Customer Quality Engineer

shapecareers; Athens (AL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Shape seeks a Customer Quality Engineer to own APQP activities and interface with customers. You will manage PPAP submissions, PFMEA, control plans, and coordinate across Shape plants and suppliers to ensure smooth launches.

The role requires 5+ years in automotive QA, GD&T expertise, and strong project management, with travel as needed. Join a team driving robust quality and on-time program milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of Quality Engineer experience in automotive manufacturing.
• Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack-up applications.
• Advanced APQP knowledge and customer program development experience.
• Familiarity with ISO9001/TS16949 ITF16949 and AIAG Core Tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop APQP documentation to support the Product Realization Process per customer requirements.
• Facilitate PFMEA, CP/Control Plans, and DFMEA with focus on critical characteristics.
• Ensure inspection and containment plans are in place for the value stream.
• Lead PPAP submissions and approvals for new programs and changes.
• Interpret customer requirements and support communication across teams.
• Coordinate with suppliers and Shape teams on line readiness and milestones.
• Track and close corrective actions with focus on preventing quality issues.

Skills

Quality engineering

APQP

GD&T

Project management

Customer interface

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

APQP tools

Job description

Position Summary:

As a member of the Program core team the CQE (Customer Quality Engineer) represents the voice of the customer within the Shape organization, acting as the key interface between the customer and the company. The primary focus is to establish, manage, and achieve APQP and milestone events during all program phases in accordance to the SPMP process.

Responsibilities:

• Develop APQP documentation to support the Product Realization Process in accordance with customer requirements, e.g. FMEA, MSA, SPC, PPAP, etc.


• Facilitate/Participate in the development and maintenance of Process Flows, PFMEA and Control Plans with strong attention to critical and special product & process characteristics.


• Ensure that appropriate inspection plans and containment plans are in place for the process value stream.


• Develop and control all APQP documents through PPAP approval for new program launches.


• Execute PPAP submission and approval as required for customer-initiated product changes as per the SPMP guidelines.


• Understand and provide interpretation of customer specific requirements.


• Participate in GD&T development through the DFM process


• Oversee gaging requirements, design approval, and customer approval.


• Co-ordinate & participate in all customer quality events with the Shape manufacturing plants, such as site visits, launch reviews, run @ rates etc.


• Establish / define customer safe launch exit criteria.


• Participate in the internal customer Program reviews.


• Customer AAR approval on designated A surface or cosmetic components. (When applicable)


• Manage all customer claims and provide feedback as per customer specific requirements during prototype and pre-production phases.


• Ensure customer portals are maintained as per CSR (customer specific requirements).


• Customer PPAP approval hand off to Shape manufacturing plant.


• Work hand in hand with Shape and Supplier Program Management teams to identify and resolve any potential issues during the launch and or EC phase.


• Initiate dimensional layout requirements during pre-production planning and create standards where none exist.


• Ensure APQP process information is accurate, comprehensive, and received by the supplier.


• Coordinate with supplier to develop \"line readiness\" activities such as Run at Rate, PV testing, QAV, and all standard APQP milestones.


• Communicate between Shape leadership and suppliers to address and resolve quality issues providing technical input and guidance with a focus on preventative care.


• Ensure the supplier follows their own program management process and timing.


• Ensure that the Plant SQE buys off on the effective implementation of Shape suppliers during Safe Launch.


• Facilitate corrective action process with focus on reducing quality incidents and improving overall quality and delivery systems.


• Review and approve PFMEA documents provided by the supplier.


• When needed, review corrective actions & conduct verification audits at supplier sites.


• Responsible for final PPAP signoff and communication at Phase Gate review 5 during Shape program management process.


• Identify and train a back-up(s) to manage key tasks when absent.


• Additional functions not specifically outlined in this position description as directed by the leader.

Position Skills and Experience Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty effectively. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field required. Equivalent work experience may be substituted for a degree.


• A minimum of 5 years of Quality Engineer experience, preferably in an automotive manufacturing environment.


• Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack up applications.


• Advanced knowledge of APQP.


• Advanced knowledge with customer specific Program Development, e.g., AIAG Automotive Core Tools.


• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems, e.g. ISO9001, TS16949 and ITF16949.


• Proven experience mentoring other Quality Engineering team members.


• Advanced project management skills using Microsoft applications.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills.


• Demonstrated competency in the use of problem-solving tools, e.g., 5 why, 8D, Ishakawa Diagram, Root Cause Analysis, etc.


• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.