APQP Engineer - USA

Tsubaki Nakashima Co., Ltd; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Tsubaki Nakashima Co., Ltd is seeking a seasoned Quality leader to help drive the US quality organization, ensuring products meet ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, and customer requirements. You will lead APQP, PFMEA, PPAP, and process validation activities across ball and roller manufacturing, with a focus on data-driven improvements and supplier quality.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in automotive quality, strong problem-solving skills, and a solid understanding of lean, Six Sigma, and quality

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related field, or Science with relevant quality experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive quality teams.
• Understanding of automotive industry standards and customer-specific requirements (OEMs).

Responsibilities

• APQP Deployment: Lead all five phases of the APQP process ball and roller manufacturing.
• Risk Management: Facilitate PFMEA to mitigate risks in heading, flashing, heat treatment, etc.
• PPAP Management: Coordinate the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for submissions to T1 customers.
• Quality Documentation: Develop and maintain process flow diagrams, control plans, and inspection standards.
• Supplier Quality: Evaluate sub-tier suppliers and ensure APQP/PPAP requirements.
• Process Validation: Implement SPC and capability studies for key processes.
• Problem Solving: Lead root-cause analyses (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) for nonconformities.

Skills

Quality leadership

APQP

PFMEA

PPAP

SPC

8D

5 Whys

Ishikawa

Data analysis

Lean

Six Sigma

ISO 9001

IATF 16949

Education

Engineering degree (Mechanical/Automotive) or related field

Tools

SPC

MSA

Job description

Tsubaki Nakashima (TN) has been at the forefront of precision manufacturing since 1936, producing over 20,000 components engineered from ceramics, steel, and plastics. Our portfolio includes high-precision balls, rollers, large-scale blowers, and custom injection-molded solutions designed for demanding applications across automotive, industrial, aerospace, and medical fields.

Backed by nine decades of expertise and a commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, our people power the solutions that shape global motion and innovation.

Role & responsibility:

Reporting to the Global Quality Manager, this role will help lead the US Quality Organization and ensure that the products we produce meet and, where possible, exceed customer requirements

This role ensures that all products meet internal and external standards, including ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, etc.

Broad responsibilities for this role will include:

• APQP Deployment: Lead all five phases of the APQP process ball and roller manufacturing.
• Risk Management: Facilitate Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) to mitigate risks associated with heading, flashing, heat treatment, etc.
• PPAP Management: Coordinate the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for submissions to T1 customers, in support of major automotive or industrial OEM customers.
• Quality Documentation: Develop and maintain process flow diagrams, control plans, and dimensional inspection standards.
• Supplier Quality: Evaluate sub-tier suppliers (raw steel, ceramic, etc) and ensure they meet APQP/PPAP requirements.
• Process Validation: Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) where possible and capability studies for key processes.
• Problem Solving: Lead structured root-cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) when nonconformities are identified.

Skills:

• Understanding of ball making and related processes.
• Knowledge of automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 9001) and customer-specific requirements (e.g., OEMs).
• Proficient in quality tools and methodologies (e.g., FMEA, SPC, 8D, 5 Whys).
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis skills to address customer complaints effectively.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and drive data-driven decision-making.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and lean methodologies
• Experience with tools like SPC, MSA, and Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred)
• Proficient in risk management and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Ability to work both alone and as a part of a wider team.

Qualifications:

• Engineering graduate, preferably from Mechanical, Automotive, or related field, or Science with relevant additional qualifications/Experience in Quality activities.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality teams, within the automotive, ancillary / Tool manufacturing / ball manufacturing, or relevant manufacturing industry.
• Understanding of automotive industry standards and customer-specific requirements (e.g., OEMs).