Job Description

Job Summary:

The Prototype Quality Engineer – Temporary is responsible for ensuring the quality of the parts produced meets all customer expectations and supports prototype build. In the event, there are non-conformances this role will quickly and effectively take necessary actions to identify root-cause analysis and partner with engineering and operations to resolve. Has the authority to stop the line or shipments but must lead resolution and recovery with a cross-functional team. The Prototype Quality Engineer - Temporary will drive product and process improvements from lessons learned as part of the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) deliverables. 

Responsibilities:

• Support manufacturability and product cost objectives as part of the APQP quality deliverables.
• Collaborate with Engineering and supply base to create an efficient manufacturing assembly line, including bills of material (BOMs), workflow processes, and detailed New Product Introduction (NPI) work instructions.
• Conduct failure analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective action activities for production components, assemblies, and field returns.
• Lead prototype-to-production quality transitions, including pre-launch trial runs, process monitoring, and knowledge transfer to Manufacturing and Quality teams.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that reduce costs, minimize defects, improve capacity, and enhance supply chain performance. 
• Partner with internal teams and suppliers to resolve non-conformances and ensure readiness to meet production schedules and capacity requirement.
• Utilize manufacturing measurement tools to evaluate process stability and capability, implement improvements, and verify effectiveness. 
• Read, understand, and verify BOMs, assembly drawings, engineering tolerances, and other technical documentation.
• Manage Changes & Deviations (product, process, supplier, documentation).
• Defines, with Supplier Quality Engineer, First Article acceptance criteria and ongoing Receiving Inspection criteria with assistance from the Engineering team.
• Makes recommendations to Engineering and Purchasing regarding supplier selection.
• Conduct process checks, approvals, and audits while reviewing and approving manufacturing and quality data, including product signoffs.
• Develop, collect, and report metrics of internal and supplier performance to cross-functional management, ensuring compliance with established quality standards.
• Understand schedules and capacity to ensure suppliers are prepared to meet production demand.
• Apply Industrial Engineering concepts and tools to drive safety, accuracy, and productivity within the supply chain and company.
• Support and drive APQP readiness for new products and deliverables, including Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), inspection, testing, and quality planning activities.
• Develop and submit Customer Production Parts Approval Process (PPAP) documents if required for new product launches.
• Develop and maintain Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEAs) and Control Plans throughout the product lifecycle.
• Supports daily and weekly activities managing the facility’s quality systems.
• Adhere to federal and state regulations.
• Adhere to all company policies, processes, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned. 
• Predictable and reliable attendance.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience managing a certified quality management system including TS 16949 and ISO. 
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience driving continuous quality improvement in a manufacturing environment. 
• Experience supporting APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and production launch activities.
• Experience conducting internal, supplier, and process audits.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot manufacturing, assembly, and product-related issues.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing with a focus on Battery, Electronics, or Powertrain manufacturing preferred.
• Previous work experience in an organization that supplied large Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). 
• Experience managing customer quality requirements, customer concerns, and corrective action processes. 

Key Competencies:

• Focuses on Quality: Drives work results with a quality focus on actions and results.
• Decision Making & Analysis: Makes sound decisions based upon a mixture of data-driven analysis, expertise, experience, and judgment; collects relevant information, seeks input from others, and identifies connections and/or root causes of problems.
• Continual Improvement: Displays a consistent orientation toward producing the highest quality products or services, while keeping a focus on sustainability. Constantly looking for incremental improvements in work processes and results.
• Delivers Results: Achievement-oriented, feeling a sense of urgency to reach goals on time, if not before.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others to accomplish team goals and organizational objectives.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. 
• Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. 
• May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or reach overhead. 
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about in industrial environments and on uneven terrain. 
• Works in a temperature-controlled office environment, with occasional work in outdoor weather conditions, and in industrial environments.
• The noise level in the work environment can be moderately loud.

Why Join Us

American Battery Solutions (ABS) provides comprehensive 100% employer paid benefit plans to employees and their family, competitive salary and retirement program. ABS employs a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Benefits Overview

• Paid time off includes 3 weeks vacation, up to 72 hours sick, 15 holidays, and parental leave.
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) offerings.
• Company provided 401K savings plan with immediately vested matching contributions to help you save for retirement.
• Voluntary benefits offerings.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Employee development and career growth opportunities.

About Us

American Battery Solutions Inc. (“ABS”) is a manufacturer of advanced batteries for commercial, fleet, and industrial on- and off-road vehicles. Located in the heart of the U.S. automotive region with facilities in Michigan and Ohio. In 2023, ABS was acquired by Komatsu, a world leader in construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment in support of Komatsu’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal. ABS continues to operate as an independent entity serving Komatsu applications while continuing to expand and grow our core commercial, fleet and industrial business. 

As we have grown, ABS has assembled a world-class team of dedicated and experienced engineers. This team is equipped with a deep understanding of high-voltage, automotive-grade battery systems from concept development and prototyping, to testing and validation, to high-volume production. We pride ourselves on developing a diverse team of next generation battery experts.

The Location - Lake Orion 

American Battery Solutions Headquarters and Innovation Center is located in the heart of South-East Michigan in Orion Township. Orion Township is a Pure Michigan Trail Town that has a long-standing dedication to enhancing trails and pathways in its community, which is home to the Polly Ann Trail, Paint Creek Trail, and Iron Belle Trail. The township has more than 50 miles of trails. Southeast Michigan also boasts some of the best eating around! Whether your interest is in furthering your education, enjoying one of the many regional sporting events, or enjoying the vast outdoors that Michigan has to offer, you’ll be at the center of it here!

AMERICAN BATTERY SOLUTIONS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.