Quality Engineer

JOB SUMMARY:

The Quality Engineer plays a key role in ensuring product and process compliance to customer, internal, and regulatory requirements. This position is responsible for managing customer concerns, leading root cause investigations, initiating corrective actions, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The Quality Engineer interfaces directly with customers, suppliers, and internal departments to resolve quality issues, maintain effective documentation, and support compliance with standards such as IATF 16949 and ISO 9001. In addition, this role supports the development and execution of APQP activities, internal audits, and data-driven improvement efforts across the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Act as the primary Quality contact for customer concerns, ensuring timely receipt, documentation, and resolution through structured problem-solving tools such as 8D and 5-Why.

· Manage and issue Return Material Authorizations (RMAs) and coordinate with internal teams to support the customer return process.

· Initiate and lead corrective actions (CARs) with internal teams and customers, ensuring root cause identification, effective countermeasures, and timely closure.

· Support internal manufacturing processes by quarantining nonconforming material both in process and in finished goods inventory; drive investigations to contain and eliminate issues.

· Identify and lead improvement initiatives across products, processes, and systems, using data and cross-functional collaboration to drive measurable outcomes.

· Provide quality assurance support for production and engineering, ensuring alignment to standards and robust preventive controls.

· Work with the Supplier Quality Engineer to assist with supplier quality performance, including evaluating capabilities, reviewing submitted documentation, and driving resolution to any identified gaps.

· Monitor and review supplier activity reports, ensuring compliance with customer-specific requirements and organizational quality standards.

· Ensure complete and accurate documentation, in accordance with the requirements of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer expectations.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Participate in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities, including creation and review of PFMEAs, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams.

· Lead Measurement System Analysis (MSA) efforts to validate inspection and test equipment capability.

· Support Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions by compiling documentation, conducting capability studies, and ensuring timely approval.

· Conduct internal audits in accordance with IATF 16949 and layered audit schedules; support external and customer audits as needed.

· Develop and deliver Quality training to production and support staff on topics such as defect detection, standardized work, and quality alerts.

· Analyze production and quality data to identify trends, recurring issues, and potential systemic improvements.

· Assist in calibration and maintenance programs to ensure inspection equipment remains compliant with defined standards.

· Support the deployment of error-proofing (Poka-Yoke) solutions in response to recurring defects or risk areas.

· Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure Quality requirements are considered.

· Contribute to the development and refinement of Quality metrics dashboards, visual boards, and shift-level reporting tools.

OB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field and / or five years quality control experience in an automotive industry environment, or a combination.
• 1+ year of working in the fastener industry required (or equivalent knowledge of cold forming, cold forging, thread rolling, or thermal processing/heat treatment)
• IATF 16949, ISO 9001 knowledge.
• Experience with the OEM automotive customer portals highly preferred.
• Servant leadership mindset and excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of APQP, SPC, MSA, PPAP, and FMEA.
• Must be proficient in the use Microsoft Office; SAP preferred.
• VDA 6.3 licensure or knowledge desirable.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES:

· Noise – heavy machinery if in plant.

· Noise – vibratory bowls and air feed systems – if in plant.

· Chemicals, oils, acids, sprays, coolants and solvents.