Quality Engineer 1

Posted 4 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Battle Creek, MI, USA
In-Office
70K-87K Annually
Mid level
Automotive • Manufacturing
The Role
Lead and coordinate automotive manufacturing process changes, ensuring compliance with IATF 16949, customer requirements, and internal quality standards. Manage change documentation, risk assessments, FMEA and control plan updates, APQP/PPAP activities, audits, customer communications, and cross-functional reviews. Analyze quality data, drive corrective actions and continuous improvement, and support launch readiness and production stability.
Summary Generated by Built In

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead process change management activities for product, process, equipment, material, and supplier changes
  • Ensure all changes comply with IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, and internal quality standards
  • Facilitate and approve change control documentation, including:
    • Process Change Requests (PCRs)
    • DFMEA, PFMEA, and Control Plan updates
    • Work instructions and standard operating procedures
  • Conduct risk assessments and ensure mitigation plans are implemented prior to change approval
  • Support APQP/PPAP activities related to changes, including run-at-rate, validation builds, and capability studies
  • Coordinate cross-functional reviews with Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, Supplier Quality, and Operations
  • Interface with customers on process change notifications, approvals, and audits
  • Lead or support internal and external audits related to process changes
  • Analyze quality data and trends to verify change effectiveness and prevent recurrence of issues
  • Drive continuous improvement using problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, DMAIC, etc.)
  • Support launch readiness and production stability following approved changes

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field
  • 3+ years of Quality Engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment
  • Strong working knowledge of:
    • IATF 16949 and core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA)
    • Change management and risk-based decision making
    • Automotive customer-specific requirements
  • Experience managing process changes in high-volume manufacturing
  • Proficient in quality documentation, data analysis, and reporting tools
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers
  • Familiarity with launch management and production transfers
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
  • Experience with supplier change management and audits
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles

Key Competencies

  • Structured problem solving
  • Attention to detail and strong documentation discipline
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
  • Strong risk assessment and decision-making skills
  • Proactive mindset with a focus on quality and prevention

 

Benefits Summary: 

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans  
  • 401K with 4% Company Match 
  • Vacation/PTO and 13 Paid Holidays  
  • Bonus Program  
  • FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs 
  • Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance 
  • Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs 
  • Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc. 
  • Tuition Reimbursement  
  • Career Development and Ongoing Training  
  • Employee Assistance Program  
  • Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program  
  • Volunteer Opportunities  
  • Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location) 
  • Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)  
  • Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location) 

   

Candidates residing 50+ miles from the work location are eligible for relocation assistance.  

Annual Salary: $70,000 - $87,000 

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field
  • 3+ years of Quality Engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment
  • Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and quality core tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA
  • Experience managing process changes in high-volume manufacturing
  • Proficiency in quality documentation, data analysis, and reporting tools
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience working with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers
  • Familiarity with launch management and production transfers
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
  • Experience with supplier change management and audits
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles

DENSO Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about DENSO and has not been reviewed or approved by DENSO.

  • Healthcare Strength Medical coverage includes multiple plan designs through a major carrier, telemedicine, and chronic‑condition programs bundled with enrollment. On‑site family health centers at select locations add convenient primary care and pharmacy access for eligible members.
  • Retirement Support The 401(k) program uses automatic enrollment with a straightforward dollar‑for‑dollar company match on initial contributions and an annual true‑up via a recognized recordkeeper. Auto‑increase and the potential for discretionary employer contributions reinforce long‑term savings support.
  • Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits Wellness incentives can reduce medical premiums, and resources span musculoskeletal care, weight management, digestive health, and behavioral health at no additional cost when enrolled. Site‑based amenities like on‑site care, fitness options, and tuition reimbursement expand lifestyle value where available.

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The Company
HQ: Kariya, Japan
18,627 Employees
Year Founded: 1947

What We Do

DENSO is one of the world's largest automotive suppliers with a 75-year history of providing advanced automotive systems and technology to automakers worldwide. While our products are featured on nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today, we're also looking to innovate beyond automotive so we can maximize how we support the evolving needs of society. Globally, we have 158,000 employees, including 27,000+ in North America, working together every day to pursue our Two Great Causes: Green -- which represents our goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 through our products, processes and facilities; and Peace of Mind -- which focuses on developing solutions for safer and more seamless experiences across society. Together, they help us pursue our mission of contributing to a better world.

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