Quality Engineer

1. Job Purpose

To ensure product quality and process consistency across the Pickling Line, Slitting Line, and Cut-to-Length (CTL) operations by monitoring production parameters, conducting inspections, analyzing defects, and implementing quality improvement initiatives in line with customer specifications and industry standards.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Pickling Line (HRPO / CRPO Processing)

• Monitor pickling parameters (acid concentration, temperature, line speed, and dwell time).
• Ensure proper surface cleaning (removal of scale, rust, oil, and contaminants).

• Conduct routine inspections of strip quality such as:

• Surface defects (pitting, stains, scale marks, rust)

• Thickness variation
• Edge conditions

• Coil shape & flatness

• Coordinate with lab for acid bath analysis and ensure correct acid ratios.

• Ensure proper rinsing, drying, and oiling (if required).
• Identify abnormalities like over-pickling, under-pickling, or strip breakage, and take corrective actions.

B. Slitting Line

• Verify slitting width as per customer specifications.
• Ensure correct knife setup, tooling selection, and slitter head alignment.

• Inspect slit coils for:

• Burr control

• Camber
• Edge waves
• Coil tightness

• Telescoping

• Monitor line speed and tension to avoid scratches, dents, or coil deformation.

• Perform first-off and in-process inspection and maintain proper QC records.
• Validate coil packaging quality (strapping, identification tags, rust prevention).

C. Cut-to-Length (CTL) Line

• Verify sheet/plate dimensions:

• Length

• Width
• Thickness

• Diagonal accuracy

• Inspect sheets for:

• Buckling

• Dent marks
• Surface rust
• Burrs

• Edge defects

• Maintain tolerances as per IS/ASTM/DIN/Customer Specifications.

• Coordinate with operators for correct leveler setting, tension control, and shearing parameters.
• Perform sampling, gauge checks, flatness measurement, and surface inspection.

3. Quality Control & Documentation

• Prepare and maintain QC inspection reports and control charts for each stage.
• Implement SPC (Statistical Process Control) and monitor capability indices.
• Prepare customer inspection reports, test certificates, and deviation documents.
• Maintain incoming, in-process, and final inspection records.
• Ensure compliance with QMS (ISO 9001 or IATF

4. Defect Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and analyze defects such as:

• Black spots, staining, scratch marks

• Edge cracks, slitting burrs
• Under/over-pickling

• Flatness defects (waviness, buckling)

• Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) using tools like:

• 5 Why

• Fishbone

• Pareto analysis

• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, and Process teams to improve yield and reduce rejection.
• Drive Kaizen/5S initiatives in quality areas.

5. Coordination

• Liaise with customers for technical clarifications and quality concerns.
• Coordinate with suppliers for raw material quality issues.
• Support production planning for quality-related instructions.
• Assist in internal and external audits.

6. Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of steel processing: pickling, slitting, CTL operations.
• Knowledge of steel grades, HR/CR processes, coil handling.
• Familiarity with quality tools: SPC, MSA, CAPA, 7 QC Tools.
• Understanding of measurement tools: micrometer, vernier, straight edge, dial gauge, pit gauge.
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead quality implementation on shop floor.

7. Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma / B.Tech in Mechanical / Metallurgy / Production Engineering.
• 510 years of experience in pickling, slitting, CTL, or steel processing industry.
• Exposure to ISO/IATF quality systems.
• Practical shop floor experience is essential.