One of the things that makes engineering so unique is that if projects don’t live up to exacting standards, they are at best useless, and at worst dangerous. Ensuring that things are precisely the way they are supposed to be is the responsibility of quality engineers, and they have one of the most important jobs in the entire field. If you think you are up to the task, this could be a rewarding career path for you to pursue.
Job Description
The specific responsibilities of quality engineers vary widely depending on the company they work for, but they are generally responsible for establishing standards of quality, testing products to make sure they meet those standards, and then identifying the causes when they fall short of the standards. Quality engineers work on a wide range of projects, but they primarily focus on manufacturing and are a mainstay in factories across the world. Producers of everything from automobiles, to textiles, to food products rely on these professionals to ensure that everything that rolls off the assembly line is identical and perfect.
Educational Requirements
It is possible to secure entry-level positions as a quality engineer by having an associate degree, but these will typically be low paying, and without further education, there will be no possibility for advancement. Having a bachelor’s degree in quality, mechanical, or industrial engineering will be the minimum requirement for most positions, and higher level jobs will require a graduate degree. Companies will privilege quality engineers that have past experience in their particular industry, but the skills typically translate regardless of what is being manufactured.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for industrial engineers – a category that typically encompasses quality engineers – is roughly average. The field is expected to grow by 5 percent by 2022, adding 10,100 new jobs. The current median salary is $78,860 per year or approximately $37.92 per hour. While this level of growth is not overwhelming, quality engineers will be a necessity for as long as we rely on manufactured goods.
Job Vacancy
A company in Newnan, GA is currently looking for a quality engineer with specific skills in reliability engineering. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering, six years of relevant experience, and a strong ability to multitask. It is preferred that the candidate have supervisory experience and deep familiarity with ISO 9001. To learn more about this opportunity, click here.
Find job vacancies in a wide range of engineering fields by contacting the Georgia engineering staffing experts at Selectek.
