Design Quality Engineer

PinnaclePartners; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PinnaclePartners in Columbus, IN is seeking a Design Quality Engineer to own quality activities for new product and process development through launch.

The role manages 5–7 projects, leads APQP/PPAP, develops control and project quality plans, coordinates PPAP submissions, and ensures regulatory compliance. Collaborate with global teams and drive quality milestones to successful launches.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Quality Engineering experience in regulated manufacturing (automotive/aerospace).
• Strong experience with APQP, PPAP, DFMEA/PFMEA and risk assessments.
• Experience with SPC, MSA, capability studies and 8D methodology.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and track milestones.

Responsibilities

• Own quality activities for new product and process development through launch.
• Lead 5–7 active development projects concurrently.
• Lead APQP and ensure customer quality requirements are met.
• Develop and maintain Control Plans and Quality Plans.
• Coordinate PPAP submissions and supplier qualifications.
• Perform risk assessments using DFMEA and PFMEA.
• Monitor milestones, identify risks, and communicate delays.
• Serve as primary quality contact for customers during development.
• Support prototype validation and qualification activities.
• Ensure compliance with REACH, RoHS, IMDS and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including suppliers and international teams.
• Balance 70% internal work and 30% customer interaction.

Skills

Quality Engineering

APQP

PPAP

DFMEA

PFMEA

SPC

MSA

8D

Root cause analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

IATF 16949 knowledge

ISO 9001 knowledge

Job description

Job Description

Title: Design Quality Engineer

Comp: $80,000-$90,000

Location: Columbus, IN

Our client is seeking immediate assistance in identifying a candidate for a direct hire Design Quality Engineer position.

Responsibilities

• Own the quality activities for new product and process development projects from kickoff through production launch
• Manage approximately 5--7 active product development projects simultaneously
• Lead APQP activities and ensure customer quality requirements are met throughout the project lifecycle
• Develop and maintain Control Plans, Project Quality Plans, First Piece/Last Piece checklists, and other quality documentation
• Coordinate customer and supplier PPAP submissions and supplier qualification activities
• Perform product and process risk assessments using DFMEA, PFMEA, and other quality tools
• Monitor project quality milestones, identify risks, and proactively communicate delays or concerns
• Serve as the primary quality contact for customers throughout development projects
• Support prototype validation, product qualification, and process qualification activities
• Ensure compliance with customer, internal, and regulatory requirements including REACH, RoHS, and IMDS
• Collaborate with Project Management, Product Engineering, Process Engineering, suppliers, customers, and international teams
• Balance approximately 70% internal project work and 30% customer interaction

Required Skills (Must Have)

• 3+ years of Quality Engineering experience within automotive, aerospace, or another regulated manufacturing environment
• Strong experience with APQP, PPAP, DFMEA/PFMEA, Control Plans, and product/process risk assessments
• Experience with SPC, MSA, capability studies, root cause analysis, 8D, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience managing multiple projects while tracking quality milestones and deliverables
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Comfortable working in an international, cross-functional environment
• Excellent communication skills with customers, suppliers, and internal teams

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of Quality Engineering or Project Quality experience
• Knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, AS9100, or VDA 6.3
• Internal, customer, or supplier auditing experience
• Experience managing customer PPAPs and supplier qualifications
• Experience supporting multiple long-term New Product Introduction (NPI) projects
• Knowledge of REACH, RoHS, IMDS, or other regulatory requirements
• Experience working with global or international engineering organizations

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