Job Description
Manufacturing Engineer / Quality Manager
Location: Tea, SD
Department: Engineering & Quality
Reports To: Manufacturing Engineering Manager
FLSA: Exempt
Build the STRONGER STANDARD.
DeGeest is growing and looking for a Quality Manager to lead quality assurance and quality control within our Steel Works division. We are a leading resource for manufacturers seeking excellence in Steel Works, Automation, and Finishing.
At DeGeest, our employees are our greatest asset. We Collaborate. We Think. We Do. If you are passionate about precision, process excellence, and building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, we encourage you to apply.
Position Overview
The Quality Manager is a technical leader responsible for developing, implementing, and managing all quality systems within our metal fabrication operations. This role ensures our products and processes meet customer specifications, industry standards (including AWS and ISO), and regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement across systems, documentation, and culture.
This leader brings strong expertise in manufacturing engineering and metal fabrication, with advanced capability in blueprint interpretation, weld codes, inspection planning, testing methodologies, and corrective action implementation.
The Quality Manager plays a critical role in supporting revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency by ensuring we consistently deliver high-quality fabricated components and weldments—on time and at competitive cost.
What You’ll Do
Quality Leadership & Strategy
Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).
Align systems with industry standards such as AWS D1.1, AWS D14.3, and ISO 9001.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives.
Develop and manage internal and external non-conformance processes.
Interpret blueprints, weld callouts, tolerances, and technical specifications to verify compliance.
Conduct customer site visits and collaborate with customer quality teams.
Lead, coach, and evaluate quality personnel including CWIs and inspection staff.
Promote a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement.
Support hiring, training, employee development, and compensation recommendations aligned with the DeGeest Wage Matrix.
Champion and model the DeGeest Stronger Standard.
Inspection & Testing Excellence
Oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspections for fabricated components and weldments.
Design inspection plans including sampling methodology, risk assessments, and testing requirements.
Ensure proper calibration and use of measuring equipment (calipers, micrometers, gauges, CMMs, etc.).
Monitor weld quality and ensure compliance with customer and industry standards.
Reference destructive and non-destructive testing standards when appropriate.
Manage welder qualifications and certification documentation.
Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to ensure equipment and systems produce consistent, quality results.
First Article & New Part Onboarding
Lead the First Article process for new parts and customers.
Establish timelines, milestones, and clear communication with internal teams and customers.
Review prints and specifications prior to production launch.
Oversee testing and validation procedures for first article components.
Prepare and deliver complete first article documentation packages.
Track and report KPIs related to onboarding efficiency and success rates.
Documentation & Continuous Improvement
Maintain accurate inspection reports, non-conformance logs, and audit documentation.
Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Manage quality documentation within the ERP Quality module.
Collaborate with engineering on document control and revision management.
Support vendor quality reporting and supplier scorecard initiatives.
Identify process improvements to reduce waste, improve cycle time, and enhance product quality.
Safety, Systems & Collaboration
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
Train team members on quality and compliance standards.
Utilize DeGeest’s operating system for tracking work orders, inventory movement, and documentation.
Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, production, procurement, and programming teams.
Drive operational excellence within the Steel Works division.
What You Bring
Experience
5+ years of quality leadership experience in metal fabrication, welding, machining, or related manufacturing.
5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience preferred.
Strong knowledge of welding, cutting, forming, machining, finishing, and assembly processes.
Experience with AWS D1.1 and ISO 9001 (or similar systems).
Technical Skills
Advanced knowledge of weld codes and industry standards.
Strong blueprint and specification interpretation skills.
Experience with ERP systems and quality data management tools.
Certifications such as Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), CQE, or CQA preferred.
Professional Skills
Strong leadership and coaching abilities.
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
High attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Ability to adapt and manage multiple priorities.
Commitment to continued development through the DeGeest Stronger Standard Program.
Education
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position operates within a manufacturing environment and may include:
Frequent standing and movement throughout production areas.
Exposure to loud noise, moving mechanical parts, heat, and fabrication environments.
Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
Use of measuring tools, inspection equipment, and ERP systems.
Why DeGeest?
At DeGeest, quality is not a department—it is a standard.
We build strong teams.
We build strong systems.
We build a Stronger Standard.
If you are ready to lead quality with excellence and help shape the future of Steel Works at DeGeest, we encourage you to apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer
DeGeest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected status as defined by law.