Quality Engineer

Adient plc; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Adient in Battle Creek seeks a Quality Engineer to coordinate and execute engineering quality activities, ensure product quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction while reducing quality costs. You will lead root cause analyses and corrective actions across programs and launches.

The role requires strong knowledge of IATF 16949/ISO 9001, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and DOE, plus hands-on problem solving, data analysis with Minitab, and excellent communication with customers and internal

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years in a manufacturing quality environment, automotive preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive quality improvements and monitor key production quality metrics.
• Lead customer and supplier quality management and investigations, including containment and corrective actions.
• Prepare PPAP packages and APQP compliance for new programs and changes.
• Perform MSA, SPC, and DOE studies and train team members in statistical methodologies.
• Support audits, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives across programs.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Minitab

MS Office

Quality tools

Job description

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for coordinating, administering, and executing engineering and technical quality activities to ensure product quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction while minimizing quality-related costs. This role serves as a key quality representative for both internal and external customers, supports successful program launches, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and leads the resolution of quality issues through effective root cause analysis and corrective actions. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in automotive quality systems, statistical analysis, problem-solving methodologies, and customer-facing quality management.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement across key production quality metrics, including: Right First Time (RFT) Craftsmanship Quality RPPM, CPPM, and SPPM performance Warranty performance Customer satisfaction metrics
• Monitor quality performance data, identify trends, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support plant quality objectives by promoting a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies.

• Customer & Supplier Quality Management

• Serve as the primary quality point of contact for assigned customers and internal stakeholders. Build and maintain strong customer relationships through proactive communication and timely issue resolution.
• Lead customer concern investigations and coordinate containment, corrective actions, and verification activities.
• Ensure customer and supplier quality issues are resolved using recognized problem-solving methodologies such as: 8D Kepner-Tregoe Root Cause Analysis Corrective Action Processes
• Coordinate sorting, rework activities, and customer support efforts as required.
• Review and approve post-SOP supplier PPAP submissions.

• Advanced Quality Planning & Program Launch

• Prepare and submit PPAP packages to customers, ensuring all requirements are met prior to submission.
• Obtain internal approval of submission packages from Quality Management before customer submission.
• Support successful launch activities by ensuring compliance with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) requirements.
• Coordinate supplier Advanced Quality Planning (AQP) deliverables and ensure on-time completion.
• Ensure all customer-specific quality planning requirements are completed accurately and on schedule.

• Process Control & Quality Assurance

• Develop, maintain, and update: Control Plans Inspection Plans Containment Plans Quality procedures and documentation
• Support Manufacturing Engineering in maintaining and updating Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) documents.
• Conduct and document process capability studies for special characteristics.
• Ensure all capability requirements are met or customer-approved deviations are obtained when necessary.
• Support continuous improvement and standardization of Operation Description Sheets (ODS).

• Measurement Systems & Statistical Analysis

• Perform Measurement System Analysis (MSA), including: Gage R&R Bias Linearity Stability studies
• Validate measurement systems before production release and following product or process changes.
• Utilize and recommend appropriate statistical analysis tools to improve manufacturing performance.
• Conduct Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE) studies as needed.
• Mentor and train team members on statistical methodologies and quality analysis techniques.

• Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with applicable customer requirements, quality standards, and internal procedures.
• Maintain accurate quality records and documentation.
• Utilize customer-specific quality systems and reporting tools.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits as required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Actively support Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) initiatives and safe work practices. Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and Human Resources to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Quality Manager.

Qualifications

Education Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field required. Equivalent combination of education and relevant quality engineering experience may be considered. Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing quality environment, preferably within the automotive industry.

Required Technical Knowledge

• Strong working knowledge of: IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 Quality Systems APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) Control Plans SPC (Statistical Process Control) MSA (Measurement System Analysis) DOE (Design of Experiments) Root Cause Analysis methodologies Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing principles

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Proficiency with statistical software, including Minitab.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of SPC, MSA, and DOE methodologies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong customer focus with the ability to effectively manage customer relationships and expectations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and quality-related software tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, lead, and drive quality improvements in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive manufacturing experience.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification.
• Experience managing customer-specific automotive quality requirements.
• Experience supporting product launches and APQP activities.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies and continuous improvement tools.

PRIMARY LOCATION

Battle Creek Seating Component Adient (NYSE: ADNT) is a global leader in automotive seating. With more than 65,000 employees in 29 countries, Adient operates ~200 manufacturing/assembly plants worldwide. We produce and deliver automotive seating for all major OEMs. From complete seating systems to individual components, our expertise spans every step of the automotive seat-making process. We take our products from research and design to engineering and manufacturing — and into millions of vehicles every year. For more information, please visit www.adient.com.