Budnick Converting ®
Quality Systems Engineer
Budnick Converting, Inc., headquartered in Columbia, IL (in the St. Louis, MO metropolitan area), is a privately held and female owned corporation. Budnick’s primary focus is specialty converting of adhesive coated tapes and foams. Budnick remains on the leading edge of adhesive tape converting technology; currently utilizing over 70 die-cutting, slitting, laminating, printing (including flexographic printing), label making and spooling machines to convert materials into labor saving customized parts. For more information on Budnick, please visit our website at www.budnick.com.
POSITION PURPOSE: The Quality Systems Engineer provides technical leadership and support in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company’s quality management systems. This role ensures compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100D, and IATF 16949 standards, serving as a subject matter expert in First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation. The engineer drives root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions using advanced quality tools, supports material testing and dimensional inspection activities, and facilitates process development and documentation. Additionally, the role includes training cross-functional teams to strengthen quality awareness and system adherence across the organization.
QUANTITATIVE DATA: Must be able to remain in stationary sitting position for 50% of the time. Must be able to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer. This position requires frequent communication with customers, vendors and other employees; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. Must have the ability to visually inspect parts.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Contribute to the advancement and maintenance of the company’s ISO 9001 quality management system, supporting internal audits, documentation control, and continuous improvement activities in alignment with certification requirements.
- Serve as the technical lead for AS9102D First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs), including documentation, review, and submission processes aligned with aerospace customer requirements.
- Act as the point person for IATF 16949 Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation, coordinating with cross-functional inputs, customer submissions, and evaluating internal readiness.
- Lead and support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) using structured quality tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, FMEA, and Control Plans.
- Support internal production-related aspects of the Customer Feedback System, including product evaluations, root cause investigations, corrective actions, and contributing to trend analysis. Coordinate with the Quality Systems Manager who oversees overall customer feedback.
- Use statistical methods (SPC, process capability studies, trend analysis) to monitor and improve product and process quality.
- Lead or support the qualification of new equipment, processes, or systems by creating and executing structured protocols utilizing IQ/OQ/PQ methodologies.
- Perform and support material testing and dimensional inspections to verify compliance with specifications, drawing requirements, and customer standards.
- Develop, maintain, and control QMS documentation, including policy, process, procedures, forms, and records, ensuring alignment with corrective actions and process changes.
- Identify and lead process improvement initiatives and kaizen activities across departments, collaborating with teams to implement changes that enhance quality, efficiency, and compliance.
- Deliver training on quality systems, standards, tools, and procedures to employees at all levels, fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
- Generate and manage quality documentation, including Certificates of Conformance (CoCs), Corrective Action Reports (CARs), PPAPs, FAIRs, IMDS submissions, and calibration records.
- Support change management activities by evaluating the quality impact and risk associated with engineering, process, or supplier changes and ensuring proper documentation and validation.
- Ensure all duties are performed safely, promoting a high level of safety awareness and adherence to company safety policies.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supports the development of long- and short-term Company strategies & implements the plans developed. Communicates ideals and accomplishments to the management team.
- Ensures compliance with operation standards, department policies, company directives and assists with other projects and tasks as required by management.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments. Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel and Visio. Familiarity with ASME Y14.5 for interpreting engineering drawings and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). Competency in using measurement tools, optical CMMs and interpreting inspection data.
Ability: Conduct business professionally and courteously across all levels of the organization. Effectively manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment. Interpret and apply quality standards and procedures accurately. Communicate technical information clearly in both written and verbal formats.
Education: High School diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field preferred. Formal training or coursework in ISO 9001, AS9100D, and/or IATF 16949 standards are highly desirable. Preferred certification from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) in one or more of the following: Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Technician (CQT), or Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) or higher.
Experience: Prior experience in quality engineering or quality systems role within a manufacturing environment. Hands-on experience with PPAP, FAIR documentation, internal audits, and root cause analysis tools. Exposure to material testing, dimensional inspection, and process validation activities.
Hours: 8:00am – 4:30pm (in-office position)
FLSA Class: Exempt
Reports To: Quality Systems Manager
Salary: $68,000 - $100,000 per year depending on experience
BENEFITS: We offer a full-benefit package including the following benefits that are paid 100% by the company: vacation, holidays, $25,000 in life insurance and short-term and long-term disability benefits. We also offer medical (premium cost shared with the company – we pay 99% of premiums for employee basic plan), dental & vision insurance. Insurance benefits start the 1st of the month after 60 days of employment. 401K retirement plan with a company match of 25% of the 1st 6% the employee contributes (match starts bi-annually after 1 year of employment). Reimbursement of travel expenses that includes meals, flights, rental cars, gas and hotels. Profit sharing starts after an employee has been with the company for 3 full years.
Our work environment includes:
Modern office setting
Casual work attire
Regular social events
Relaxed atmosphere
On-the-job training
On-site work out equipment
Safe work environment
Interested Candidates should apply on-line at www.budnick.com, under About Us - Careers.
Equal Opportunity Employer
THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY PEOPLE ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL JOB DUTIES PERFORMED BY THE PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.
Location:
340 Parkway Drive
Columbia, IL 62236
Hours:
M-F 8am - 4:30pm CST