Advanced Quality Engineer

Position Title: Advanced Quality Engineer

Reports to: Senior Advanced Quality Engineer

Location: Spartanburg, SC

People First. Safety is the Foundation.

At Motus, we launch complex automotive products into production environments where failure is not an option.

We are preparing for the largest and most complex launch in our company's history, where execution, precision, and quality will define success-and be highly visible across our organization and customer base. Every launch is a commitment: quality is built into the process through disciplined Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), not inspected at the end.

We are seeking an Advanced Quality Engineer (AQE) with deep experience in new product development (NPD), APQP, and PPAP who thrives in high-velocity automotive manufacturing environments. This role sits at the center of execution-where engineering, manufacturing, supplier quality, and customer requirements (CSR) converge.

This is not a support role. This is a launch ownership role.

If you are energized by accountability, cross-functional leadership, and solving problems before they impact the customer, this is where you will stand out.

What You'll Own

As the Advanced Quality Engineer (APQP Lead), you will own end-to-end quality execution from concept through Start of Production (SOP)-ensuring compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements (CSR).

You are accountable for launch readiness, PPAP success, and zero-surprise execution.

You will:

• Own APQP execution across all phases of new product development (NPD)
• Serve as the primary quality interface with customers (OEMs) and suppliers (Tier 1 / Tier 2)
• Drive PPAP readiness, submission, and approval (Level 3 / Level 5)
• Lead development and validation of DFMEA, PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, and Control Plans
• Ensure AIAG Core Tools are applied with rigor-not as a checkbox exercise

What Success Looks Like

• First-pass PPAP approvals-no rework, no surprises
• Flawless launch execution with no late-stage quality escapes
• All APQP deliverables complete and validated prior to SOP
• Suppliers that are truly capable-not just document-ready
• Strong confidence from customers and internal leadership

How You'll Make an Impact

In a high-pressure, high-visibility launch environment, you will:

• Lead production buyoffs, Run at Rate, and PSO (Process Sign-Off) with customers
• Drive root cause analysis (RCA) using 8D, 5 Whys, and structured problem solving
• Own corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and eliminate repeat issues
• Ensure MSA, Gage R&R, and fixture validation are completed and capable
• Apply SPC and capability analysis (Cp, Cpk, Pp, Ppk) to validate process performance
• Partner with manufacturing and engineering to identify and eliminate risk before SOP
• Drive supplier APQP and PPAP readiness, holding the supply base accountable
• Act as escalation point for quality issues, customer concerns, and CSR requirements

What You Bring (Required Minimum Skills / Experience):

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field

• 3+ years of experience in automotive quality engineering / manufacturing quality

• Proven ownership of:

• APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning)

• PPAP (Production Part Approval Process)

• AIAG Core Tools (FMEA, Control Plan, SPC, MSA)

• Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 QMS

• Experience with:

• SPC (Statistical Process Control)

• MSA / Gage R&R

• Capability analysis (Cp, Cpk, Pp, Ppk)

• Proficiency in GD&T and blueprint interpretation

• Demonstrated success leading 8D problem solving and root cause analysis (RCA)

• Ability to manage multiple NPD / launch programs simultaneously

• Strong communication skills with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams

• Willingness to travel up to 20%

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in automotive Tier 1 / Tier 2 manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with OEM requirements (BMW, Ford, GM, Stellantis, etc.)
• Experience with customer portals, CSRs, and launch systems
• Certification in IATF 16949 or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Why This Role Matters

This is a launch-critical Advanced Quality Engineering role, not a maintenance or audit position.

Your work directly determines whether programs:

• Launch on time
• Meet customer expectations
• Perform in the field

You won't be measured by activity; you'll be measured by outcomes.

When you own the launch, quality follows. And in this role, failure is not an option.

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Who We Are

Motus Integrated Technologies is a dynamic global leader in manufacturing high-quality headliners, and interior trim solution products for the automotive industry. Headquartered in Holland, Michigan, Motus operates advanced manufacturing facilities across North America (U.S. and Mexico) and maintains a global presence with 5 locations. Motus is part of the Atlas Holdings portfolio, an industrial holding company based in Greenwich, Connecticut. Motus offers a vibrant working environment where innovation and forward-thinking are at the forefront of what we do. If you are eager to contribute to our legacy and drive meaningful change, we would love to hear from you! Motus is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that Motus is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies/search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to a Motus Team Member by a third-party agency without a valid written & signed search agreement between Motus and said third-party agency, will become sole property of Motus. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.