Quality LDA

SUMMARY:

The Quality Leadership Development Associate (LDA) is a role that combines the development aspects of Parker’s Leader Development Program (LDP/Program) with the general duties of a Parker Quality Engineer. The Quality Leader LDA’s primary duties will involve championing quality initiatives at the plant level, organizing teams for value stream mapping and waste elimination across all functions, establish quality systems and procedures at the plant, identify and correct quality related product or process issues that impact our long-term future.

The Program involves a two-year rotation where the Leadership Development Associates (LDAs) will work in a variety of roles (tracks), in a competitive training and hands-on leadership program designed to provide knowledge, and experience with using their discretion and independent judgment related to their skillsets to support the business. Leadership training and development experiences throughout the initial two years with the goal to develop skillsets in supervision, team leadership, and management. While in program, rotational assignments are structured to expose participants to coaching/mentoring from other professionals from the organization, different business divisions, facilities, and managers nation-wide.

PROGRAM DETAILS:

• Duration: 2 years
• Structure: 4 rotational assignments
• Rotations' length: 6 months each
• Relocation requirements: The assignments will likely require relocation. Geographic flexibility is required during the program
• Onsite Work

SCOPE/SUPERVISION AND INTERACTION:

____ Has Direct Reports __X__ Does Not Have Direct Reports

Some contact with applicants.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

In addition to various leadership development activities and tasks related to the Program, the LDA will perform direct responsibilities related to the rotational Lean Leader assignment, including, but not limited to:

Lean Leader Track:

• Lead and guide Lean initiatives within the Plant. Works with plant level management on Lean process projects using lean tools and metrics. Assists in the development of a Lean Strategy to be implemented plant-wide.
• The Plant Lean Leader will coordinate initiatives at the plant and trains associates how to continually eliminate waste.
• Ensure that steering committees and teams are established at the location and are implementing the Lean principles, techniques, and methodologies according to Corporate requirements. Technologies and methodologies include Value Steam Mapping, Cellular Manufacturing, Kanban Pull Systems, Quick Changeover, design for lean, one-piece flow, inventory reduction, site tracking centers etc.
• Provide effective change management, leadership, and optimization in implementing the corporate WIN strategy across the Plant. Serves as a catalyst for successful and sustained lean implementation.
• Ensure on-going education of all employees at the Plant in Lean.
• Promote a Continuous Learning environment.
• Understand the current culture by reviewing existing documentation of policies and procedures.
• Work with all operating disciplines by using value stream management to develop a master plan of meeting the goals of Lean.

Quality Engineer Track

• Assesses quality performance (or cost-of-quality) using Sig-Sigma and Green Belt tools and problem-solving methods.
• Develops and establishes quality systems and procedures, inspection plans, quality performance trends, statistical plans, cost estimates and technical quality plans for proposals. Ensures that project and/or process control documentation is compliant with requirements and/or contract.
• Identifies quality performance, trends, and corrective action by coordinating with customers and suppliers. Ensures compliance to specified quality requirements by performing in-house and supplier audits and surveys. Develops and initiates programs to improve supplier performance.
• Prepares reports by collecting, interpreting, analyzing, and summarizing data and making recommendations. Analyzes proposed changes in methods and materials. Compiles and writes training material and conducts training sessions. On quality control activities.
• Refines and enhances products and processes by applying continuous improvement and key lean manufacturing/production principles and techniques to critical areas of production.
• Represents company by interfacing with customers, assisting with internal and external audits. May act as main contact in audit. Develops and coordinates corrective action procedures and plans.
• Communicates and educates Value Stream Team on matters requiring specialized knowledge of quality functions, i.e., Production Approval Process (PPAP), Advanced Product Quality Process (APQP), and document control.
• Makes quality-related customer and vendor visits and contacts as required.

Value Stream Team Leader Track

• Ownership of Value Stream P&L’s including cost analysis and opportunities, product line margin, PPV goals and manufacturing productivity.
• Responsible for POP implementation and long-term manufacturing strategies.
• Operational leadership including successful Lean implementation resulting in productivity gains.
• Leads the Value Stream in daily operations and continuous improvements which include but are not limited to supply chain production control, establishing manufacturing priorities, coordination of activities with off -shift management and order shipments. Emphasizes the creation of continuous product flow, utilize pull systems where flow is not currently possible, and works to level the workload.
• Creates the basis for continuous improvement and employee empowerment by ensuring that standardized work/processes are followed, countermeasures implemented, and the area is compliant with safety requirements.
• Instills and maintains a positive can-do team atmosphere within the Value Stream; holding regular team meetings and assigning team members tasks and coordinate support services needed outside the team. Utilizes PDCA in conjunction with the Tracking Centers and Team Improvement Boards to ensure results.
• Ensures Value Stream Leaders provide effective cross-training for the Value Stream Associates, including backups from other areas, to assure a continuous smooth running Value Stream. This training is the foundation of a culture that stops to fix problems in order to get quality right the first time.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a focus in Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
• Graduation before June 2026
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Working knowledge of lean concepts and demonstrated application.
• Relevant experience gained through internship or co-op opportunities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; project management experience preferred.
• Must be willing and able to relocate.

This role is subject to compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which requires the incumbent to be either a US citizen, lawful permanent resident [“green card” holders] or have refugee or asylee status).

COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION:

• Pay Range: $60,600/annually to $115,000/annually reflecting variations based on experience, qualifications, and geographic location.
• Participation in Annual Incentive Program

BENEFIT & RETIREMENT PLANS:

Parker offers competitive benefit programs, including:

• Comprehensive coverage for medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, voluntary optional life, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and critical illness insurance with competitive premium cost.
• 401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay
• Company provided defined-contribution retirement plan with annual contribution equal to 3% of pay
• Career development and tuition reimbursement
• Other benefits including paid parental leave, short and long-term disability programs, adoption assistance, a Care.com membership and financial planning assistance are provided at no cost to you.
• Supplemental benefit programs including identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness are available at competitive rates.
• Paid Time Off and Company-Paid Holidays.
• Relocation benefits as applicable

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

The essential functions have been provided as examples of the type of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. The Company reserves the right to modify the work assignments and/or to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. It is intended to describe the general nature of the position.