Quality Engineer (Manufacturing)

Summit Polymers, Inc.•Kalamazoo, MI

13d

About The Position

The Quality Engineer is a technical role responsible for supporting product quality assurance across new product development, customer support, internal manufacturing operations, and quality systems. The role develops and maintains quality plans and tools, supports customer PPAP approval, provides quality support at customer locations and internal plants, and leads root-cause problem solving to eliminate defects. The position reports to the Manager, Quality (Manufacturing) and typically requires up to 15% travel.

Requirements

A 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.
Agree 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, with related software skills such as Minitab or similar.
Interpersonal skills to work effectively with all levels of company 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 a traditional cognitive score of 26.

Nice To Haves

ASQC CQE certification.
Experience as an internal auditor for IATF 16949 or ISO 9001.

Responsibilities

Perform quality assignments during product design input and output to ensure product quality requirements and tools are considered.
Develop, use, and maintain APQP and company quality documents, including PFMEAs, process flows, control plans, inspection standards, and launch and receiving instructions.
Ensure quality plans meet applicable statutory, regulatory, and customer-specific requirements.
Review and communicate technical drawings and product or process requirements, including GD&T, validation testing, special characteristics, and key performance indicators.
Use measurement systems analysis and statistical techniques to qualify measurement equipment and assess process normality and capability.
Support supplier quality engineering through drawing and tolerance reviews, control plan approvals, supplier run-at-rate participation, and supplier PPAP reviews and approvals.
Manage the Appearance Approval Report process, including coordination with suppliers and participation in customer color-harmony activities.
Assemble and submit or present customer PPAP information for pre-launch and subsequent changes.
Maintain customer web applications used during product development and quality support.
Oversee safe-launch containment inspections and determine corrective actions for findings.
Support launch preparation, including associate training, trials, customer run-at-rates, customer builds, and launch reviews.
Train and support customer-site quality liaisons for new products before launch.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with customers and respond promptly to customer quality concerns, escalating issues when appropriate.
Travel to customer sites as needed for containment, investigations, corrective-action presentations or disputes, proactive visits, and customer build events.
Review customer warranty data and coordinate appropriate corrective actions and responses.
Maintain customer applications and scorecards related to product quality.
Support internal plant operations with technical knowledge and research to resolve quality concerns.
Develop, maintain, and conduct layered process audits and act on findings.
Participate in customer, internal, supplier, IATF, and ISO audits.
Support continuous improvement activities that improve standardized work and operational efficiency.
Use metrology equipment to qualify and calibrate products, processes, fixtures, and tools as needed.
Guide quality inspectors and technicians in their responsibilities.
Provide support during off-hours when required for duties related to the position.
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 or required customer formats and share findings with affected functions, corporate teams, sister plants, and suppliers.