Quality Engineer (Pickling, HRS)

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 16949).

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.