APQP Engineer

IFAB Corp.; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) matching

PTO and holidays

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

IFAB Corp. in Gastonia, NC seeks an APQP Engineer to lead Advanced Product Quality Planning from quote award through production launch.

You will work with Engineering, Tooling, Production, Quality, and Customers to plan, validate, and launch new and changed parts across stamping, laser cutting, tube bending, forming, welding, and finishing. The ideal candidate has 3+ years APQP/PPAP, AIAG Core Tools/IATF 16949 knowledge, and strong CAD/GD&T literacy.

Qualifications

• 3+ years APQP/PPAP experience in manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of AIAG Core Tools and IATF 16949 / ISO 9001.
• Read blueprints and GD&T; understand stamping, laser, welding and coating.
• Project management, cross-functional leadership, and clear customer communication.
• Microsoft Office; ERP systems and Minitab experience a plus.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing/Quality Engineering.
• ASQ CQE, AIAG Core Tools or Lean Six Sigma certifications preferred.
• English/Spanish language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead APQP for new and changed parts across five phases with on-time launches.
• Prepare and submit PPAP packages (Levels 1–5) per AIAG and customer requirements.
• Develop PFMEAs, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams; drive risk mitigation.
• Review drawings, GD&T, and specs; lead manufacturability analyses.
• Plan MSA, dimensional layouts, capability studies and run-at-rate trials.
• Serve as main quality contact for OEMs during launches; coordinate with suppliers.
• Manage engineering changes and update quality documentation.
• Support continuous improvement (8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa) and EHS standards.

Skills

APQP/PPAP experience

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Customer communication

Blueprint reading

GD&T knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing/Quality Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Minitab

Microsoft Office

Statistical software

Job description

Location: Gastonia, North Carolina
Job Type: Full-time
Industry: Manufacturing / Metal Fabrication

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive APQP Engineer to lead new product launches, ensure robust manufacturing processes, and deliver defect-free parts to our OEM customers from day one.

Why Join IFAB Corp.?

At IFAB Corp., we are a leading manufacturing company specializing in high-precision metal fabrication, assembly, and coating services. Our state-of-the-art facility features cutting-edge technology, including advanced lasers and coil stamp machinery. We take immense pride in our culture of quality, safety, operational excellence, and continuous innovation.

Role Overview

As our APQP Engineer, you will own the Advanced Product Quality Planning process from quote award through production launch. You will work closely with Engineering, Tooling, Production, Quality, and Customers to plan, validate, and launch new and changed parts across stamping, laser cutting, tube bending, forming, welding, assembly, and finishing (e-coat and powder coat). You will directly impact launch success, customer satisfaction, and long-term product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• APQP Program Management: Lead the five phases of APQP for new and changed parts, managing timelines, deliverables, and gate reviews to ensure on-time launches.

• PPAP Preparation & Submission: Prepare, compile, and submit complete PPAP packages (Levels 1–5) per AIAG and customer-specific requirements, and secure customer approval.

• Core Quality Tools: Develop and maintain Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, Control Plans, and work instructions; lead cross-functional teams in risk assessment and mitigation.

• Feasibility & Design Reviews: Review customer drawings, GD&T, and specifications; lead team feasibility analyses and identify manufacturability risks early.

• Measurement & Process Validation: Plan and execute MSA (Gage R&R), dimensional layouts, capability studies (Cpk/Ppk), and run-at-rate trials to validate process readiness.

• Customer & Supplier Interface: Act as the main quality contact for OEM customers during launch; coordinate with suppliers on sub-component and coating PPAPs.

• Engineering Change Management: Manage engineering changes, update quality documentation, and ensure smooth transitions into production.

• Continuous Improvement: Support root cause analysis (8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa) and corrective actions, applying lessons learned to future launches.

• Safety & Sustainability: Active commitment to Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards, maintaining a safe, compliant, and sustainable production environment.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 3+ years of APQP/PPAP experience in automotive, heavy truck (Class 6–8), agricultural equipment, or a related metal fabrication environment.

• Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of AIAG core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC) and IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 requirements; ability to read and interpret blueprints and GD&T.

• Process Knowledge: Familiarity with stamping, laser cutting, welding (MIG/TIG, spot, robotic), and coating processes is highly preferred.

• Core Skills: Project management, cross-functional leadership, problem-solving, and clear communication with customers and internal teams.

• Software: Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with ERP systems, customer portals, and statistical software (e.g., Minitab) is a plus.

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Quality Engineering, or a related field.

• Certifications (Preferred): ASQ CQE, AIAG Core Tools, or Lean Six Sigma certification is a strong plus.

• Language: Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) matching program.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.

• Career growth opportunities within a fast-growing, tech-driven manufacturing leader.