Quality Engineer

Actalent; Elkmont (AL); On-site; USD 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Quality Engineer for a Tier One automotive environment in Elkmont, AL. The role supports new product introductions, develops quality documentation, and drives launch processes to ensure compliance with AIAG standards.

You will lead DFMEA/PFMEA activities, perform SPC/GR&R analysis, and work with engineering, production, and suppliers to optimize quality, cost, and performance. This contractual-to-hire position is onsite with up to 10% travel.

Qualifications

• Experience in automotive quality engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of APQP and PPAP processes, including documentation and customer submissions.
• Hands-on experience with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Proficiency with DFMEA and PFMEA, including development, review and corrective actions.
• Familiarity with SPC, GR&R and capability studies.
• Experience conducting internal and supplier audits and managing corrective actions.
• Familiarity with IATF-related quality system requirements and automotive standards.
• Strong documentation skills to create and improve work instructions and quality plans.
• Ability to interface with engineering, production, suppliers, and customers to support launches.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain all documentation for new product launches; ensure completeness and alignment with requirements.
• Gatekeeper for NPI activities; confirm steps are completed before launch.
• Support DFMEA and PFMEA; verify corrective actions are effective.
• Assist with special characteristics selection and monitoring.
• Set quality objectives for NPI and coordinate training on requirements.
• Identify improvements and cost reductions via root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design to embed quality and manufacturability early.
• Train site personnel for NPI and ensure competency.
• Interface with Engineering to ensure flawless launches and compliance with AIAG standards.
• Apply SPC, GR&R and capability studies; drive process improvements.
• Review site documentation for clarity and compliance.
• Conduct internal and supplier audits; follow up on findings.
• Improve IMTE and fixtures to support NPI.
• Lead quality walks and kaizen events; manage waste reduction and 5S.
• Manage supplier portals to validate quality and documentation.
• Lead scrap reviews and corrective actions; contribute to KPI attainment.
• Support customer PPAP submissions with documentation and communication.
• Assist with testing to validate performance against specs.
• Ensure training and competency for all team members.

Skills

Automotive quality engineering

APQP & PPAP

DFMEA/PFMEA

Root cause analysis

SPC & GR&R

Audits (internal & supplier)

IATF standards familiarity

Documentation & instructions

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

IMTE equipment

Measurement systems

Quality software tools

Job description

Job Title: Quality Engineer

Job Description

The Quality Engineer supports new product introductions for automotive programs by developing and maintaining all required quality documentation, driving effective launch processes, and ensuring compliance with industry and customer standards. This role works closely with engineering, production, suppliers, and customers to implement robust quality controls, lead problem‑solving activities, and continuously improve processes, costs, and product performance in a Tier One automotive environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain all documentation required to support new product launches, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and alignment with customer and industry requirements.
• Serve as the gatekeeper for new product introduction activities, confirming that all steps are completed and documented in the correct sequence before launch.
• Support Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), and verify that corrective actions are effective and properly implemented.
• Participate in the selection and management of special characteristics for new products, ensuring appropriate control and monitoring.
• Set quality objectives for new product introduction and coordinate associated training related to customer expectations and requirements.
• Investigate opportunities for improvement and cost reduction through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Participate in product design and development activities to embed quality requirements and manufacturability considerations early in the process.
• Conduct and document training for site personnel to support new product introductions and ensure team members are competent in their roles.
• Interface closely with Engineering to ensure flawless product launches, reviewing new product introduction processes for completeness and adequacy against AIAG and internal standards.
• Apply classic quality tools and methodologies, including Statistical Process Control (SPC), Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (GR&R), and capability studies.
• Evaluate techniques and instructions in site documentation and implement changes as needed to improve clarity, effectiveness, and compliance.
• Perform internal audits and supplier audits during the development phase, and follow up on findings and corrective actions.
• Work to improve inspection, measurement, and test equipment (IMTE) hardware and software, as well as fixtures used at the site to support new product introductions.
• Maintain a strong presence on the production floor, overseeing specific lines such as GM and Ford production lines, and ensuring that daily activities support quality objectives.
• Lead and maintain quality walks on the production floor, documenting findings and driving timely actions to address identified issues.
• Manage supplier portals to validate that no quality issues are present and that required documentation and approvals are in place.
• Lead scrap activity reviews, organize and participate in kaizen events, and drive 5S projects to reduce waste and improve process discipline.
• Participate in scrap meetings and review meetings, providing data-driven insights and action plans to reduce defects and scrap.
• Meet key performance indicator (KPI) targets for new product introduction, including quality, delivery, and cost metrics.
• Take responsibility for customer, internal, and third‑party audit findings, ensuring timely resolution and sustainable improvements.
• Support activities related to customer PPAP submissions, including documentation, validation, and communication with customer representatives.
• Assist with testing as needed to validate product and process performance against specifications and customer requirements.
• Ensure all team members involved in new product introduction are properly trained and competent in their respective roles.
• Ensure compliance with applicable plant procedures, human resources policies, safety requirements, and quality systems.
• Follow the requirements of the quality management system and promote adherence across the team and production floor.
• Inform plant operations leadership of any issues affecting product quality or processes, as well as potential issues that may create safety or environmental hazards.
• Participate in audits and drive follow-up on corrective actions to closure.
• Adhere strictly to safety and other company policies and actively work to achieve quality, safety, and environmental objectives while reducing environmental impacts related to site activities.
• Exercise authority to make decisions within the scope of quality engineering responsibilities and stop work processes or quarantine items when quality or safety problems are identified.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in quality engineering within an automotive or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of APQP and PPAP processes, including documentation and customer submission requirements.
• Hands‑on experience with root cause analysis and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to support and apply DFMEA and PFMEA, including development, review, and follow‑up on corrective actions.
• Proficiency with classic quality tools such as Statistical Process Control (SPC), Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (GR&R), and capability studies.
• Experience conducting internal and supplier audits, and managing findings and corrective actions.
• Familiarity with IATF‑related quality system requirements and automotive industry standards.
• Strong documentation skills, with the ability to create, review, and improve work instructions, procedures, and quality plans.
• Ability to interface effectively with engineering, production, suppliers, and customers to support flawless product launches.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a focus on data‑driven decision‑making.
• Ability to train and coach site personnel on quality requirements, processes, and tools.
• Capacity to work both on the production floor and in an office environment, balancing strategic and hands‑on responsibilities.
• Ability to travel as needed, up to approximately 10%, for supplier visits, audits, and launch support.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a Tier One automotive environment, particularly with OEMs such as GM, Ford, and Stellantis.
• Background in customer interaction related to quality topics, including PPAP submissions and audit responses.
• Experience leading kaizen events, scrap reduction initiatives, and 5S projects.
• Comfort working in a flexible environment with roughly equal time split between office tasks and production floor activities, with the ability to adjust based on initiatives.
• Strong Spanish and French language skills are highly valued for supporting multilingual teams and suppliers.
• Familiarity with inspection, measurement, and test equipment (IMTE) hardware and software, and production fixtures used in automotive manufacturing.
• Understanding of environmental and safety considerations in manufacturing and commitment to continuous improvement in these areas.

Work Environment

This role is based in a Tier One automotive manufacturing facility that designs and produces advanced automotive sensors, actuators, and mechatronic modules. The organization focuses on products that improve powertrain and transmission efficiency, support e‑mobility, and enhance overall vehicle performance. The Quality Engineer works in a dynamic environment with approximately a 50/50 split between office‑based tasks and time spent on the production floor, although this balance may shift depending on active initiatives. The work involves close collaboration with production lines supplying major automotive manufacturers, including GM, Ford, and Stellantis. The facility operates with established quality, safety, and environmental management systems and uses a range of technologies and equipment, including inspection and measurement tools, test systems, and specialized fixtures to support new product introductions. The culture emphasizes continuous improvement, structured problem solving, and cross‑functional teamwork, with regular scrap reviews, kaizen events, and 5S activities. Occasional travel, around 10%, may be required for supplier audits, launch support, and cross‑site collaboration.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elkmont, AL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $45.67/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Elkmont,AL.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News‑Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.