Automotive Quality Engineer

Lippert; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefit offerings

Career development opportunities

Inclusive company culture

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is seeking an Automotive Quality Engineer. This position involves ensuring compliance with IATF 16949 standards and leading audits. The ideal candidate will have experience in automotive quality and strong problem-solving skills. The role offers a supportive company culture, comprehensive benefits including medical and 401(k), and opportunities for career development. Occasional local travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in automotive quality within an IATF 16949‑certified environment.
• Strong working knowledge of the IATF 16949 standard.
• Experience with OEM customer requirements and portals.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 Quality Management System requirements.
• Lead and support internal audits aligned with IATF standards.
• Drive risk-based thinking using PFMEA/DFMEA and Control Plans.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Continuous Quality Improvement knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

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 through development, application and maintenance of quality standards for industrial processes, materials and products using data analysis and continuous improvement.

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; conduct process audits and layered process audits (LPAs); and prepare for third‑party certification, surveillance audits and customer audits.
• Drive risk‑based thinking using tools such as PFMEA/DFMEA, Control Plans, and 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 such as 8D methodology and 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, General Motors, Stellantis).
• Ensure compliance with OEM portals and systems, including supplier quality portals (e.g., Ford Q1 Portal, GM SupplyPower).
• Lead responses to OEM concerns, including customer complaints, warranty issues, and 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 the IATF 16949 standard and clauses, and 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, and sending IMDS data.

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.

What You will Get

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

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 leadership. Team members who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.