Lead Quality Engineer

Lead Quality Engineer – Adient Lakewood Plant 

Key Responsibilities 

Quality Leadership & Performance Management 

• Weld Cut & Etch Knowledge and Experience (Leading a team of technicians is even better)
• Able to Support Leading Floor Quality Technicians at times

• Lead and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, process capability, and operational efficiency. 

• Serve as the senior technical authority for resolving complex customer and supplier concerns using structured methodologies (8D, Kepner‑Tregoe, etc.). 

• Ensure full compliance with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements across all quality deliverables. 

• Lead cross‑functional quality reviews and drive rapid containment, corrective action, and preventive action activities. 

APQP, Launch Support & Program Leadership 

• Lead the preparation, review, and submission of complete PPAP packages, ensuring accuracy and on‑time approval. 

• Drive supplier APQP readiness, ensuring suppliers meet all quality, documentation, and launch requirements. 

• Serve as a key quality leader for new program launches, ensuring process validation, readiness, and deliverable completion. 

• Coordinate and lead customer-facing reviews on APQP timing, engineering changes, and open issues. 

Gage, Process Control & Statistical Expertise 

• Oversee, validate, and approve gage studies (Gage R&R, Bias, Linearity, Stability) prior to production use or after engineering changes. 

• Lead the development, maintenance, and auditing of Control Plans, Inspection Plans, and Containment Plans. 

• Support PFMEA development and ensure alignment between PFMEA, Control Plan, and shop‑floor documentation. 

• Utilize advanced statistical tools and coach the team on SPC methodologies, data-driven decision making, and proper statistical application. 

Customer & Supplier Interface 

• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned customers, managing all quality-related communication and escalations. 

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through proactive updates, rapid responsiveness, and professional communication. 

• Coordinate sorting, rework, or on-site containment activities when required. 

• Travel to customer sites (10–25%) to support issue resolution and represent the plant quality organization. 

Team Leadership & Development 

• Provide day‑to‑day leadership to Quality Technicians, Cut & Etch Operators, and junior Quality Engineers. 

• Assign tasks, review work quality, and implement corrective action when needed. 

• Mentor and train team members on problem‑solving, quality systems, customer portals, and plant processes. 

• Support the Quality Manager with strategic planning and departmental improvement initiatives. 

Systems, Documentation & Technical Support 

• Lead the creation, maintenance, and auditing of quality documentation including ODS, Control Plans, and compliance requirements. 

• Use customer systems such as Stellantis PRISM, GM PRR, Ford WERS, Honda NARS, and others as required. 

• Approve post‑SOP supplier PPAPs and verify supplier compliance. 

• Support process validation and capability studies for critical and significant characteristics. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with HSE and Manufacturing Engineering to ensure safe, efficient work practices. 

• Complete all required training mandated by Adient and OEM customers. 

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Quality Manager. 

• Exercise independent judgment in situations not fully defined by established procedures. 

Qualifications & Experience 

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required (or equivalent technical experience). 

Required Experience 

• 5+ years of experience with an engineering degree OR 
  9+ years of experience without a degree but with relevant certifications/training. 

• Minimum 5 years of Quality Engineer experience in high‑volume manufacturing. 

• Automotive manufacturing experience required, with Tier 1/2/3 experience strongly preferred. 

• Demonstrated success leading root-cause analysis, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Strong record of reliability, teamwork, and professional communication. 

• Weld Cut & Etch Knowledge and Experience (Leading a team of technicians is even better)
• Able to Support Leading Floor Quality Technicians at times

Technical Skills 

• Formal training in core quality disciplines, including:  

• ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 

• PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans 

• SPC, MSA, DOE 

• Continuous Improvement & Total Quality Management 

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and quality software tools. 

• Experience with GMAW and Laser Welding strongly preferred. 

• Assembly experience preferred, especially in automotive or high‑volume operations. 

Certifications (Preferred) 

• APQP certification – strongly preferred 

• CQE (Certified Quality Engineer) – strongly preferred 

• IATF 16949 certification – preferred 

Competencies 

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development abilities. 

• Excellent analytical and root‑cause problem‑solving skills. 

• High customer focus and professional communication skills. 

• Strong time management with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks. 

• Success working cross-functionally in collaborative, fast-paced environments.