Quality Engineer

Location: United States - Minneapolis, MN

Hours: Monday – Thursday; 7-4 with occational Friday

Pay: $109,500 - $72,800

With more than $1B in revenue, Tennant Company is a globally recognized leader in the cleaning equipment industry. For the past 150 years, we have been passionate about developing and manufacturing innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers. At Tennant Company, we are committed to stewardship and creating a cleaner, safer and healthier world. With manufacturing, operations and sales, service, and support functions across the globe, your journey at Tennant can take you places you never expected.

Quality Engineer II

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer II supports Tennant's commitment to Operational Excellence by driving quality improvements, reducing waste, improving process capability, and ensuring customer satisfaction. This role partners closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Product Engineering, and Production teams to identify and resolve quality issues, implement sustainable corrective actions, and strengthen manufacturing processes.

The Quality Engineer II is responsible for supporting and maintaining the site's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 requirements, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and fostering a culture of proactive quality throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Maintain and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001 requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and coordinate corrective actions resulting from audit findings.
• Facilitate documentation control, process standardization, and quality procedure maintenance.
• Monitor key quality performance indicators and communicate results to plant leadership.
• Support certification activities and ensure ongoing compliance with applicable quality standards.

• Develop and implement mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke) solutions to reduce defects and improve process reliability.
• Support and lead Kaizen events, continuous improvement projects, and employee-driven improvement initiatives.
• Share best practices and lessons learned across Tennant manufacturing locations.

Manufacturing Quality & Process Improvement

• Assembly support: Sweeper and Scrubber assembly lines
• Fabrication support: Rotomold, Machine Shop, Sheetmetal, Welding, Paint departments
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations to develop capable, repeatable, and efficient manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate process performance using statistical and data-driven methods.
• Participate in new product introduction (NPI) and product launch activities to ensure quality requirements are incorporated into manufacturing processes.
• Develop and implement standardized work instructions and process controls.
• Maintain a strong presence on the production floor to support operators, troubleshoot issues, and promote a culture of quality ownership.

Supplier & Customer Quality Support

• Review product specifications and ensure purchased materials meet quality expectations.
• Support customer quality investigations and corrective action activities as required.
• Work cross-functionally to identify containment actions and long-term corrective measures.

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

• Lead and facilitate root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, A3, 5 Why, and Fishbone Analysis.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurring quality issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, productivity, safety, and cost through Lean Manufacturing principles.

Quality Metrics & Reporting

• Analyze quality performance data and identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Prepare and communicate reports related to quality performance, corrective actions, audit results, and improvement initiatives.
• Support management reviews through the collection and presentation of quality metrics.

Technical Expertise

• Develop working knowledge of Tennant's H.E.A.T. (Hydraulics, Electrical, Adhesives, and Torque) standards and best-build practices.
• Support calibration programs and measurement system effectiveness.
• Assist in evaluating and implementing new technologies, equipment, and manufacturing processes that improve quality and productivity.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of quality engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting or maintaining an ISO 9001 quality management system.
• Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience using Lean Manufacturing principles and quality improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting audits, process documentation, and quality system compliance.
• Experience with calibration systems and measurement equipment preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or equivalent certification.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with statistical analysis and process capability methods.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) or product launch activities.
• Working knowledge of CAD drawings and engineering documentation.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively influence cross-functional teams and drive sustainable improvements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Project.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Demonstrates ownership, accountability, and integrity.
• Builds collaborative relationships across all organizational levels.
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Adapts effectively to changing priorities and business needs.
• Uses sound judgment and data-driven decision making.
• Works independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
• Maintains a customer-focused mindset and commitment to quality.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and use of hands.
• Specific vision requirements include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Safety Requirements

• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including:
• Safety glasses
• Steel-toe footwear
• Protective gloves
• Hearing protection

Total Compensation = Pay range + Benefits

Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. Tennant Sales and Service Co. reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualifications of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.  The salary range reflects both entry into the role and future growth. Total Compensation = Base Salary + Benefits

Benefits = A comprehensive benefits package including multiple medical plan options, 401(k) with a 100% match up to 6%, paid vacation time, up to 8 paid company holidays and 3 personal holidays per year, dental and vision coverage, wellness rewards, robust family support programs, company‑paid disability and life insurance, and a full Employee Assistance Program.

Defining Our Employee Value Proposition   

At Tennant Company, we…  

Discover fulfilling work with opportunities for growth and meaningful recognition. 

Drive the quality and innovation our customers rely on in our products and services. 

Connect with people who care about each other, our brands and our communities.

These are the principles that define how our employees experience Tennant Company, make Tennant a great place to grow your career, and are at the core of our legacy and future. Together, they serve as guideposts for working with our customers, our partners and one another.

Begin your journey with us. Let's reinvent how the world cleans.  

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tennant Company is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made on the basis of individual skill, ability, reliability, productivity, and other factors important to performance. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or any other basis protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.