Quality Systems Manager - Automotive

Technical Response, Inc.•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

Technical Response, Inc. (TRI) is expanding its manufacturing capabilities into the automotive industry by producing injection molded components for a leading regional automotive manufacturer. To support this, TRI is seeking an experienced Quality Systems Manager – Automotive to develop, strengthen, and advance its Quality Management System to meet automotive industry expectations. This role involves leading change, partnering with various departments, and establishing a quality culture focused on prevention, continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. The Quality Systems Manager will guide TRI through the implementation of automotive quality standards, robust manufacturing controls, and industry best practices, leveraging experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably in injection molding. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience with automotive quality systems such as APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and structured problem-solving methodologies. A passion for building sustainable processes, mentoring teams, and driving organizational excellence is essential. Experience implementing or maintaining an IATF 16949 Quality Management System is strongly preferred. This is a highly visible position working closely with senior leadership, playing a critical role in the successful launch and ongoing support of TRI's automotive manufacturing operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline is required.
Extensive experience with automotive quality systems, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
Experience implementing or maintaining an IATF 16949 Quality Management System is strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an injection molding environment.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of TRI's Quality Management System.
Partner with leadership to establish an automotive quality culture that emphasizes prevention, process discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Develop quality policies, procedures, work instructions, inspection plans, and standardized documentation that support automotive manufacturing requirements.
Prepare the organization for compliance with IATF 16949 requirements and customer-specific quality standards.
Lead APQP activities for new product launches.
Coordinate and submit Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation to customers.
Facilitate Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) activities, as applicable.
Implement and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) programs.
Lead internal quality audits and coordinate customer and third-party audits.
Manage customer quality concerns, warranty issues, corrective actions, and preventive actions using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, and Fishbone Analysis.
Develop quality metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor system effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customer Success to resolve quality issues and improve manufacturing processes.
Establish supplier quality expectations and support supplier development and corrective action activities, as required.
Oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspection processes.
Manage calibration and inspection equipment programs.
Support process validation, new equipment qualification, and manufacturing process improvements.
Train and mentor employees on quality principles, automotive requirements, and best practices.
Promote Lean Manufacturing principles and a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Perform other duties as assigned.