Director of Advanced Quality: Launch Excellence

Challenge Manufacturing; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP program

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing in Walker, MI seeks a Director of Advanced Quality to lead launch quality strategy across programs and customers. You will drive APQP/PPAP, lead AQEs, and ensure P-PAP compliance, customer satisfaction, and timely documentation.

You will collaborate with Quality, Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Suppliers to meet IATF 16949 standards and CSR requirements, while guiding Safe Launch and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10–15 years in automotive quality; 7+ years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven success leading quality initiatives during program launch phases for major Tier 1 or OEM customers (e.g., GM, Ford, Honda, Stellantis, Tesla).
• Deep knowledge and hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, GD&T, and AIAG Core Tools.
• Strong understanding of IATF 16949 standards and customer-specific requirements (CSR).
• Experience in body structures, welding, and assembly manufacturing environments, with advanced understanding of dimensional validation, gage R&R, and GD&T principles.
• Background in weld quality systems, joining technologies, and tooling or process validation.
• Demonstrated success managing multi-site or cross-functional launch teams.
• Familiarity with customer portals such as Honda NARS, GM SQMS, and Ford eAPQP.
• Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to influence across all organizational levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality-related software (e.g., Plex, Teamcenter, or equivalent PLM/QMS tools).
• Professional certifications such as CQE (Certified Quality Engineer) or Lead Auditor (IATF/ISO 9001) preferred.
• Availability to travel 50% or more is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Advanced Quality function, ensuring all launch programs meet or exceed customer quality and timing requirements.
• Act as the primary escalation point for internal and external quality concerns during all phases of pre-production and launch.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of Advanced Quality Engineers (AQEs), driving ownership, accountability, and technical excellence.
• Establish and maintain robust APQP and PPAP processes across all programs, ensuring documentation, validation, and sign-off requirements are achieved on time.
• Oversee execution of Safe Launch protocols, ensuring seamless transition from launch to plant production quality ownership.
• Drive proactive risk mitigation by ensuring early and effective participation in DFMEAs, PFMEAs, gage design reviews, supplier PPAPs, and customer validation builds.
• Lead and support Pre-Production Builds, ensuring parts are inspected per the Pre-Production Control Plan, gages are validated, and customer-specific requirements are met.
• Facilitate effective handoffs between the Advanced Quality and Plant Quality teams, defining ownership, expectations, and transition timing.
• Review and “walk through” PFMEAs at pre-production stages to confirm potential failure modes are identified, and high RPN items are mitigated before home-line equipment installation.
• Collaborate with Program Management to ensure appropriate Quality CapEx is planned, justified, and executed for gages, testing, and inspection equipment.
• Participate in weekly Corrective Action (CA) meetings with plants to capture lessons learned, ensuring production issues inform future program prevention plans.
• Drive compliance to AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, Control Plan) and customer-specific standards.
• Maintain traceability and control of all launch quality documentation.
• Ensure consistent application of 8D, 5-Why, and problem-solving methodologies to resolve pre-production issues and prevent recurrence.
• Serve as the voice of the customer, ensuring all quality commitments are met and customer audits are passed with zero findings.

Skills

Leadership

APQP

PPAP

GD&T

AIAG Core Tools

IATF 16949

Dimensional validation

Gage R&R

Quality engineering

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree

Tools

Plex

Teamcenter

PLM/QMS tools

Job description

Challenge Manufacturing in Walker, MI seeks a Director of Advanced Quality to lead launch quality strategy across programs and customers. You will drive APQP/PPAP, lead AQEs, and ensure P-PAP compliance, customer satisfaction, and timely documentation.

You will collaborate with Quality, Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Suppliers to meet IATF 16949 standards and CSR requirements, while guiding Safe Launch and continuous improvement initiatives.