Quality Engineer (Manufacturing)

Summit Polymers•Sturgis, MI

About The Position

This technical position supports product quality assurance functions, including new product quality system and tool development, customer PPAP approval, product quality support at external customers, support for internal production operations, administration of internal quality systems, and root-cause problem solving to eliminate quality defects. The role supports product development and launch, customer quality concerns, internal quality systems and audits, and corrective actions for customer, internal, and supplier issues. The position typically requires up to 15% travel.

Requirements

Three to five years of experience in an automotive quality function is required as an alternative to a degree.
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, with related software skills such as Minitab or similar.
Interpersonal skills to interact with all levels of the company and customer organizations, negotiate effectively, lead training, and present problem-solving results.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
A minimum Wonderlic Select Assessment score of 50, or a traditional cognitive portion score of 26.
Agreement to complete all required post-hire training.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform quality assignments during product design input and output processes to ensure product quality considerations and tools are addressed.
Develop, use, and maintain 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 product or process requirements, including GD&T and testing requirements.
Use measurement systems analysis and statistical methods to qualify equipment and evaluate process normality and capability.
Support supplier quality engineering through drawing and tolerance reviews, quality control plan reviews, supplier run-at-rate activities, and supplier PPAP reviews and approvals.
Manage the Appearance Approval Report process and coordinate with suppliers and customers on appearance and color requirements.
Assemble and submit or present PPAP information for pre-launch and post-launch changes, and maintain customer web-based applications used in product development.
Perform and oversee safe-launch containment inspections, determine corrective actions, and support launch preparation activities, training, trials, customer builds, and launch reviews.
Develop and maintain customer relationships; respond promptly to customer quality concerns and escalate issues to the Quality Manager and manufacturing management.
Travel to customer locations as needed for containment, investigations, corrective-action presentations, warranty reviews, customer visits, and build events.
Support internal plant operations in resolving quality concerns and questions, and develop, maintain, and conduct internal Layered Process Audits.
Participate in customer, internal, supplier, and IATF/ISO audits and support continuous improvement activities.
Use metrology equipment to qualify and calibrate products, processes, fixtures, and tools as needed.
Provide guidance to quality inspectors and technicians and provide support outside regular hours when required.
Lead, perform, and support Practical Problem Solving activities to define problems, identify root causes, and develop corrective actions for customer, internal, and supplier concerns.
Document corrective actions using PPS A3 or customer-specific problem-solving formats and share them with affected functions, corporate teams, sister plants, and suppliers.