Plant Quality Lead: Automotive IATF & QA Team

6 Degrees Search; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

6 Degrees Search is seeking a Plant Quality Lead to oversee all quality activities at the manufacturing facility and to develop the Quality Engineering team. The role ensures compliance with customer requirements, IATF 16949 standards, and internal quality objectives while collaborating with Operations and Engineering to drive improvements.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in automotive quality and 2–3 years of supervisory experience, with a strong track record in leading audits, CAPA, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of quality experience in automotive manufacturing or supplier environment.
• Minimum 2–3 years of supervisory or direct people-management experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing Quality Engineers.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and automotive customer requirements.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and 8D.
• Experience managing customer quality issues, audits, and corrective actions.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop the plant Quality Engineering team.
• Establish team priorities, assign responsibilities, and hold team members accountable for performance and results.
• Oversee daily quality activities and ensure manufacturing processes meet customer and internal requirements.
• Maintain and improve the plant Quality Management System per IATF 16949 and customer requirements.
• Lead resolution of customer complaints, corrective actions, and 8D responses.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent recurring quality issues.
• Oversee APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA activities.
• Monitor quality metrics, including customer PPM, scrap, rework, and cost of poor quality.
• Lead internal, external, and customer audits.
• Partner with Operations and Engineering to drive process improvements and reduce defects.
• Communicate quality performance, concerns, and improvement initiatives to plant leadership.
• Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Quality Engineering

IATF 16949

ISO 9001

Root Cause Analysis

8D/ CAPA

Team Leadership

APQP/PPAP

SPC/MSA

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

6 Degrees Search is seeking a Plant Quality Lead to oversee all quality activities at the manufacturing facility and to develop the Quality Engineering team. The role ensures compliance with customer requirements, IATF 16949 standards, and internal quality objectives while collaborating with Operations and Engineering to drive improvements.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in automotive quality and 2–3 years of supervisory experience, with a strong track record in leading audits, CAPA, and