| Location | Auburn, AL |
Summary
The QA Manager is responsible for operating and maintaining the Quality Assurance System (IATF 16949 / ISO 9001), responding to customer quality claims and field chargebacks, managing APQP/PPAP deliverables for new program development, and driving permanent corrective actions to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Respond to customer quality issues (Claim, Inline, Market) and establish immediate containment/sorting actions.
• Lead 8D Report generation, conduct Root Cause Analysis, and implement permanent corrective actions with horizontal deployment.
• Manage general field claim chargebacks, including receipt, technical review, and formal dispute filing.
• Review and verify APQP stage quality deliverables (FMEA, Control Plan, Inspection Standards).
• Prepare and submit customer PPAP document packages and secure final approval.
• Drive customer approval (PPAP resubmission) for Engineering Changes (EO) and 4M process changes.
• Execute periodic quality inspections on mass-production parts and manage inspection reports.
• Oversee periodic inspection, calibration, and maintenance records for checking fixtures (Gages).
• Maintain IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 quality systems and support internal and external audit responses.
• Track and report key quality performance metrics (KPIs: PPM, defect rates, customer satisfaction) and drive improvement activities.
• Establish, revise, and manage Quality Manuals, procedures, and work instructions.
Required Skills/Abilities
• Understanding of IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Proficiency in Automotive Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings (GD&T and EO change control knowledge).
• Mastery of 8D problem-solving techniques and root cause analysis.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills for customer and supplier interfaces.
Leadership Responsibilities
• Promote effective communication between Quality, Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and other departments.
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant automotive manufacturing quality experience may be considered.
• Additional certifications such as ITAF 16949 Internal Auditor, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing preferred.
Physical Requirements
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate the manufacturing shop floor during process audits, trial runs, and defect inspections.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times (e.g., handling checking fixtures, parts samples, or audit documents).
• Ability to travel domestically or internationally as required for customer/supplier meetings and quality audits.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Work hours/days can vary from time to time due to vacation schedules and other variables within the department that could require a temporary schedule adjustment.)
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.