Quality Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for coordinating, administering, and executing engineering and technical quality activities to ensure product quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction while minimizing quality-related costs. This role serves as a key quality representative for both internal and external customers, supports successful program launches, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and leads the resolution of quality issues through effective root cause analysis and corrective actions.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in automotive quality systems, statistical analysis, problem-solving methodologies, and customer-facing quality management.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement across key production quality metrics, including:

• Right First Time (RFT)

• Craftsmanship Quality

• RPPM, CPPM, and SPPM performance

• Warranty performance

• Customer satisfaction metrics

• Monitor quality performance data, identify trends, and implement corrective and preventive actions.

• Support plant quality objectives by promoting a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.

• Lead quality improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies.

Customer & Supplier Quality Management

• Serve as the primary quality point of contact for assigned customers and internal stakeholders.

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through proactive communication and timely issue resolution.

• Lead customer concern investigations and coordinate containment, corrective actions, and verification activities.

• Ensure customer and supplier quality issues are resolved using recognized problem-solving methodologies such as:

• 8D

• Kepner-Tregoe

• Root Cause Analysis

• Corrective Action Processes

• Coordinate sorting, rework activities, and customer support efforts as required.

• Review and approve post-SOP supplier PPAP submissions.

Advanced Quality Planning & Program Launch

• Prepare and submit PPAP packages to customers, ensuring all requirements are met prior to submission.
• Obtain internal approval of submission packages from Quality Management before customer submission.
• Support successful launch activities by ensuring compliance with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) requirements.
• Coordinate supplier Advanced Quality Planning (AQP) deliverables and ensure on-time completion.
• Ensure all customer-specific quality planning requirements are completed accurately and on schedule.

Process Control & Quality Assurance

• Develop, maintain, and update:

• Control Plans

• Inspection Plans

• Containment Plans

• Quality procedures and documentation

• Support Manufacturing Engineering in maintaining and updating Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) documents.

• Conduct and document process capability studies for special characteristics.

• Ensure all capability requirements are met or customer-approved deviations are obtained when necessary.

• Support continuous improvement and standardization of Operation Description Sheets (ODS).

Measurement Systems & Statistical Analysis

• Perform Measurement System Analysis (MSA), including:

• Gage R&R

• Bias

• Linearity

• Stability studies

• Validate measurement systems before production release and following product or process changes.

• Utilize and recommend appropriate statistical analysis tools to improve manufacturing performance.

• Conduct Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE) studies as needed.

• Mentor and train team members on statistical methodologies and quality analysis techniques.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with applicable customer requirements, quality standards, and internal procedures.
• Maintain accurate quality records and documentation.
• Utilize customer-specific quality systems and reporting tools.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits as required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Actively support Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) initiatives and safe work practices.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and Human Resources to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Quality Manager.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field required.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant quality engineering experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing quality environment, preferably within the automotive industry.

Required Technical Knowledge

Strong working knowledge of:

• IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 Quality Systems
• APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning)
• PPAP (Production Part Approval Process)
• FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
• Control Plans
• SPC (Statistical Process Control)
• MSA (Measurement System Analysis)
• DOE (Design of Experiments)
• Root Cause Analysis methodologies
• Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing principles

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Proficiency with statistical software, including Minitab.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of SPC, MSA, and DOE methodologies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong customer focus with the ability to effectively manage customer relationships and expectations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and quality-related software tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, lead, and drive quality improvements in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive manufacturing experience.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification.
• Experience managing customer-specific automotive quality requirements.
• Experience supporting product launches and APQP activities.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies and continuous improvement tools.

PRIMARY LOCATION

Battle Creek Seating Component