**1. Scope of the position:
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The Advanced Quality Planning (APQP) Engineer is the primary owner of APQP and PPAP activities for new product introductions, transfers, and significant changes. This role is customer‑facing and responsible for ensuring products and processes meet all customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements prior to launch. Unlike support‑based quality roles, this position leads quality planning strategy, independently manages deliverables, and serves as the single point of contact for customers on APQP and PPAP readiness. The APQP Engineer drives cross‑functional execution, risk mitigation, and launch quality performance.
**2. Key Responsibilities:
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Own APQP execution end‑to‑end for assigned programs
Own PPAP strategy, timing, content, and approval
Primary quality interface for customers during program development and launch
Accountable for launch readiness, risk closure, and customer confidence
Lead and manage APQP activities in alignment with AIAG APQP methodology
Develop and maintain APQP timing plans, deliverables, and gate reviews
Drive disciplined execution across all APQP phases:
Planning & Definition
Product Design & Development
Process Design & Development
Product & Process Validation
Launch, Feedback & Continuous Improvement
Ensure launch readiness and escalate risks proactively
Serve as the primary customer contact for APQP, PPAP, and launch quality topics
Lead customer meetings, reviews, and audits related to product quality planning
Communicate APQP status, risks, and mitigation plans clearly and professionally
Respond to customer concerns related to launch quality and validation data
Define PPAP level, timing, and submission strategy per customer requirements
Lead creation, review, and approval of full PPAP packages, including:
DFMEA / PFMEA
Process Flow Diagrams
Control Plans
MSA and capability studies (Cp/Cpk)
Dimensional, material, and performance results
Submit PPAPs directly to customers and secure approval
Own resolution of PPAP rejections and customer findings
Lead DFMEA and PFMEA development and updates
Drive meaningful risk analysis and implementation of risk reduction actions
Ensure alignment between PFMEA, Control Plan, and work instructions
Validate effectiveness of controls through trials and data analysis
Ensure compliance with customer‑specific requirements and industry standards (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 50001 as applicable)
Act as the primary quality liaison with customers during launch activities
Lead cross‑functional teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality)
Coordinate manufacturing trials, pilot builds, and process validations
Ensure suppliers are APQP‑ready and compliant with quality expectations
Hold teams accountable for APQP deliverables and timing Support initial builds and production ramp‑up
Monitor launch metrics including scrap, rework, capability, and customer feedback
Lead corrective and preventive actions related to launch issues
Drive lessons‑learned and continuous improvement into future programs
**3. Key Relationships:
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**4. Decision making authority:
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Customers, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality
Owns APQP and PPAP execution, is the primary customer‑facing authority for launch quality, and may approve or block progression based on readiness.
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The above is not exhaustive. Other duties and responsibilities may be added as the employee’s immediate supervisor deems appropriate.
You should be proficient in: