Job Description

Quality Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Quality Engineer to support manufacturing quality, customer requirements, supplier quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position will be responsible for investigating and resolving customer concerns, implementing permanent corrective actions, supporting Advanced Quality Planning (AQP/APQP), and ensuring compliance with IATF 16949 quality standards.

The Quality Engineer will work closely with Manufacturing, Design Engineering, Quality Assurance, suppliers, and customers to maintain and improve product and process quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Advanced Quality Planning (AQP/APQP) activities for new programs and assigned customers.
• Manage and resolve customer quality concerns and ensure effective, permanent corrective actions.
• Review internal and external corrective actions and verify successful problem resolution.
• Provide technical quality support to Quality Assurance and Manufacturing teams.
• Support the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of IATF 16949 standards and procedures.
• Conduct internal and system audits to verify compliance with IATF 16949 requirements.
• Work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Suppliers, and other departments to optimize product and process quality.
• Review supplier components, documentation, and quality records for PPAP approval.
• Prepare and maintain PPAP documentation and customer quality correspondence.
• Support the evaluation and approval of deviation requests.
• Develop and implement quality plans designed to achieve high-level, Six Sigma manufacturing performance.
• Promote continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and Kaizen initiatives.
• Identify process risks, quality trends, and opportunities for defect reduction.
• Support quality improvement activities throughout the product lifecycle.
• Ensure customer quality files and documentation remain current and compliant with IATF 16949 requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and support to quality staff and manufacturing personnel.
• Coordinate with Customer Liaisons and other resources to address customer quality requirements.
• Recommend quality procedures, resources, and budgets as needed.
• Perform other quality-related duties as assigned by management.
• Work Saturdays when required based on business needs.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in Quality Engineering within a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 and quality management systems.
• Experience with PPAP and customer quality documentation.
• Experience with APQP/AQP for new product/program launches.
• Strong knowledge of SPC (Statistical Process Control) and statistical quality tools.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Strong root cause analysis, problem-solving, CAPA, and corrective action experience.
• Experience performing internal/system audits.
• Experience working with suppliers and supplier quality documentation.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Suppliers, Customers, and other cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Core Competencies

• Continuous Improvement / Kaizen
• Corrective & Preventive Action (CAPA)
• Root Cause Analysis
• Quality Control & Process Improvement
• Risk Management
• Supplier Quality Management
• Auditing & Compliance
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Six Sigma / Lean Manufacturing
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Analytical & Critical Thinking
• Communication & Teamwork
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Combination of office and manufacturing/factory environment.
• Regular exposure to manufacturing equipment and associated noise.
• Must follow all applicable safety procedures when working around manufacturing equipment.
• May occasionally lift, carry, or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with occasional heavier lifting requirements.
• Position may require movement throughout the manufacturing facility and travel between customer locations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Saturday work may be required based on production or customer needs.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Quality Engineer who can independently investigate quality issues, identify root causes, implement permanent corrective actions, and work effectively with manufacturing teams, suppliers, customers, and engineering.

Candidates with strong experience in IATF 16949, PPAP, APQP/AQP, SPC, Six Sigma, supplier quality, audits, and automotive manufacturing are highly encouraged to apply.

You should be proficient in:

• Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
• Statistical process control (SPC)
• Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA)
• 5 Why (Root Cause Analysis Method)
• Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram)
• Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
• PPAP Process Experience