Quality Lead Automotive

Lightyear; Venray; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

40 vacation days per year

Job summary

Lightyear is seeking a Quality Lead to drive a culture of quality as the company scales in automotive and solar tech. You will define and embed a scalable Quality Management System (QMS), guiding procurement, warehousing, production, and supplier management toward consistent quality execution.

You will oversee root cause analyses, supplier audits, and non-conformance handling, while coaching teams to own quality at every step. Travel occasionally is expected as part of supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive quality with a focus on supplier quality, manufacturing quality, customer quality.
• Proven experience designing and implementing Quality Management Systems (QMS) within fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing or tech environments.
• Knowledge of the automotive standard IATF 16949 as well as ISO 9001.
• Understanding of quality tools and systems: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, 8D etc. and handle their implementation.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement a fit-for-purpose QMS, tailored to a high-growth tech environment.
• Bridge between technology development and automotive supplier/manufacturer.
• Embed a quality-driven mindset across teams and leadership.
• Implement processes for incoming inspection, non-conformance handling, and supplier quality assurance.
• Set and monitor outgoing quality levels meeting customer expectations.
• Build strong supplier relationships through audits, performance tracking, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure alignment and ownership around quality from warehousing to final delivery.
• Drive root cause analyses and manage complaints with clarity and follow-through.
• Guide internal teams through expectation management, clear communication, and hands-on coaching.

Skills

Quality leadership

Quality systems

Supplier quality

Root cause analysis

Audits

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s in technical field

Tools

IATF 16949

ISO 9001

Job description

Working at Lightyear is a unique experience. You get the opportunity to work for a company with a pure and meaningful mission. A mission that will make a positive and lasting impact on future generations.

What will you do as a Quality Lead?

We are on the journey from a technology development company to manufacturing high quality products that meet all the standards and requirements of automotive. As our new Quality Lead, you will be the driving force behind building and embedding a culture of quality in a company that’s scaling rapidly at the intersection of solar energy and automotive innovation. Our mission is ambitious, and so is our quality challenge.

Our goal is to deliver at the consistent, robust level expected in automotive-grade production. That means bridging a significant quality gap by bringing structure, rigor, and reliability to our processes, without losing the agility that makes us who we are.

You define what “quality” means for us and build a scalable Quality Management System (QMS). You will guide teams from procurement and warehousing to production and supplier management toward a shared understanding and consistent execution. This role is about more than compliance: it's about leading a cultural shift and inspiring people to take ownership of quality, every step of the way.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement a fit-for-purpose QMS, tailored to a high-growth tech environment.
• Build the bridge between our history as a technology developer to a structured automotive supplier and manufacturer.
• Establish and embed a quality-driven mindset across teams and leadership.
• Implement clear processes for incoming inspection, non-conformance handling, and supplier quality assurance.
• Set and monitor outgoing quality levels that meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Build strong supplier relationships through audits, performance tracking, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure alignment and ownership around quality from warehousing to final delivery.
• Drive root cause analyses and manage complaints with clarity, transparency, and follow-through.
• Guide internal teams through expectation management, clear communication, and hands‑on coaching.

What do we expect from a Quality Lead?

In order to succeed in the dynamic world of Lightyear; pro-activity, professionalism, communication and adaptability are crucial. You are pragmatic, analytical, flexible and have the ability to create a quality culture together with the team. Furthermore, we are looking for someone with:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a technical field
• 5+ years of experience in automotive quality with a focus on supplier quality, manufacuring quality, customer quality
• Proven experience designing and implementing Quality Management Systems (QMS) within fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing or tech environments
• Knowledge of the automotive standard IATF 16949 as well as ISO 9001
• Understanding of quality tools and systems: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, 8D etc. and handle their implementation
• Excellent communicator and natural coach, able to bring people on board;
• Analytical, structured, and persistent, but also pragmatic and people-oriented;
• Willingness to travel occasionally to key suppliers;
• Mission driven and eager to deliver the change
• A strong match between our core values and your values as a person;
• Availability for 40 hours per week (with flexible working hours).

What can you expect from Lightyear?

In addition to a challenging role we also offer:

• A high degree of freedom and independence in your role
• A role within a multidisciplinary team consisting of highly motivated, inquisitive and talented people with a broad diversity of experience
• Participation in a good pension scheme
• 40 vacation days per year (based on a 40 hour contract)
• Be a part of a small and driven team at a technology start-up with a strong focus on sustainability;
• Engage in a collaborative work environment that encourages innovation, independent thinking and close cooperation;
• Contribute to cutting‑edge solar technologies that aim to revolutionize vehicle charging systems;
• Opportunity to grow with the company as we accelerate and expand our impact in clean mobility.

About Lightyear

Lightyear Layer is at the forefront of sustainable mobility, offering innovative solutions that help businesses reduce CO₂ emissions and enhance operational efficiency. Our Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPV) platform provides grid‑independent, solar‑powered solutions that maximize energy yield and efficiency, driving a greener future.