Automotive Quality Engineer - NPI & Launch Lead

Actalent; Elkmont (AL); On-site; USD 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Quality Engineer for a Tier One automotive environment in Elkmont, AL. The role supports new product introductions, develops quality documentation, and drives launch processes to ensure compliance with AIAG standards.

You will lead DFMEA/PFMEA activities, perform SPC/GR&R analysis, and work with engineering, production, and suppliers to optimize quality, cost, and performance. This contractual-to-hire position is onsite with up to 10% travel.

Qualifications

• Experience in automotive quality engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of APQP and PPAP processes, including documentation and customer submissions.
• Hands-on experience with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Proficiency with DFMEA and PFMEA, including development, review and corrective actions.
• Familiarity with SPC, GR&R and capability studies.
• Experience conducting internal and supplier audits and managing corrective actions.
• Familiarity with IATF-related quality system requirements and automotive standards.
• Strong documentation skills to create and improve work instructions and quality plans.
• Ability to interface with engineering, production, suppliers, and customers to support launches.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain all documentation for new product launches; ensure completeness and alignment with requirements.
• Gatekeeper for NPI activities; confirm steps are completed before launch.
• Support DFMEA and PFMEA; verify corrective actions are effective.
• Assist with special characteristics selection and monitoring.
• Set quality objectives for NPI and coordinate training on requirements.
• Identify improvements and cost reductions via root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design to embed quality and manufacturability early.
• Train site personnel for NPI and ensure competency.
• Interface with Engineering to ensure flawless launches and compliance with AIAG standards.
• Apply SPC, GR&R and capability studies; drive process improvements.
• Review site documentation for clarity and compliance.
• Conduct internal and supplier audits; follow up on findings.
• Improve IMTE and fixtures to support NPI.
• Lead quality walks and kaizen events; manage waste reduction and 5S.
• Manage supplier portals to validate quality and documentation.
• Lead scrap reviews and corrective actions; contribute to KPI attainment.
• Support customer PPAP submissions with documentation and communication.
• Assist with testing to validate performance against specs.
• Ensure training and competency for all team members.

Skills

Automotive quality engineering

APQP & PPAP

DFMEA/PFMEA

Root cause analysis

SPC & GR&R

Audits (internal & supplier)

IATF standards familiarity

Documentation & instructions

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

IMTE equipment

Measurement systems

Quality software tools

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Quality Engineer for a Tier One automotive environment in Elkmont, AL. The role supports new product introductions, develops quality documentation, and drives launch processes to ensure compliance with AIAG standards.

You will lead DFMEA/PFMEA activities, perform SPC/GR&R analysis, and work with engineering, production, and suppliers to optimize quality, cost, and performance. This contractual-to-hire position is onsite with up to 10% travel.