Quality Assurance Engineer

New Concept Tech; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

New Concept Tech is seeking a Quality Assurance Engineer to join our manufacturing team in Kentucky. You will help maintain and improve our IATF 16949-based quality system, work hands-on with engineering, production, and maintenance, and drive continuous improvement.

The role emphasizes data analysis, APQP/PPAP activities, AIAG Core Tools, and collaboration across departments to deliver defect-free products and robust processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• Five (5) or more years of relevant experience preferred.
• Previous experience in an IATF 16949-certified or compliant manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing or similarly regulated environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain AIAG Core Tools documentation (Process Flow Diagrams, FMEAs, Control Plans).
• Create, coordinate, and manage PPAP submissions and validations required by customers.
• Develop and maintain quality and manufacturing documentation (specifications, inspection standards, work instructions, checklists).
• Analyze product and process data and prepare Cpk and capability reports.
• Identify trends and opportunities for quality and process improvements.
• Participate in APQP meetings and cross-functional product/process development activities.
• Support development, validation, and optimization of manufacturing processes from concept to production.
• Provide guidance across departments to ensure processes produce quality products.
• Support measurement system analyses (MSA, Gage R&R) and audits of processes and equipment.

Skills

AIAG Core Tools

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

MSA

SPC

Control Plans

Gage R&R

8D

Root-cause analysis

Minitab

ERP systems

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Minitab

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Description

We are looking for a Quality Assurance Engineer to join our team and play a key role in maintaining and improving our quality management system. This position is ideal for a quality professional who enjoys working hands-on in a manufacturing environment, solving problems, analyzing data, and partnering with Engineering, Production, Maintenance, and other teams to drive quality and continuous improvement.

The Quality Assurance Engineer will have a strong focus on IATF 16949 requirements and AIAG Core Tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and Control Plans. This role will support new and existing products and processes from development through validation and production while helping ensure we consistently meet customer and internal quality requirements.

What You'll Do

• Develop, implement, and maintain AIAG Core Tools documentation, including Process Flow Diagrams, Process FMEAs, and Control Plans.
• Create, coordinate, and manage PPAP submissions and customer-required validations.
• Develop and maintain quality and manufacturing documentation, including specifications, inspection standards, work instructions, checklists, forms, visual aids, and other controlled documents.
• Analyze product and process data and prepare customer Cpk and capability reports.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret quality and process data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in APQP meetings and cross-functional product and process development activities.
• Support the development, validation, and optimization of manufacturing processes from initial concept through production approval.
• Partner with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, and other departments to ensure processes are capable of consistently producing quality products.
• Participate in continuous improvement, corrective action, and structured problem-solving activities.
• Provide technical support for quality, material, equipment, and process-related issues.
• Assist with root‑cause analysis and the implementation and verification of corrective and preventive actions.
• Participate in Corrective Action Teams and support the resolution of customer and internal quality issues.
• Support measurement system activities, including MSA and Gage R&R studies.
• Conduct and/or support audits of manufacturing processes, equipment, documentation, and quality requirements.
• Perform daily audits of the mechanical function and condition of manufacturing equipment in partnership with Engineering and other appropriate personnel.
• Communicate quality, yield, process, and production issues to the appropriate departments and management.
• Serve as a technical resource and point of contact for quality‑related questions and issues.
• Provide guidance to production employees regarding quality requirements, specifications, inspection methods, and process controls.
• Train and support employees on quality procedures, work instructions, inspection requirements, process controls, and quality system requirements.
• Support ongoing quality education and training throughout the organization.
• Assist with resolving material, maintenance, technical, and quality‑related problems.
• Provide input for employee performance reviews, as requested.
• Assist with coordinating departmental coverage and priorities when needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Five (5) or more years of relevant experience preferred.
• Previous experience working in an IATF 16949-certified or IATF 16949-compliant manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing or another highly regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with quality systems, process improvement, corrective action, and quality engineering principles.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge and practical experience with AIAG Core Tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and Control Plans.
• Experience with MSA, SPC, Gage R&R, process capability studies, and inspection data collection and analysis.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 quality management system requirements and automotive manufacturing quality practices.
• Knowledge of structured problem‑solving and corrective action methodologies, including 8D, 5-Why, fishbone analysis, and root‑cause analysis.
• Ability to interpret customer drawings, engineering specifications, GD&T, quality standards, and technical requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to evaluate data and identify process and product trends.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non‑technical personnel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
• Experience with Minitab, statistical analysis software, AIAG Core Tools software, and ERP systems preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build effective working relationships.

Why Join Us?

At NCT, you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on product quality, customer satisfaction, and manufacturing performance. This is a hands‑on role where your technical expertise, problem‑solving skills, and ability to collaborate across departments will directly contribute to the success of our operations.

If you're a quality professional who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, working with data, and making a measurable impact in manufacturing, we'd like to hear from you.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. NCT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.