Senior Quality Engineer

Position: Senior Quality Engineer – Automotive Manufacturing

Overview
A leading advanced manufacturing organization within the automotive supply chain is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to support high-volume production operations with a strong emphasis on injection molding processes.

This role plays a critical part in ensuring product quality, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction by leading quality assurance initiatives, supporting new product launches, and driving continuous improvement efforts. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in automotive quality systems, statistical analysis, and structured problem-solving within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific automotive requirements
• Lead internal quality audits and support customer and third-party audits
• Maintain and improve Quality Management System (QMS) documentation and processes
• Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives across manufacturing operations

Injection Molding Process Quality

• Provide quality engineering oversight for injection molding production processes
• Develop and maintain Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEA, Control Plans, and Work Instructions
• Lead mold qualification, process validation, and PPAP submissions
• Monitor process capability (Cp, Cpk) and implement improvements to meet performance targets
• Partner with production, tooling, and maintenance teams to troubleshoot molding defects such as sink, flash, short shot, and warpage

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)

• Lead APQP activities for new product introductions and program launches
• Prepare and submit PPAP documentation to automotive customers
• Participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews and risk assessments
• Support prototype builds and pre-production trials

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Lead structured root-cause analysis using methodologies such as 5-Why, Fishbone, and DMAIC
• Investigate customer complaints, warranty returns, and internal nonconformances
• Utilize SPC, MSA, and DOE tools to support data-driven decision making
• Identify and implement initiatives to reduce scrap, improve yield, and optimize production costs

Supplier & Customer Quality Interface

• Monitor supplier quality performance and drive corrective action activities
• Serve as a key technical quality contact for automotive customers
• Participate in customer visits, quality reviews, and audit activities

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor and support junior quality engineers and inspection staff
• Provide guidance on inspection methods, metrology practices, and quality standards
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement across the organization

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline)
• ASQ certifications such as CQE or CQA preferred

Experience

• 7+ years of quality engineering experience in automotive manufacturing
• 5+ years supporting injection molding operations
• Strong experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and SPC
• Proven success implementing root-cause analysis and corrective actions
• Experience working within an IATF 16949 certified environment

Technical Skills

• Experience with statistical analysis software (Minitab preferred)
• Strong understanding of GD&T and blueprint interpretation
• Knowledge of metrology equipment including CMM, optical inspection systems, and precision gauges
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Excellent communication and customer interaction skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and quality initiatives
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational discipline
• Comfortable working in high-volume, fast-paced manufacturing environments

will relocate