Quality Engineer

The Quality Engineer is a hands-on technical leader responsible for driving permanent corrective actions, sustaining compliance to IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 standards, and supporting daily manufacturing operations. This role requires strong plant-floor engagement, technical problem solving, and ownership of the corrective action process. The Quality Engineer works cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Customers to eliminate defects, reduce scrap, and improve process capability.

Core

Corrective Action & Problem Solving (Primary Focus)

· Lead and drive the Corrective Action Report (CAR) process from containment through permanent corrective action verification.

· Lead and facilitate 8D problem-solving activities.

· Conduct root cause analysis using 5-Why, Fishbone, and data-driven methods.

· Ensure corrective actions are robust, permanent, and validated.

· Lead Kaizen activities focused on defect reduction and process improvement.

· Actively engage on the plant floor to investigate and resolve quality issues.

Measurement Systems & Technical Quality

· Perform and analyze Gage R&R studies and Measurement System Analysis (MSA).

· Support development and validation of inspection methods.

· Interpret GD&T and engineering drawings.

· Perform blueprint review and tolerance stack evaluation.

· Maintain familiarity with CMM inspection processes and reporting.

· Conduct capability studies (Cp, Cpk, Ppk) and statistical analysis.

APQP / PPAP / Launch Support

· Support and participate in APQP activities for new and existing programs.

· Prepare and review PPAP submissions (Level 1–5 as required).

· Review and maintain PFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams.

· Ensure readiness for customer and supplier launch requirements.

· Facilitate supplier PPAP review and approval process.

Customer & Supplier Interface

· Serve as quality liaison with customers via direct communication and customer portals.

· Investigate customer returns and manage return database.

· Submit 8Ds and corrective actions through customer portals.

· Analyze trends in rejections, chargebacks, and warranty issues.

· Support supplier quality development and corrective action efforts.

Quality Systems & Audits

· Maintain compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 standards.

· Support VDA 6.3 process audits.

· Lead and participate in Layered Process Audits (LPA).

· Prepare for and support third-party and customer audits.

· Develop and revise quality documentation, procedures, and visual standards.

Scrap Reduction & Continuous Improvement

· Administer and analyze plant scrap programs.

· Identify trends and implement corrective actions to reduce waste.

· Support plant cost reduction initiatives.

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with plant goals.

· Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related technical field preferred.

· 3 years in automotive manufacturing quality.

· Strong experience with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001.

· Experience supporting VDA 6.3 audits preferred.

Technical Skills

· Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans.

· Experience with Gage R&R and MSA.

· Strong GD&T and blueprint interpretation skills.

· SPC and capability study experience.

· Experience with Plex ERP system preferred.

· Experience using customer portals (e.g., OEM portals).

· Familiarity with CMM inspection processes.