Principal Engineer Quality Automation & Inspection (m/f/d)

• Lead the identification, testing, design, and development of innovative automation solutions to measure product dimensions and inspect for defects
• Lead the move to integrate inspection equipment into automated production lines
• Scale developed solutions to production
• Initiate, lead, and coordinate improvements and lean waste reduction of existing processes
• Work with site SMEs to validate solutions, including the preparation of validation documentation, execution of validation protocols, and triaging of unexpected events
• Ensure that procedures and systems are in place to introduce new processes and equipment
• Support training and development of personnel on new processes and systems
• Harmonize best practices by assessing current process status in all relevant West locations globally, defining best practices, performing gap analyses, and managing the harmonization
• Interface with customers and suppliers on new and existing inspection and quality projects
• Support global data integrity alignment projects for inspection equipment
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Conduct data trend analyses to identify short-range and long-range patterns to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in budgeting and business planning activities
• Prepare data / presentations and attend quality review meetings with senior leadership
• Ensure compliance with cGMPs, FDA and other regulations as necessary
• Abide by all regulations, policies, work procedures, instructions, and all safety rules

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in a technical discipline such as engineering or equivalent experience required
• Several years of experience in technical or engineering field
• Very good knowledge of manufacturing automation and the development of quality plans for high-speed manufacturing
• Knowledge of machine control systems and integrated manufacturing control
• Excellent interpersonal skills: good team player and individual contributor as well
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to troubleshoot issues and identify root causes
• Experience in automation industry
• Knowledge of ISO / ASME GD&T requirements, interpreting 2D engineering drawingsand 3D models
• Proven experience of statistical methods (Measurement System Analysis (MSA), equivalence, design of experiments)
• Experience using Six Sigma and SPC tools and techniques
• Experience with ISO 9000 standards and GMPs
• ASQ certification is highly desired
• Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Graduate degree (MS)
• Knowledge of AI-based vision tools and deep learning defect detections
• Experience with AI/ML-based vision systems
• Able to be aware of all relevant SOPs as per company policy as they are related to the position covered by this job description
• Engineering – General \ ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE or CQA) Upon Hire preferred
• Manufacturing / Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Upon Hire preferred
• Manufacturing / Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Upon Hire preferred
• Adaptable to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands and deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events
• Ability to work well with others in a variety of situations
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and overall quality of work
• Ability to multi-task, work under time constraints, solve problems, and prioritize
• Ability to make independent and sound judgments
• Observe and interpret situations, analyze and solve problems
• Effectively communicate and interface with various levels internally and with customers
• Physical requirements: light exerting up to 20lbs / 9kg of force frequentlyand / or negligible amount of force frequently / constantly to move objects Travel requirements: 20%: up to 52 business days per year

What sets us apart?

• Internationality – As an American company, we live a global cooperation within international structures
• Philanthropy – We value an appreciative and friendly work environment as well as flat hierarchies
• Market-appropriate remuneration – We offer an attractive, market-oriented remuneration, including company social benefits and purchasing benefits
• Social engagement – We support local aid organizations through various actions organized by our employees
• Diversity – We at West value the wide range of our employees who make up our company
• Safety – Occupational safety is our highest priority; we offer secure jobs in a sustainable industry
• Development opportunities – Our employees benefit from an extensive range of trainings as well as from a constant and targeted employee development
• Family-friendly culture – We attach great importance to reconciling private life and work; flexible working hours are definitely a matter for us