Founded in 1946, HI-LEX is a leading supplier of window regulators, door modules, power lift gate systems, and mechanical control cables primarily serving the automotive industry, but also the power sports, marine, construction equipment, and medical device sectors. Headquartered in Takarazuka, Japan (near Osaka), and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), HI-LEX employs more than 12,000 associates across its global footprint.
In the Americas region, HI-LEX has grown steadily in the region, and now has ten (10) manufacturing facilities across the the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. In the U.S., HI-LEX operates under three divisions: HI-LEX America in Battle Creek, Michigan; HI-LEX Controls in Hudson, Litchfield, and Hazel Park, Michigan; and Daedong HI-LEX of America in Cusseta, Alabama. The company’s automotive center is in Rochester Hills, Michigan which consists of finance, sales, engineering, testing, and program management.
Website: HI-LEX.com
POSITION SUMMARY:
Responsible for managing and resolving customer concerns and facilitating irreversible corrective action into manufacturing. Responsible for working with Design Engineering to develop Quality Plans that will provide for 6 sigma manufacturing levels. Coordinates the activities and resources of Customer Liaisons. Responsible for adherence to process/procedures to ensure optimum quality is maintained during the manufacturing process. To ensure the establishment of and adherence to IATF16949 Standards. Other related tasks as assigned by management.
KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Advanced Quality Planning (AQP) for new programs for a group of specified customers.
- Technical support to QA staff and manufacturing.
- Aid in the establishment of IATF16949 Standards.
- Perform system audits to verify adherence to IATF16949 standards.
- Interface with all departments/suppliers to optimize quality.
- Review supplier parts/documents for PPAP approval.
- Promotes continuous improvement atmosphere.
- Promotes an associate relations environment that is consistent with long-term management objectives.
- Prepare PPAP documentation and other correspondence to customer(s).
- Review supplier parts/documents for PPAP approval.
- Review all corrective actions (internal/external) for verification of problem resolution.
- Aid in the evaluation of all deviation requests.
- Manages/Resolves/Documents all Customer Concerns
- Single Point contact for all customers quality issues
- Facilitates Irreversible Corrective Action in Manufacturing
- Coordinates the activities and resources of Customer Liaisons
- Responsible for PPAP submissions and other customer procedural requirements
- Attends Design Review, CRT, and Launch support.
- Drives APQP programs with Design Engineering for new product introductions
- Drives 6 Sigma Programs with Component Suppliers
- Develops Control Plans for new products
- Assimilates electronic data for management reports
- Reports to management on all quality matters.
Education
- 4-year degree in quality or engineering or equivalent field.
- CQE/CQM Certification a plus
Functional Experience
- 3 - 5 years previous experience in an automotive quality assurance or customer support environment.
- Knowledge of quality systems, statistical process control and tools, blueprint reading, engineering testing methods, PFMEAs, PPAPs, DOE, 5P, Program Management, 6 Sigma/Lean Manufacturing
Core Competencies
- Continuous improvement (Kaizen): A core mindset for a quality engineer is constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and prevent future problems.
- Corrective and preventive action (CAPA): The ability to identify nonconformities and implement effective corrective and preventive action plans is a key competency.
- Quality control procedures: This involves developing, implementing, and monitoring inspection, testing, and evaluation methods to ensure adherence to quality standards throughout the product lifecycle.
- Risk management: A quality engineer must be able to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks in a process or product to prevent negative outcomes.
- Supplier management: Working with suppliers to ensure the quality of raw materials and components is a common responsibility.
- Auditing: Conducting both internal and external audits to ensure compliance with quality standards.
Physical Requirements
- Office environment with noise from computer peripherals such as mainframe, disk drives and printers.
- Factory environment with noise from manufacturing equipment.
- Exposure to dangerous equipment. Possible serious injury due to carelessness around equipment.
- Spends up to 50% of time in travel between customers using an automobile in high traffic areas.
- Exposure to automobile accidents causing bodily damage.
- Sometimes lifts, carries or moves objects – up to 50 pounds.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in quality or engineering or equivalent
- CQE/CQM certification
- 3-5 years experience in automotive quality assurance or customer support
- Knowledge of quality systems, statistical process control (SPC), blueprint reading, engineering testing methods, PFMEAs, PPAPs, DOE, 5P, program management, Six Sigma/Lean Manufacturing
- Experience preparing PPAP documentation and supplier part review for PPAP approval
- Ability to perform system audits to verify adherence to IATF16949 standards
- Willingness/ability to travel up to 50% between customers
- Ability to lift or move objects up to 50 pounds
What We Do
HI-LEX is a leading supplier of window regulators, door modules, and mechanical control cables for the automotive industry. The company specializes in the manufacture and sale of remote-controlling mechanical cables and accessories for vehicles, construction and industrial machinery, household and welfare appliances, medical equipment, and marine vessels. Its mission is to be a world-class automotive supplier by providing quality and cost-effective products on a global scale.
