Launch Quality Engineer/Project Manager

Pridgeon and Clay Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Pridgeon and Clay Inc. in Grand Rapids, MI seeks a Launch Quality Engineer/Project Manager to lead new product launches and establish strong customer relationships. You will drive APQP/PPAP processes, manage timelines, and ensure manufacturing readiness with rigorous quality controls.

You will own quality plans, coordinate with suppliers and internal teams, and monitor PPAP submissions, DOE studies, and MSA activities to meet customer specifications and ISO requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with relevant experience.
• Experience in automotive supplier quality environment preferred.
• Prior project management experience is required.
• Ability to build and maintain customer relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exposure to APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC and MSA processes.
• Proficiency with AIAG Core Tools and DOE concepts.
• Proficient with MS Office; experience with Minitab is a plus.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced setting and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the launch of new products from design to production.
• Manage APQP documentation and PPAP submissions.
• Coordinate with suppliers, die shops, and internal teams.
• Track milestones, actions, and Gate reviews to ensure on-time launches.
• Apply lean processes and ensure quality plans are followed.
• Communicate status and risks to stakeholders regularly.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Customer relations

Project management

APQP/PPAP/AIAG knowledge

GD&T/PPAP/DOE exposure

MS Office

Minitab/statistical tools

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Minitab

Job description

Are you looking for a challenging yet rewarding job that allows you to utilize your skills to their fullest potential? Do you want to join a team of hardworking, enthusiastic and creative people and enjoy working with a company that recognizes and embraces diversity? Do you take pride working with a company that is committed to being a great corporate citizen and playing a role in producing the highest quality products and services?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Pridgeon and Clay is the place for you...

Founded in 1948 by John Pridgeon and Donald Clay, we are one of the largest independent, value-added manufacturers and suppliers of automotive stamped and fine-blanked components in the United States.

Objective: Launch Quality Engineer/Project Manager

The Launch Quality Engineer/Project Manager will manage the successful launch of new products and will support the organization by establishing positive customer relationships, proactive analysis and process resolution, and successfully launching product for manufacturing with zero defects.

Qualified candidates will possess the following Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field, or relative years of experience.
• Experience with an automotive supplier (preferably in quality environment of a stamping supplier)
• Prior project management experience
• Ability to establish and maintain good customer relations
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Exposure to the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process and associated quality documents, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), blueprint reading, datum schemes, Geometric Dimension and Tolerancing (GD&T), Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) applications and associated software, including fit analysis and Design of Experiment (DOE)
• Experience with AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Project and PowerPoint)
• Proficiency using statistical software programs (such as Minitab)
• Ability and willingness to work in a team-based work setting
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, and willingness to work a flexible schedule
• Excellent work record, including attendance

(Minimum requirements are updated annually to meet the demands of various positions; employees hired prior to the latest revision update may not meet all current requirements)

Essential Functions:

Project Management:

• Issue Kick Off and Engineering Change notices for Grand Rapids, Franklin, Mexico, and Hungry plants.
• Initiate, monitor, and record Supplier Tooling runoff dates.
• Initiate, monitor, and record Home line Capability runoff dates.
• Initiate, monitor, and record Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submission dates.
• Initiate and preload Flowing Form documentation.
• Create, monitor, drive, and track the completion of APQP project tasks on time.
• Maintaining and organizing appropriate APQP documents within Part Folders.
• Manage timeline: escape, and drive the achievement of Gate Milestone on time.
• Monitor, elevate, and drive the closure of project action items on time.
• Maintain daily comment project file tracker to ensure project progress is up to date and accurate.
• Facilitate required team meetings.
• Organize and track on-time production and shipping of early parts, dies, gauges, and PPAP packages.
• Submit requests for Launch / Production Planning Meeting agenda updates and additions.
• Submit presentation requests for Gate Review Meeting agenda.

Quality Process & Documentation:

• Lead the dimensional planning process (including gages) and approve layouts prior to capability runs.
• Review and approve completed Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation prior to customer submission and assure proper records and data per Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and customer requirements. Ensure 100% conformance for dimensional, material, testing, capability and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) requirements.
• Ensure all quality issues are resolved or documented to the customer prior to PPAP and resolved prior to product launch.
• Establish effective part inspection and process control methods. Provide input to incorporate sensors and other technology to error-proof processes.
• Own quality-related goals and drive improvement to key measures through the product launch process utilizing best practices and lessons learned.
• Participate in die shop runs and review dimensional and capability study data on critical characteristics before die is shipped to company. Participate in prove out and capability runs to verify that new projects meet part design and quality requirements through review of capability run results.

Customer & Supplier Relations:

• Develop and maintain good customer relations for launch issues (not commercial items); be the customer expert and enforce system and product requirements.
• Lead the Advanced Product Quality Process (APQP), communicating key internal and external customer quality requirements.
• Provide all necessary documentation to customers per their requests and/or requirements (such as packaging, capacity study, tool biography).
• Organize and attend program meetings/conference calls with customers and suppliers as required.

Product Launch:

• Form and lead teams to successfully transfer products from design to production through communication, delegation, and conflict resolution.
• Ensure launch due dates for critical path items in operations are met.
• Provide technical input through launch and production processes; apply lean processes to maintain or enhance original part and process design to achieve minimum take times and Run at Rate.
• Report weekly program status utilizing the dashboard for all internal team members.

Organization/Communication/Professionalism:

• Effectively communicate with co-workers and management personnel to enhance teamwork and communication initiatives.
• Provide necessary, accurate, and timely feedback of all pertinent information to co-workers and management.
• Consistently exhibit appropriate attendance habits, working the hours necessary to perform the job.
• Organize and maintain efficiency of personal work area.
• Consistently adhere to, and support, company policies and procedures, including ISO, AIAG, IATF 16949, and safety regulations.
• Accept instructions and duties in a positive manner.
• Treat all co-workers with dignity and respect.
• Exhibit all the attributes of a positive role model (including professionalism, personal integrity, and positive attitude) for employees and managers to emulate.
• Assist in maintaining company values (Integrity, People, Customers, Safety, We Can If...Do What It Takes, and Ownership) daily, through thoughts and actions.

Equal Opportunity Policy:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will consider applicants for this position without regards to any category protected by applicable federal, or local law, including but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, or uniformed service member status.