QUALITY ENGINEER

Lakeland Monroe Group•Grand Rapids, MI

13d

About The Position

Lakeland Monroe Group is a supplier of decorative, precision, and functional plastic components for the automotive industry. The Quality Engineer applies Quality Science and Statistical Process Control in a manufacturing environment and supports pre- and post-product and process design activities, in-house process verifications, PPAP, and quality documentation. The role supports manufacturing quality activities, customer and internal quality concerns, process capability and product validation, and ongoing quality improvement. It also oversees quality for painted and finished products, including paint-process monitoring, defect analysis, audits, inspection processes, and paint-related data analysis. The Quality Engineer works with manufacturing and product launch teams to maintain quality documentation, meet customer requirements, and improve plant efficiency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
Experience with an automotive supplier.
Ability to establish and maintain good customer relations.
Exposure to the APQP process and associated quality documents.
Experience with blueprint reading, datum schemes, GD&T, and DOE.
Strong computer proficiency, including Windows, Outlook, and Excel.
Experience with statistical software programs such as Minitab.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with the paint process for interior molded automotive parts.
Experience with IATF standards and processes.
Consistently exhibit appropriate attendance habits and work the necessary hours to perform the job.
Organize and maintain an efficient personal work area.
Communicate using appropriate language and tone and work effectively with coworkers and management.

Responsibilities

Support manufacturing operations with quality activities and provide accurate, timely information, data, and reports.
Maintain a presence on the production floor, build positive relationships with manufacturing personnel, and attend scheduled production meetings.
Review and disposition non-conforming material in a timely manner.
Participate in PSO and capability runs and review results to verify new projects meet part design and quality requirements.
Own customer and internal quality concerns from receipt through closure; investigate root causes using 8D or 5-Why tools, implement permanent corrective actions, and verify implementation and standardization across the plant.
Conduct weekly 8D review meetings and drive closure of customer concerns.
Work with Product Launch Engineers to maintain PFMEAs, Control Plans, Process Flows, and inspection check sheets, including customer-specific specifications and standards.
Own quality-related goals and drive improvement in key measures.
Participate in lean initiatives, including 6 Sigma, CIA’s, 5S, and standardized work; suggest, document, and implement efficiency improvements.
Anticipate potential problems and work to eliminate them.
Oversee quality control of painted and finished products to ensure compliance with customer specifications and industry standards.
Monitor and audit paint application processes for thickness, adhesion, color matching, and texture.
Analyze root causes of paint-related defects, including orange peel, runs, overspray, and color inconsistencies, and implement corrective actions.
Work with production to optimize paint line processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency without compromising quality.
Develop and maintain control plans and inspection processes for painting operations in accordance with customer-specific requirements.
Ensure paint material handling and storage meet quality standards, including mixing, filtration, and application practices.
Lead paint-related quality audits and inspections to ensure adherence to internal and external standards.
Track and analyze paint-related quality data, identify trends and improvement opportunities, and provide reports to management.
Participate in selecting and testing new paints or coatings to verify durability, aesthetic, and performance requirements.
Maintain knowledge of paint-application best practices, technologies, environmental regulations, and customer-specific requirements.
Obtain and compile capability data from product line trials.
Determine testing requirements for Product Validation.
Follow company policies and procedures, including ISO, TS16949, and safety regulations, and support company values.