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Quality Engineer/Specialist

Apogee Enterprises · Wausau, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 11, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Walk me through a root cause and corrective action you led for a product or process defect.

What they are checking: Rigor in RCCA, including verifying the fix worked, rather than closing the action once a cause is written down.

Tell me about a time you worked with the customer-facing quality team or a customer directly on a complaint.

What they are checking: How they communicate about defects with customers, staying honest and factual while protecting the relationship.

How do you get operators to care about quality checks when they're under pressure to hit output?

What they are checking: Whether they build quality into the work with the floor, rather than policing it from the outside.

Tell me about a time a corrective action you put in place did not work. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Honesty about misses and whether they go back and dig deeper rather than defending the first answer.

What would you do

Customer quality data shows a rising number of complaints about finish defects. How would you use that data to find the problem?

What they are checking: Ability to work backward from field data to a process cause, using Pareto, trend and stratification.

Production wants to ship a lot that is borderline on a spec. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they hold the standard while finding a practical path, like a documented deviation or customer approval.

What would you do in your first 90 days to understand the quality risks in your assigned area?

What they are checking: How they learn a new process, through gemba walks, data review and talking to operators, before making changes.

About the work

Explain the difference between quality assurance and quality control in a way a new operator would understand.

What they are checking: Whether they truly see QA as preventing defects and QC as catching them, which shapes how they spend their time.

How would you set up a system of process and product audits for an area like extrusion, finishing or fabrication?

What they are checking: Whether they can design audits that catch real risk and get followed, not just generate checklists.

What quality tools do you use most, such as FMEA, control plans, SPC or MSA? Tell me about one you applied.

What they are checking: Real hands-on use of quality tools and whether they apply them to drive decisions, not just to satisfy audits.

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The full job description

As published by Apogee Enterprises.

Apogee Architectural Metals Apogee Architectural Metals is a segment of Apogee specializing in aluminum framing, windows, storefront, curtainwall, and entrance systems. We provide integrated capabilities, including design, engineering, extrusion, finishing, fabrication and assembly, across North America. Through our brands including Alumicor, EFCO, Linetec, Tubelite, and Wausau, we deliver quality, consistency, and value-added services throughout our portfolio. Position Summary The Quality Engineer/Specialist is responsible for ensuring all products and processes meet established quality standards and customer specifications . This involves a combination of quality assurance (QA) , which focuses on defect prevention, and quality control , which involves inspecting finished products. The role is crucial for maintaining compliance with industry regulations and driving continuous improvement in the manufacturing process. Key Responsibilities • Help in the development and deployment of the quality assurance plan for their assigned areas of responsibility. • Oversee a system of process and product audits to ensure compliance with standards. • Lead Root Cause and Corrective Action activities for product/process defects related to assigned areas of responsibility. • Interact with the customer-facing Quality organization as needed. Utilizes customer quality data to guide process improvement efforts. • Support the containment and analysis of Supplier Quality issues aligned with the Architectural Metals Supplier Quality Lead. • Participate and/or lead in continuous improvement activities in assigned areas of responsibility. • Assist in the implementation of the Quality Management System within Architectural Metals. Experience & Skills Education and Experience • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering* • Bachelor’s Degree in a related field OR, • Minimum 3 years’ experience in a quality assurance or technical field • *Candidates with an accredited engineering degree will be designated as Quality Engineers; candidates without an engineering degree who perform similar responsibilities will be designated as Quality Specialists. Required Skills: • Working knowledge of quality management tools such as root cause analysis • Ability to read drawings. • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills • Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) Preferred Skills: • Familiarity with Lean/Continuous Improvement concepts Work Environment/Travel Requirements Mostly an office environment with occasional visits to the manufacturing floor. The noise levels in the work environment are usually moderate. Travel: Occasional travel related to other sites / corporate office. This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Our Benefits We care about and invest in our employees. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being and foster professional development. Here is a glimpse of what you can look forward to if you join our team. • Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability) • Incentive Plans • 401(k) with employer contribution and match • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match • Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement Program • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Wellness Program • Training and Career Progression Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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