Associate Quality Engineer

Textron Inc.; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kautex, part of Textron, seeks an Associate Quality Engineer in Detroit to drive product and process quality from development through launch to serial production. You will own KPIs, lead continuous improvement, create and maintain plant quality documentation, support audits, and serve as the first contact for customer quality questions while ensuring compliance with IATF 16949:2016.

Requirements include Master or Bachelor in Engineering, automotive project experience, knowledge of quality tools,

Qualifications

• Master or Bachelor in Engineering or comparable education.
• Experience in automotive project management.
• Knowledge of quality tools and quality standards.
• Familiarity with IATF 16949:2016 customer quality requirements.
• Knowledge of Kautex manufacturing processes.
• Six Sigma Green Belt is a plus.
• Strong local language and English language skills required.

Responsibilities

• Own KPIs for product quality during development per FLP Roadmap.
• Achieve manufacturing process quality targets during launch and serial production.
• Stop processes and escalate non-conformities (STOP-AT-DEFECT).
• Drive continuous improvement affecting process quality in the plant.
• Create and maintain plant quality documentation.
• Support assembly trials and drive for best process quality.
• Alert management to items affecting product quality/functionality.
• First contact for all customer-related questions.
• Ensure knowledge about customer-specific requirements.
• Ensure knowledge about risk management and product safety.
• Conduct claim management with customer (A3) including warranty.
• Submit final PPAP to customer (incl. update of customer portals and IMDS).
• Support/update project-related documents (e.g. P-FMEA, process flow chart).
• Perform internal Audits, ensure action plans are created and follow up on corrective actions.
• Support Quality Manager on external and customer audits.

Skills

Automotive project management

Quality tools & standards

IATF 16949 knowledge

English language proficiency

Strong local language skills

Education

Master or Bachelor in Engineering

Job description

Associate Quality Engineer

Description

Kautex is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment-based non-immigrant and immigrant visas. However, as a global company, Kautex offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our employment website www.textronjobs.com.

Kautex is a global company with over 30 plants in 13 countries. As a leading Tier One automotive supplier, we are a pioneer in the design and manufacturing of plastic fuel systems and beyond. From battery enclosures for use in hybrid and full battery electric vehicle applications to autonomous cleaning systems, we are advancing solutions for the era of new mobility. Our portfolio also covers high-quality industrial packaging and cast camshafts. Embracing the transformative venture, Kautex is part of a network of global businesses, offering some of the most advanced technologies and services the world has ever seen.

We foster career growth, drive groundbreaking talent programs, and champion equal opportunities and sustainability in our business practices and products. By working together as one team and supporting one another, amazing things happen. We push the boundaries of what’s possible, soar to new heights and reach for the extraordinary, being recognized by prestigious awards such as Fair Company, Great place to work (Silao), MINT minded company, or Ecovadis Platinum. We look forward to getting to know you and sharing more about our values and local benefits.

What awaits you:

• Responsible for all KPIs and measures with regard to improved product quality during the development phase according the FLP Roadmap

• Responsible for achieving manufacturing process quality targets during launch and serial production

• Responsible to stop processes and elevate in all cases of non-conformities to quality (STOP-AT-DEFECT)

• Drive and implement continuous improvement activities affecting process quality in the plant

• Create and maintain plant related quality documentation

• Support assembly trials and drive for best process quality

• Responsible for alerting management for all items affecting product quality/functionality in a negative manner

• First contact for all customer related questions

• Ensure knowledge about customer specific requirements

• Ensure knowledge about risk management and product safety

• Conduct claim management with customer (A3) including warranty

• Submit final PPAP to customer (incl. update of customer portals and IMDS)

• Support/update project-related documents (e.g. P-FMEA, process flow chart)

• Perform internal Audits, ensure action plans are created and follow up on corrective actions

• Support Quality Manager on external and customer audits

Qualifications

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Master or Bachelor in Engineering or comparable education

• First experience in automotive project management

• Knowledge in quality tools/ valid quality standards

• Knowledge in customer specific quality requirements via IATF 16949:2016

• Knowledge of Kautex manufacturing processes

• Six Sigma Green Belt is a plus

• Strong local and English language skills are required

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Recruiting Company: Kautex
Primary Location: US-Michigan-Detroit
Job Function: Quality
Schedule: Full-time
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Job Type: Entry Job
Shift: First Shift
Job Posting: 03/16/2026, 6:46:28 AM
Job Number: 339659