensure compliance with the QMS and identify areas for improvement.
Manage non-conformance reports (NCRs), lead root cause analysis (RCA), and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Inspection & Testing (QC):
Perform incoming quality checks on all raw materials (timber, sheet goods, veneers, hardware) against specifications.
Conduct in-process inspections at key stages of manufacture (e.g., after machining, before assembly, before finishing).
Execute rigorous final inspections on completed joinery items in the workshop and on installed items on site.
Use precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, levels, laser levels) to verify dimensions, tolerances, and alignments.
Standards & Compliance:
Act as the expert on relevant industry standards, material standards, and client-specific quality requirements.
Ensure all work complies with contractual specifications, drawings, and sample approvals.
Maintain detailed and accurate quality records, inspection reports, and certificates.
Training & Culture:
Train production and installation staff on quality standards, inspection criteria, and the importance of their role in quality.
Promote a company-wide culture of quality and continuous improvement.
Liaise with workshop planners and project engineers to feedback on recurring issues and improve designs for manufacturability and installability.

Skills & Qualifications:

Essential: Proven experience in a QA/QC role within joinery, high-end furniture, or precision manufacturing.
Essential: Deep understanding of wood technology, joinery construction, finishes, and their potential defects.
Essential: Expertise in quality management principles, inspection techniques, and metrology.
Essential: Meticulous attention to detail and a methodical, evidence-based approach.
Desirable: Formal qualification in Quality Management (e.g., CQI/IRCA), Engineering, or Wood Sciences.
Desirable: Experience with ISO 9001 implementation and auditing.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams).
Strong communication skills, with the ability to be assertive and diplomatic.
Proficient in using QA/QC software and MS Office.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control Engineer (Joinery) jobs

Quality Assurance / Quality Control Engineer (Joinery)