Quality Engineer

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer supports plant operations by ensuring product quality standards are maintained, identifying and resolving quality-related issues, and continuously improving manufacturing processes. This role acts as a liaison between customers and internal teams, upholding the voice of the customer throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Customer & Product Support:

• Collaborate with customers and internal engineering to assess part features and design manufacturability.
   
• Recommend modifications to customer specifications to enable cost-effective production.
   
• Complete and submit customer-required PPAP documentation.
   
• Respond to customer 8D requests and lead communication on part quality issues.
   

Process & Quality Improvement:

• Provide quality engineering support to operations.
   
• Resolve quality issues involving capability, tolerance, or materials.
   
• Lead or support capability and stability studies and recommend process improvements.
   
• Coordinate pre-launch production trial run process monitoring.
   
• Develop and maintain Process Flows, Control Plans, and FMEAs across the part lifecycle.
   

Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis:

• Facilitate use of problem-solving techniques for effective corrective actions.
   
• Lead and support root cause investigations.
   
• Drive PPM improvement plans for strategic customers.
   
• Apply statistical techniques and Measurement System Analysis tools.
   
• Report quality metrics and KPIs to Quality and Operations leadership.
   

Systems Management & Audits:

• Recommend enhancements to the quality management system.
   
• Support and perform internal audits; ensure audit readiness for external audits.
   
• Participate in management reviews and present quality data and improvement plans.
   

Position Challenges

• Maintain integrity of certified quality system with lean, cost-effective strategies.
   
• Represent the voice of the customer and advocate for quality excellence.
   
• Proactively manage quality systems and processes to reduce reactive problem solving.
   

Internal & External Relationships

Internal: Materials, Launch/Systems Engineering, Sales, Production, Toolroom
External: Customer Quality and Engineering Teams (including OEMs such as BMW, Mercedes)

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Manufacturing preferred)
   
• 5–7 years of experience managing a certified quality management system (IATF 16949, ISO 9001)
   
• Automotive industry experience required
   
• Experience with OEM customer quality requirements (BMW, Mercedes)
   
• Previous auditing and customer assurance experience
   

Preferred:

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
   
• Experience in plastic injection molding, painting, and assembly
   
• Formal training as an internal auditor
   
• GD&T knowledge
   

Core Competencies

• Adaptability
   
• Assertiveness
   
• Business Thinking and Financial Acumen
   
• Communication (verbal and written)
   
• Coaching and Mentoring
   
• Conflict Management and Diplomacy
   
• Energy and Initiative
   
• Influence and Leadership
   
• Learning Agility
   
• Organizational and Planning Skills
   
• Presentation and Problem Solving Skills
   
• Results Orientation
   
• Self-awareness and Growth Mindset
   
• Team Collaboration
   
• Visioning and Strategic Thinking
   

Other Requirements

Travel: Less than 20% overnight travel based on customer needs
Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office; knowledge of quality/statistical software preferred
Safety & Housekeeping: Must adhere to and promote company safety and cleanliness standards