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Early Career- Quality Engineer

Date: Jan 7, 2026

Location(s):

Johnson City, TN, US, 37601

Company: A. O. Smith Corporation

Hybrid, Onsite or Remote: Onsite

Company / Location Information

Primary Function

The Quality Engineering Early Career program offers individuals the opportunity to gain comprehensive experience and knowledge within A. O. Smith’s quality engineering disciplines that support the business. The program spans approximately 15 - 18 months, providing hands-on experience through rotations in key quality functional areas. Each rotation lasts around 5 - 6 months, though the duration may vary based on the role and skills being developed. Participants will engage in a mentoring program with functional leaders and present their progress to the leadership team at the end of each rotation. Upon successful completion, participants will transition into a quality engineering role that aligns with their skills, career goals, and business needs.

Growth & Development:

The program is designed to equip candidates with the tools necessary to fast-track their career growth and become a valued member of A.O. Smith. Through extensive exposure to various quality engineering disciplines, participants will gain unique skills, understand the business, and build a broad network across the company to maximize their potential. Participants will also benefit from additional career development and support through the following opportunities:

Mentor Program:

The candidate will be partnered with a dedicated mentor that will provide coaching and guidance throughout the program.

Professional Development:

The candidate will benefit from various professional development opportunities, including:

+ Presenting to business leadership at the end of rotations, highlighting completed projects, acquired skills, and key lessons learned

+ Participating in formal classroom training on topics such as project management, presentation skills, quality management systems, quality engineering techniques, and more

+ Gaining product / process knowledge and an understanding of product applications

Responsibilities

+ Performs routine quality engineering tasks using standard techniques under supervision.

+ Provides entry level support to the senior engineer / supervisor.

+ Performs a supervised role in ensuring that the company's and customers’ requirements are met on assigned products, programs, areas, or functions.

+ Develop competence in quality engineering methods by performing structured work assignments.

+ Monitor and assist in the implementation of internal quality controls and testing to meet quality procedures and norms.

+ Participate in Quality System assessments / audits (1st / 2nd / 3rd party) as assigned.

+ Prepare quality analysis and provide input to recommend necessary changes to quality procedures.

+ Participate in root cause analysis to determine the cause of quality problems and implement corrective and preventative actions under supervision.

+ Perform any other activities as needed or as directed.

+ Exemplify professional conduct in accordance with AOS Values

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

+ + B.S. in Engineering or Engineering Technology (seeking upcoming / recent graduates): Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Mechatronics Engineering preferred.

+ 0-2 years of applicable experience in or exposure to manufacturing, quality, and technical environments (would consider intern/co-op experience)

+ Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

+ Strong communication and leadership abilities

+ Must be open to relocation within the United States

+ Travel may be required (up to ~40%) as necessary.

+ Ability to work independently and as a team to meet deadlines and goals

Preferred Qualifications:

+ + Prior internship / co-op experience in a manufacturing setting strongly preferred

+ Exposure to blueprint interpretation and metrology methods are a plus

+ Knowledge of statistical analysis methods a plus

+ Exposure to Minitab (equivalent statistical analysis software) and Microsoft Office a plus

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.

#LI-Onsite

#LI-AO

ADA Statement & EEO Statement

In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.

Nearest Major Market:Asheville

Nearest Secondary Market:Knoxville