Prototype APQP Quality Engineer

Location: Lake Orion, Michigan
Assignment: Temporary
Compensation: $35.00–$45.00 per hour (based on proven work history)

Day in the Life

You arrive on the floor as a new prototype build is kicking off. A supplier deviation report hits your inbox—within minutes you pause outbound shipments, convene a cross‑functional huddle with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supply Chain, and launch a rapid root‑cause investigation. By mid‑day, you’ve verified BOMs and assembly drawings against engineering tolerances, updated NPI work instructions, and initiated pre‑launch trial runs. Before you leave, you’ve documented lessons learned into APQP deliverables so the next build runs smoother—and the handoff to production is bulletproof.

What You Will Do

• Champion manufacturability and product cost targets through APQP quality deliverables.
• Co-create efficient prototype and pilot assembly flows with Engineering and suppliers—covering BOM accuracy, workflows, and detailed NPI work instructions.
• Lead failure analysis and corrective actions for components, assemblies, and field returns using disciplined root-cause methods.
• Own the prototype-to-production quality transition: conduct pre-launch trial runs, monitor processes, and transfer knowledge to Manufacturing and Quality.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce defects and cost, expand capacity, and strengthen supply chain performance.
• Partner with internal teams and the supply base to resolve non-conformances and ensure readiness for production schedules and capacity needs.
• Apply measurement and statistical tools to assess process stability and capability; implement improvements and verify effectiveness.
• Read, validate, and reconcile BOMs, assembly drawings, tolerances, and technical documentation.
• Manage product, process, supplier, and documentation changes and deviations.
• With Supplier Quality Engineering, establish First Article and Receiving Inspection acceptance criteria in collaboration with Engineering.
• Advise Engineering and Purchasing on supplier selection.
• Perform process checks, approvals, and audits; review/approve manufacturing and quality data, including product signoffs.
• Develop, collect, and communicate internal and supplier performance metrics to cross-functional leadership to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Track schedules and capacity so suppliers are prepared for demand ramps.
• Leverage Industrial Engineering concepts to enhance safety, accuracy, and productivity across the supply chain and plant.
• Secure APQP readiness for new products, including MSA, inspection and test strategies, and quality planning activities.
• Prepare and submit PPAPs for customer approval when required for launches.
• Create and maintain FMEAs and Control Plans throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support daily/weekly management of the facility’s quality system.
• Comply with federal and state regulations, and all company policies, processes, and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned and maintain predictable, reliable attendance.

Authority & Impact

You have the authority to stop the line or shipments when quality is at risk—and you lead the recovery with a cross-functional team. You transform lessons learned into product and process improvements embedded in APQP.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years managing a certified quality management system (e.g., TS16949 and ISO).
• 4+ years driving continuous improvement in manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and production launches.
• Experience executing internal, supplier, and process audits.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with ability to troubleshoot manufacturing, assembly, and process issues.
• Automotive experience preferred—especially Battery, Electronics, and Powertrain manufacturing.
• Background in organizations supplying large OEMs.
• Proven ability to manage customer quality requirements, concerns, and corrective action processes.

Compliance

A successful candidate will be subject to a background check and must receive satisfactory results of the same, as a condition of joining the team.

By applying for this role, you confirm that all information submitted is accurate and complete. You further acknowledge that providing false or fraudulent information during the application process is cause for denial of an offer, revocation of any existing offer, or other adverse action, up to and including termination after the start of your commencement of work.