Advanced Quality Engineer

RecruitPod Global LLC; Kendallville (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

RecruitPod Global LLC in the United States is seeking an Advanced Quality Engineer to lead APQP, PPAP submissions, and process validation through initial production. You will own quality planning, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure launch readiness and regulatory compliance.

The role requires 3–5+ years in automotive/manufacturing quality engineering, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to travel up to 20%. CAD experience and proficiency in GD&T are a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 3–5+ years of experience in automotive or manufacturing quality engineering.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, SPC, MSA, PFMEA, Control Plans, and capability analysis.
• Experience supporting new program launches through SOP.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Familiarity with IMDS submission requirements.
• Strong project coordination, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; CAD experience (SolidWorks) a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 20% to support launches, customers, or suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and maintain APQP documentation for new programs and engineering changes.
• Lead quality planning activities to ensure successful program launch and SOP readiness.
• Serve as the primary customer quality contact during program launch and early production.
• Ensure plant processes and controls meet all customer-specific and internal quality requirements.
• Track launch metrics including scrap, defects, and quality issues and implement improvement actions.
• Prepare, submit, and maintain PPAP documentation in accordance with customer requirements.
• Perform and analyze process capability studies (Cpk/Ppk) and measurement system studies (Gage R&R).
• Coordinate and review part testing per customer specifications; interpret and communicate results.
• Enter and maintain material and part information in IMDS and submit to customers.
• Develop and maintain quality standards, Control Plans, PFMEAs, and work instructions for each new program.
• Support development of manufacturing processes and equipment to meet quality, cost, and delivery targets.
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Suppliers on process and equipment development.
• Obtain and evaluate quotes for manufacturing equipment, packaging, and customer testing as required.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T; support part and process design validation.

Skills

APQP

PPAP

Analytical skills

Project coordination

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

MS Office

IMDS

Job description

Job Description

The Advanced Quality Engineer is responsible for leading quality planning and execution activities to ensure a smooth transition from program initiation through PPAP. This role owns Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), customer PPAP submissions, process capability validation, and launch readiness to ensure customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements are met. The Advanced Quality Engineer serves as the primary quality contact during program launch and supports continuous improvement as production matures.

The Advanced Quality Engineer is responsible for leading quality planning and execution activities to ensure a smooth transition from program initiation through PPAP. This role owns Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), customer PPAP submissions, process capability validation, and launch readiness to ensure customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements are met. The Advanced Quality Engineer serves as the primary quality contact during program launch and supports continuous improvement as production matures.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and maintain APQP documentation for new programs and engineering changes.
• Lead quality planning activities to ensure successful program launch and SOP readiness.
• Serve as the primary customer quality contact during program launch and early production.
• Ensure plant processes and controls meet all customer-specific and internal quality requirements.
• Track launch metrics including scrap, defects, and quality issues and implement improvement actions.

PPAP, Validation & Compliance

• Prepare, submit, and maintain PPAP documentation in accordance with customer requirements.
• Perform and analyze process capability studies (Cpk/Ppk) and measurement system studies (Gage R&R).
• Coordinate and review part testing per customer specifications; interpret and communicate results.
• Enter and maintain material and part information in IMDS and submit to customers.
• Develop and maintain quality standards, Control Plans, PFMEAs, and work instructions for each new program.

Process & Equipment Development

• Support development of manufacturing processes and equipment to meet quality, cost, and delivery targets.
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Suppliers on process and equipment development.
• Obtain and evaluate quotes for manufacturing equipment, packaging, and customer testing as required.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T; support part and process design validation.
• Utilize CPKPPK Tools (many tab) as needed to support quality planning and review activities.

Project Coordination & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and monitor launch project schedules; coordinate cross-functional activities and resolve quality-related issues.
• Ensure customer requirements are communicated and consistently met by the plant.
• Support development and execution of training related to new processes, equipment, and quality requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to process stability, scrap reduction, and launch performance.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for launch-related quality issues.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all launch and production activities comply with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
• This role is expected to operate in accordance with the established RASIC (Responsible, Accountable, Support, Informed, Consulted) chart to ensure clear ownership, collaboration, and accountability.

Skill and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 3-5+ years of experience in automotive or manufacturing quality engineering.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, SPC, MSA, PFMEA, Control Plans, and capability analysis.
• Experience supporting new program launches through SOP.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Familiarity with IMDS submission requirements.
• Strong project coordination, analytical, and problem-solution skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; CAD experience (SolidWorks) a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 20% to support launches, customers, or suppliers.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to plant floor conditions including noise, vibration, moving equipment, airborne particles, and chemicals.
• PPE required in designated production areas.
• Typical schedule is fulltime with flexibility during program launches or customer support activities.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Ability to travel up to 20% domestically within the United States and internationally, as required. A valid, up to date passport is required and must be maintained at all times.

Authority

• Authority to plan and execute APQP and launch quality activities.
• Authority to submit PPAPs and customer quality documentation.
• Authority to lead capability studies and approve measurement results.
• Authority to represent the company in customer quality discussions during launch.
• Authority to recommend process, equipment, and quality control improvements.
• Authority to elevate quality risks and launch concerns to Quality and Operations leadership.