Machining Quality Leader

Cummins Inc.; Whitakers (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cummins Inc. in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, is seeking a Site Quality Leader to oversee Machining Quality, drive internal and customer metrics, and lead a team of quality engineers and technicians across three shifts.

The role leverages the Cummins Operating System and APQP/PPAP/FM​EA/SPC/IATF standards to ensure initial and sustained quality outcomes. You will partner with VPI/NBS to launch the Legend and Barracuda lines with quality built in from the start and advance Continuous Improvement

Qualifications

• Demonstrated role competence required. Engineering or related technical degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience with automotive/regulated industries preferred.
• Licensing may be required for export controls or sanctions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Machining Quality organization at the Rocky Mount site across three shifts.
• Own internal quality and customer quality metrics, driving Right First Time improvements.
• Partner with VPI/NBS teams to launch Legend and Barracuda lines with built‑in quality.
• Develop and mentor a high‑performing quality engineering/technician team.
• Apply Lean, 7‑step problem solving, and Quality 4.0 tools to drive improvements.

Skills

Quality leadership

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

SPC

IATF

Lean

Problem solving

Quality 4.0

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for a talented Site Quality Leader to join our team in Rocky Mount, North Carolina (RMEP). In this role, you will lead the Machining Quality organization, owning both internal quality performance and customer quality metrics while managing a team of quality engineers and technicians across three shifts. You will operate within the Cummins Operating System, applying core quality tools and methods APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and IATF-aligned standards to ensure products and processes meet initial and long-term requirements.

A critical part of this role is partnering closely with the VPI/NBS teams to successfully launch the new Legend and Barracuda production lines, embedding quality planning, prevention, and protection into every stage. The ideal candidate is a hands-on quality leader who thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment, is willing to flex hours based on business needs, and brings a continuous-improvement mindset grounded in data, problem solving, and Quality 4.0 capabilities.

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:

• Lead the Machining Quality organization at RMEP, aligning team goals with the plant operational goal tree and the Cummins Operating System.
• Own internal quality performance and customer quality metrics, driving accountability for Right First Time (RFT) and cost of poor quality improvements.
• Partner with the VPI/NBS teams to launch the new Legend and Barracuda production lines with quality built in from the start.
• Develop a high-performing team of quality engineers and technicians across three shifts, supporting both their growth and organizational objectives.
• Champion continuous improvement using proven methodologies such as lean manufacturing, 7-step problem solving, and Intelligent Quality Tools and Methods.
• Ensure products and processes meet IATF, customer-specific, APQP, and PPAP requirements through disciplined audits and assessments.
• Drive data-driven root cause analysis and systemic corrective actions that protect the customer and prevent recurrence.
• Advance Quality 4.0 adoption by integrating digital tools and connected systems to elevate quality outcomes and decision making.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

• Proven ability to lead a plant or site quality organization, managing teams across multiple shifts while balancing internal performance and customer expectations.
• Strong command of quality tools and standards—APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and IATF—applied to complex machining and manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success partnering with cross-functional launch teams (VPI/NBS) to bring new production lines online with quality assured.
• A systematic, data-driven approach to problem solving that identifies root cause and delivers robust, sustainable solutions.
• Flexibility and resilience to adjust to shifting business needs while maintaining focus on both operational support and strategic priorities.

Key Competencies

• Quality Leadership (Cummins Operating System): Translates COS and TQM principles into a customer-centric quality culture focused on continuous improvement.
• Develops Talent: Builds and mentors quality teams to meet both individual career goals and organizational needs.
• Problem Solving: Applies systematic, industry-standard methodologies to establish traceability, determine assignable cause, and prevent recurrence.
• Quality Influence: Engages stakeholders, drives constructive dialogue, and ensures quality priorities shape balanced business decisions.
• Quality 4.0 Leadership: Leverages digital tools, connected systems, and data to improve quality and strengthen customer satisfaction.

Education, Licenses, Certifications

Demonstrated role competence is required. College, university, or equivalent degree in Engineering or a related technical or scientific subject or experience equivalent is required. This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Experience

Significant relevant work experience required. Preferably 5-7 years' experience in Manufacturing, Engineering or Program Management role in the automotive industry or a similarly regulated industry. Minimum of 3 years of managerial experience preferred.

• Leads the Machining Quality organization at RMEP.
• Owns internal quality performance and customer quality metrics.
• Works closely with the VPI/NBS teams to successfully launch the new Legend and Barracuda production lines.
• Willingness to flex hours based on business needs.
• Manages a team of quality engineers and technicians across three shifts.

Job Quality

Organization Cummins Inc.

Role Category On-site with Flexibility

Job Type Exempt - Experienced

ReqID 2435523

Relocation Package Yes

100% On-site No

Cummins and E-Verify At Cummins, we are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law. Cummins validates the right to work using E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Visit http://EEOC.gov to know your rights on workplace discrimination.