Job Description

Lead Quality Engineer – Adient Lakewood Plant

Key Responsibilities

Quality Leadership & Performance Management

• Weld Cut & Etch Knowledge and Experience (Leading a team of technicians is even better)

• Able to Support Leading Floor Quality Technicians at times

• Lead and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, process capability, and operational efficiency.

• Serve as the senior technical authority for resolving complex customer and supplier concerns using structured methodologies (8D, Kepner‑Tregoe, etc.).

• Ensure full compliance with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements across all quality deliverables.

• Lead cross‑functional quality reviews and drive rapid containment, corrective action, and preventive action activities.

APQP, Launch Support & Program Leadership

• Lead the preparation, review, and submission of complete PPAP packages, ensuring accuracy and on‑time approval.

• Drive supplier APQP readiness, ensuring suppliers meet all quality, documentation, and launch requirements.

• Serve as a key quality leader for new program launches, ensuring process validation, readiness, and deliverable completion.

• Coordinate and lead customer-facing reviews on APQP timing, engineering changes, and open issues.

Gage, Process Control & Statistical Expertise

• Oversee, validate, and approve gage studies (Gage R&R, Bias, Linearity, Stability) prior to production use or after engineering changes.

• Lead the development, maintenance, and auditing of Control Plans, Inspection Plans, and Containment Plans.

• Support PFMEA development and ensure alignment between PFMEA, Control Plan, and shop‑floor documentation.

• Utilize advanced statistical tools and coach the team on SPC methodologies, data-driven decision making, and proper statistical application.

Customer & Supplier Interface

• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned customers, managing all quality-related communication and escalations.

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through proactive updates, rapid responsiveness, and professional communication.

• Coordinate sorting, rework, or on-site containment activities when required.

• Travel to customer sites (10–25%) to support issue resolution and represent the plant quality organization.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide day‑to‑day leadership to Quality Technicians, Cut & Etch Operators, and junior Quality Engineers.

• Assign tasks, review work quality, and implement corrective action when needed.

• Mentor and train team members on problem‑solving, quality systems, customer portals, and plant processes.

• Support the Quality Manager with strategic planning and departmental improvement initiatives.

Systems, Documentation & Technical Support

• Lead the creation, maintenance, and auditing of quality documentation including ODS, Control Plans, and compliance requirements.

• Use customer systems such as Stellantis PRISM, GM PRR, Ford WERS, Honda NARS, and others as required.

• Approve post‑SOP supplier PPAPs and verify supplier compliance.

• Support process validation and capability studies for critical and significant characteristics.

Additional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with HSE and Manufacturing Engineering to ensure safe, efficient work practices.

• Complete all required training mandated by Adient and OEM customers.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Quality Manager.

• Exercise independent judgment in situations not fully defined by established procedures.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required (or equivalent technical experience).

Required Experience

• 5+ years of experience with an engineering degree OR
  9+ years of experience without a degree but with relevant certifications/training.

• Minimum 5 years of Quality Engineer experience in high‑volume manufacturing.

• Automotive manufacturing experience required, with Tier 1/2/3 experience strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated success leading root-cause analysis, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Strong record of reliability, teamwork, and professional communication.

• Weld Cut & Etch Knowledge and Experience (Leading a team of technicians is even better)

• Able to Support Leading Floor Quality Technicians at times

Technical Skills

• Formal training in core quality disciplines, including:

• ISO 9001 / IATF 16949

• PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans

• SPC, MSA, DOE

• Continuous Improvement & Total Quality Management

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and quality software tools.

• Experience with GMAW and Laser Welding strongly preferred.

• Assembly experience preferred, especially in automotive or high‑volume operations.

Certifications (Preferred)

• APQP certification – strongly preferred

• CQE (Certified Quality Engineer) – strongly preferred

• IATF 16949 certification – preferred

Competencies

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development abilities.

• Excellent analytical and root‑cause problem‑solving skills.

• High customer focus and professional communication skills.

• Strong time management with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

• Success working cross-functionally in collaborative, fast-paced environments.