APQP Program Quality Engineer

Forterra • Clarksburg, MD

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Forterra Quality Department is seeking a dynamic individual to fill our open role of APQP Program Quality Engineer. In this exciting role the APQP Program Quality Engineer will be responsible for leading and coordinating Advanced Product Quality Planning activities across new product launches and engineering changes. Working closely with cross-functional teams including Design, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Quality, this role ensures that all customer quality requirements are identified and met prior to the start of production. The APQP Program Quality Engineer serves as the primary liaison between the customer and internal teams throughout the product development cycle.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical discipline
• 5-8 years of experience in APQP, PPAP, or product launch engineering in an automotive or manufacturing environment
• Proficiency with inspection principles and work instructions
• Proficiency with core AIAG tools: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, and SPC
• Solid understanding of ISO 9001:2015 quality management system requirements
• Experience with electronic components (Cables and PCBs)
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously
• Familiarity with IPC/WHMA-A-620 requirements
• Auditing experience (Product/Process)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project)

Nice To Haves

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Green Belt / Black Belt certification
• Certified Quality Auditor
• Experience with customer portals and submission systems
• Experience with Supplier Quality Management

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate APQP teams through all five phases of the APQP process in accordance with AIAG standards as applicable to the program
• Develop, maintain, and track APQP timing plans to ensure all milestones and customer gate reviews are met
• Support cross-functional team activities including kickoff meetings, design reviews, and launch readiness reviews
• Support the contract review process.
• Monitor program status and escalate risks or timing concerns proactively to program leadership
• Prepare, compile, and submit Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) packages to customer level requirements (Level 1–5). This may also include internal PPAP submissions
• Develop and maintain key APQP deliverables as required: Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, and Measurement System Analyses (MSA)
• Ensure dimensional reports, material certifications, etc. are completed accurately and on time
• Maintain all quality records in compliance with ISO9001:2015 and customer-specific requirements
• Support inspections and the non-conformance management process
• Support in review and/or generation of AS9102 Documentation as required
• Participate in the PRB/MRB meeting and support documentation of customer returns
• Support DFMEA and PFMEA development and review sessions with engineering and manufacturing teams
• Identify, document, and drive closure of open issues through disciplined corrective action processes
• Manage and update risk logs throughout the product development lifecycle
• Serve as the primary customer quality contact for all APQP and launch-related activities
• Participate in customer product development meetings and respond to customer quality concerns during the pre-production phase
• Support supplier quality activities including supplier APQP reviews and sub-tier PPAP approvals where applicable
• Capture and share lessons learned across programs to improve future launch effectiveness
• Support process improvement initiatives related to the APQP and PPAP systems
• Contribute to internal audits and management review activities as needed
• Support process development and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.
• Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
• A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.
• A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level