Quality Engineer

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.
   

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.

Required Skills

• Quality Management Systems: Proficiency with standards like ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 to ensure product meets quality standards and builds customer trust. 
• Statistical Tools: Expertise in statistical process control (SPC) and other analytical methods to gather and interpret complex data, identify trends, and control process variation. 
• Methodologies: Knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, which focus on reducing waste, variation, and defects to improve efficiency. 
• Problem-Solving Techniques: Strong skills in root cause analysis and developing effective corrective and preventive action plans. 
• Analytical & Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze complex data, evaluate processes, and think critically to find efficient and innovative solutions to problems. 
• Communication: Clearly communicating technical information, findings, and new processes to team members, stakeholders, and management, often through written reports and presentations. 
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with various departments, such as development, R&D, production, and suppliers, to foster a culture of quality and improvement. 
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to inspections and data, ensuring that all processes and products adhere strictly to specifications. 
• Time Management: The capacity to plan and prioritize multiple complex tasks to meet short-term and long-term objectives effectively. 
• Regulatory Standards: Understanding and adhering to specific quality and safety standards relevant to the industry.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work with different functions like development, suppliers, and compliance teams to ensure overall product and process quality. 

Other Requirements

• Recommend procedures and budget for quality engineering areas.
• Ensure quality customer files are current to IATF16949 requirements.
• Performs internal audits as necessary.
• Work Saturdays if required

Physical Requirements

• Sometimes lifts, carries or moves objects up to 25 pounds, occasionally over 60 pounds.
• Office environment with noise from computer peripherals such as mainframe, disk drives and test equipment. 
• Factory environment with noise from manufacturing equipment.  
• Exposure to dangerous equipment. 
• Possible serious injury due to carelessness around equipment.  
• Spends time in travel between customers
• Sometimes lifts, carries or moves objects – up to 50 pounds.