NPI Quality Lead: APQP, DFMEA & Process Excellence

nVent; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 76,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off and wellness program

Job summary

nVent is seeking an experienced Quality Engineer to lead the New Product Introduction quality activities. You will drive APQP, DFMEA, PFMEA, and DFQ across cross‑functional teams from concept to pilot and production release.

The role focuses on defining quality plans, control methods, and early-life performance metrics to prevent issues. You will collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to qualify new suppliers and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related STEM field.
• 4+ years of experience in Quality/Manufacturing/Product Engineering or related environment.
• Experience supporting or leading new product development, manufacturing readiness, or production launch activities.
• Working knowledge of APQP tools and methodologies, including FMEA, Control Plans, FAI, MSA/GR&R, and process capability analysis.
• Experience applying structured problem‑solving methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, 5-Why, Fishbone Analysis, or Six Sigma.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and critical-to-quality requirements.
• Experience collaborating with Design/Manufacturing/Operations/Supply Chain to mitigate risks.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, statistics, process improvement, and quality systems.
• Experience with optical/multi-sensor inspection equipment preferred.
• Quality certifications (CQE, Six Sigma, ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead APQP activities for new product launches, defining quality requirements and acceptance criteria at each NPI phase.
• Develop and implement Control Plans, inspection methods, sampling plans, FAI, and gauge R&R studies.
• Monitor early-life quality with FPY, defect rates, NCRs, and drive rapid corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Design/Manufacturing/Supply Chain to qualify new suppliers and processes.
• Lead structured problem‑solving during development and launch (Six Sigma, DMAIC, 8D).
• Ensure readiness to transition from NPI to sustained manufacturing with documented controls.

Skills

APQP

DFMEA

PFMEA

DFM

DFQ

FAI

MSA/GR&R

Process capability

Six Sigma

DMAIC

8D

Root cause analysis

FPY

Control Plans

Inspection methods

Measurement systems

Lean Manufacturing

Statistical methods

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related STEM field

Tools

Inspection equipment

Job description

nVent is seeking an experienced Quality Engineer to lead the New Product Introduction quality activities. You will drive APQP, DFMEA, PFMEA, and DFQ across cross‑functional teams from concept to pilot and production release.

The role focuses on defining quality plans, control methods, and early-life performance metrics to prevent issues. You will collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to qualify new suppliers and processes.