Quality Engineer

Position Summary

Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement

Customer & Supplier Quality Management

Advanced Quality Planning & Program Launch

Process Control & Quality Assurance

Measurement Systems & Statistical Analysis

Compliance & Documentation

Additional Responsibilities

Education

Required Technical Knowledge

Skills & Competencies

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

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
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Perform Measurement System Analysis (MSA), including:
• Gage RR
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.