APQP Quality Engineer

Gilder Search Group; Hartwell, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group is seeking an APQP Quality Engineer to lead Advanced Product Quality Planning for new product launches in a Northeast Georgia location. The role coordinates APQP deliverables, PPAP submissions, and process validation while supporting manufacturing, engineering, suppliers, and customers throughout the lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in APQP/automotive quality, strong knowledge of IATF 16949 and Core Tools, and proven project management and communication skills to

Qualifications

• 3+ years of APQP and automotive quality experience.
• Experience supporting automotive product launches.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, GD&T.
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and Core Tools.
• Experience working with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple launch programs simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead APQP activities from program kickoff through successful production launch.
• Coordinate development and completion of APQP documentation including Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, Control Plans, and Process Instructions.
• Prepare and submit PPAP documentation to customers.
• Coordinate product and process validation activities.
• Support manufacturing during equipment installation, process development, and launch activities.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Program Management, Production, and Suppliers to resolve quality concerns.
• Conduct root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, etc.).
• Monitor launch timing and quality milestones to ensure customer requirements are achieved.
• Support customer and supplier quality meetings.
• Participate in internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, scrap reduction, and process capability.
• Maintain quality documentation in accordance with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements.

Skills

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

Control Plans

MSA

SPC

GD&T

IATF 16949

Core Tools

Program management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field

Job description

Location: Northeast Georgia

Our client is a global automotive supplier expanding its North American operations and launching new business with leading global automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

The APQP Quality Engineer will lead Advanced Product Quality Planning activities for new product launches while supporting manufacturing, engineering, suppliers, and customers throughout the product development lifecycle.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring successful launches by coordinating APQP deliverables, PPAP submissions, process validation, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead APQP activities from program kickoff through successful production launch.
• Coordinate development and completion of APQP documentation including:
• Process Flow Diagrams
• PFMEAs
• Control Plans
• Process Instructions
• Prepare and submit PPAP documentation to customers.
• Coordinate product and process validation activities.
• Support manufacturing during equipment installation, process development, and launch activities.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Program Management, Production, and Suppliers to resolve quality concerns.
• Conduct root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, etc.).
• Monitor launch timing and quality milestones to ensure customer requirements are achieved.
• Support customer and supplier quality meetings.
• Participate in internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, scrap reduction, and process capability.
• Maintain quality documentation in accordance with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of APQP and automotive quality experience.
• Experience supporting automotive product launches.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, GD&T
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and Core Tools.
• Experience working with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple launch programs simultaneously.

Preferred Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.

What You'll Bring

• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to build relationships across engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers
• Self-motivated with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced launch environment
• Continuous improvement mindset

Why Join?

• 4 weeks PTO, generous paid holidays
• Medical benefits with low employee contribution cost
• Stable global automotive manufacturer with continued North American growth
• Opportunity to support exciting new vehicle programs
• Collaborative engineering and manufacturing environment
• Career growth opportunities within an expanding international organization