Automotive Quality Engineer

Lippert; Altoona (WI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with employer match

Vacation + paid holidays

Job summary

Lippert is seeking an Automotive Quality Engineer to establish and maintain quality controls for automotive accessories within an IATF 16949 framework. You will lead audits, drive process improvements, and support product launches.

The role is hybrid, requiring at least one week per month onsite in Eau Claire, WI, with travel minimal. Qualifications include a bachelor’s in engineering and 3+ years in automotive quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of automotive quality experience in an IATF 16949 environment.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 clauses and automotive core tools.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain quality controls for automotive accessories in line with IATF 16949 requirements.
• Lead internal and supplier audits, process audits, and readiness for third‑party certifications.
• Drive risk-based thinking using tools like PFMEA/DFMEA and Control Plans.
• Support APQP/PPAP submissions and cross‑functional New Product Launch.

Skills

IATF 16949 knowledge

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

SPC

MSA

Job description

Overview

Join the Lippert team!

Lippert is a leading, global manufacturer and supplier of highly engineered products and customized solutions, dedicated to shaping, growing, and bettering the RV, marine, automotive, commercial vehicle and building products industries. We combine our strategic manufacturing capabilities with the power of our winning team culture to deliver unrivaled customer service, award-winning innovation, and premium products to all our customers.

Automotive Quality Engineer

Our Quality Engineers will establish controls for automotive accessories with development, application and maintenance of quality standards for industrial processes, materials and products using data analysis and continuous improvement. This would be a Hybrid Role, at least 1 week per month onsite in Eau Claire, WI.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all applicable IATF 16949 Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.
• Lead and support:
• Internal audits aligned with IATF standards and Customer Specific Requirements
• Process audits and layered process audits (LPAs)
• Preparation for third-party certification, surveillance audits, and Customer audits
• Drive risk-based thinking using tools such as:
• PFMEA / DFMEA
• Control Plans
• Process Flow Diagrams
• Ensure effective implementation of APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning).
• Lead PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) submissions and approvals.
• Utilize and promote core tools:
• SPC (Statistical Process Control)
• MSA (Measurement Systems Analysis)
• FMEA
• APQP
• PPAP
• Manage nonconformance and corrective actions using Problem Solving Tools:
• 8D methodology
• Root cause analysis (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Ensure proper document control and record retention per IATF requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aligned with IATF clauses.
• Support a cross functional team in New Product Launch and Development.

OEM Customer-Specific Requirements

• Interpret and implement Customer-Specific Requirements (CSRs) for assigned OEMs (e.g., Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Stellantis).
• Ensure compliance with OEM portals and systems, including but not limited to:
• Supplier quality portals (e.g., Ford Q1 Portal, GM SupplyPower)
• Lead responses to OEM concerns, including:
• Customer complaints
• Warranty issues
• Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs)
• Manage and track OEM scorecards and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Participate in OEM audits and customer visits.
• Ensure compliance with OEM-specific documentation, labeling, traceability, and packaging requirements.
• Coordinate containment activities and escalation processes for customer issues.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field (preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in automotive quality within an IATF 16949-certified environment.
• Strong working knowledge of:
• IATF 16949 standard and clauses
• Automotive Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA)
• Experience with OEM customer requirements and portals.
• Certified Internal Auditor IATF 16949 preferred (ISO 13485 or AS9100 acceptable).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI Knowledge and experience)
• Experience with receiving, creating, sending IMDS

Travel:

Travel will be minimal and would be primarily local during the business day.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance:

Must have the ability to work for any employer in the United States. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Why We are Different:

At Lippert, Everyone Matters. This is not just a tagline or empty promise; it is who we are. We have intentionally created a culture that values and celebrates our team members’ unique and varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We strive to give our team members a deeper sense of purpose at work, and we continue to build a better work environment by aligning our cultural and business strategies with the needs of our team members.

What You will Get:

• A unique, inclusive, and supportive company culture.
• Comprehensive benefit offerings including medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match, vacation, and more!
• Fair and competitive compensation.
• Career development and mentoring and opportunities to grow.
• Holiday, personal and vacation days.

Pay Group : AAP/EEO Statement

Lippert provides equal employment opportunity to all team members and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, citizen status, protected veteran status, military service, marital status or any other legally protected category as established by federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all employment decisions, including recruitment, hiring, job assignment, compensation, training, promotion, discipline, transfer, leave-of-absence, access to benefits, layoff, recall, termination and other personnel matters. All employment and personnel-related decisions are based solely upon legitimate, job-related factors, such as skill, ability, past performance, and length of service with Lippert.

Lippert’s strong commitment to equal employment opportunity requires a commitment by each individual team member. Compliance with the letter and spirit of this policy is required of all team members. Violations of this policy should be immediately reported to your leader or to any member of leadership. Team members who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

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