Quality Engineer (Manufacturing)

Summit Polymers, Inc.•Sturgis, MI

About The Position

This technical position supports product quality assurance functions. The role includes developing quality systems and tools for new products, achieving customer PPAP approval, supporting product quality at external customer sites and internal production operations, administering internal quality systems, and conducting root-cause problem solving to eliminate quality defects. The position supports product development and launch by preparing and maintaining quality documents, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements, reviewing technical information, qualifying measurement systems, coordinating supplier and customer quality activities, and assembling PPAP submissions. It also provides customer quality support, including responding to concerns, investigating warranty data, and presenting corrective actions. Internally, the role supports manufacturing operations, audits, continuous improvement, metrology, and quality personnel. The position typically requires up to 15% travel and may require off-hours support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field or related science discipline is preferred; 3–5 years of automotive quality experience is required as an alternative to the degree.
Agreement to complete all required post-hire training.
Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and customer websites.
Knowledge of AIAG quality core tools, including APQP, PPAP, MSA, GD&T, and FMEA.
Knowledge of problem-solving methodologies such as Toyota Practical Problem Solving and 8D.
Knowledge and understanding of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards.
Knowledge of metrology tools and methods.
Knowledge of SPC and statistical analysis, including related software such as Minitab or similar.
Interpersonal skills to interact effectively across Summit Polymers and customer organizations, negotiate, lead training, and present problem-solving results.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Minimum Wonderlic Select Assessment score of 50, or traditional cognitive portion score of 26.
Ability to travel as required; the position typically requires up to 15% travel.

Nice To Haves

ASQC CQE certification.
Experience as an internal auditor for IATF 16949 or ISO 9001.
Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field or related science discipline.

Responsibilities

Perform quality function assignments during product design input and output to ensure product quality considerations and quality tools are addressed.
Develop, use, and maintain Summit Polymers and APQP quality documents, including PFMEAs, process flows and control plans, inspection standards, and inspection instructions.
Ensure quality plans comply with applicable statutory, regulatory, and customer-specific requirements.
Review, interpret, and communicate technical drawings and information, including GD&T and DV/PV testing requirements.
Use Measurement Systems Analysis techniques to qualify gages, fixtures, and other metrology equipment.
Use statistical analysis to assess process normality and capability.
Support Corporate Supplier Quality Engineering with supplier product development, drawing and tolerance reviews, control plan reviews and approvals, supplier run-at-rate activities, and supplier PPAP reviews and approvals.
Manage the Appearance Approval Report process, including coordination with suppliers, development of internal color tolerances, and participation in customer color-harmony activities.
Assemble and submit or present PPAP information for pre-launch and post-launch changes.
Access, update, and maintain customer web applications used during product development and customer quality support.
Perform and oversee safe-launch containment inspections and determine corrective actions for findings.
Support launch preparation, including associate training, development trials, customer run-at-rate activities, customer builds, and launch reviews.
Train and support on-site quality liaisons at customer facilities before product launch.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with external customers and respond promptly to customer quality concerns, escalating as appropriate.
Travel to customer locations to support containment, investigations, and presentations of corrective actions or disputes.
Review customer warranty data and determine corrective actions and responses, including on-site review or investigation when needed.
Make routine customer visits and attend customer build events.
Support internal plant operations and provide technical knowledge and research to resolve manufacturing quality concerns.
Develop, maintain, and conduct internal Layered Process Audits and take appropriate corrective actions based on findings.
Participate in customer, internal quality, supplier quality, and IATF/ISO audits.
Support continuous improvement activities to improve standardized work methods and operational efficiency.
Use industry-standard metrology equipment to qualify and calibrate products, processes, fixtures, and tools as needed.
Guide quality inspectors and technicians in performing their responsibilities.
Provide off-hours support when required for matters related to the role.
Lead, perform, and support Practical Problem Solving activities to define problems, identify root causes, and develop corrective actions for customer, internal, and supplier quality concerns.
Document corrective actions using PPS A3 and, when required, customer-specific problem-solving or corrective-action formats.
Share corrective actions with affected functions, corporate teams, sister plants, and suppliers.