Appearance Quality Launch Lead

General Motors•Warren, MI

About The Position

The Appearance Quality Launch Lead works with internal customers and external suppliers to achieve overall vehicle harmony and meet appearance targets. The role evaluates production parts against GM masters and standards for color, grain, gloss, and overall quality appearance, and coordinates and conducts interior and exterior vehicle appearance harmony reviews in Warren and at vehicle assembly plants. The lead documents program status for Appearance Approval Reports (AARs) and vehicle harmony, and works with suppliers, GM Engineering, and Supplier Quality to resolve appearance issues identified during reviews and support PPAP appearance approval submissions. The role coordinates with departments including engineering, manufacturing, Supplier Quality, and Program Quality; communicates with internal and external customer organizations; participates in activities to meet program dates; and drives process improvements and globalization of the appearance harmony process. Domestic and international travel of 10% is required, including travel to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a related field of study.
Four years of experience as a Quality Lead working with appearance-related products, as a Creative Design Lead with a CMF (Color, Material, Finishes) background, or in a related role.
Four years of experience working with color, grain, gloss, and overall vehicle harmony to meet appearance requirements.
Four years of experience in material engineering, including plastics, paint, and metal finishes.
Four years of experience with manufacturing processes including plastics, fabric, chrome plating, and decorative paints and finishes.
Four years of experience with engineering computer software, including Excel for tracking status and creating pie and bar charts, and PowerPoint.
Four years of experience in business management for material and manufacturing areas.
Four years of experience with computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D visualization software.

Responsibilities

Work with internal customers and external suppliers to achieve overall vehicle harmony.
Perform appearance activities needed to meet required targets.
Evaluate production parts for compliance with GM masters and standards for color, grain, gloss, and overall quality appearance.
Coordinate and conduct interior and exterior vehicle appearance harmony reviews in Warren and at vehicle assembly plants.
Document program status for Appearance Approval Reports (AARs) and vehicle harmony.
Work with suppliers, GM Engineering, and Supplier Quality to resolve color, gloss, and overall appearance issues identified during reviews for PPAP Appearance Approval submissions and vehicle harmony.
Participate in appearance activities to meet required dates.
Communicate information to and from internal and external customer organizations.
Coordinate and consult with departments outside Appearance Quality, including engineering, manufacturing, Supplier Quality, and Program Quality.
Participate in improving processes, identify inefficiencies, and drive process change.
Support globalization of the Appearance Harmony Process.
Travel domestically and internationally, including to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as required (10%).