Quality Engineer

Flex-N-Gate; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Flex-N-Gate is seeking a Quality Engineer to lead plant-wide quality improvements, manage PPAP activities, and drive corrective actions with cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes maintaining quality management systems, conducting audits, and coordinating with suppliers and customers to ensure parts meet specifications. Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Preferred Certified Quality Engineer Certificate.
• 3–5 years in Automotive quality with SPC, APQP, Control Plans, PFMEA, MSA, GR&R, IMDS.
• Six Sigma or Green Belt certification is a plus.
• Knowledge of production processes, machines and tools.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and statistical software.

Responsibilities

• Handle customer issues and review testing requirements to meet them.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to investigate root causes and drive corrective actions.
• Oversee PPAP process and supplier testing requirements.
• Ensure production meets quality specifications and maintain calibration records.
• Support training and mentoring of inspectors and auditors.

Skills

Customer Focus

Communication

Team Work

Problem Solving

Time Management

Analytical Reading

Blueprint Reading

Engineering Specs

Research and Analysis

Decision Making

Planning and Organizing

Ethics and Integrity

Accountability

Presentation Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Supervisory Skills

Job description

Summary

The Quality Engineer supports and promotes plant wide quality improvement efforts. Lead and maintain PPAP Process and supporting functions. Evaluate and develop improvement techniques for quality and reliability. Maintain and report on the quality management systems using Process Audits (Layered, Flex‑N‑Gate, Customer required, Control plan audits). Works with employees, suppliers and customers to produce quality products that meet or exceed the customer and plant's requirements. Coordinates Corrective Action and Continuous Quality Improvement.

Core Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Communication
• Energy and Stress
• Team Work
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Creative and Innovative Thinking
• Development and Continual Learning
• Research and Analysis
• Decision Making and Judgement
• Providing Consultation
• Planning and Organizing
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Accountability and Dependability
• Ethics and Integrity
• Analytical GDT/Blueprint reading
• Engineering specifications and understanding

Flex‑N‑Gate Training Requirements

• the following is a guideline and to be used if applicable
• CHRF.00003 New Employee Orientation Program
• International Quality Standards (ie ISO, IATF, etc.)
• CQAM.00001 Quality Management Systems Manual
• Applicable Customer Specifics
• Layered Audit Training

Job Duties

• Handle customer issues. Review customer testing requirements and ensure that systems are in place to meet them. Collaborate with cross functional teams to investigate root causes and drive implementation of corrective and preventative actions for customer complaints and internal issues. Leverage common problem solving tools (8D, A3, KT, 5 Why’s, Fishbone)
• Work with suppliers to ensure testing requirements are being met and oversee PPAP process and approval. Coordinate vendor returns as required.
• Ensure production is producing quality product to specifications.
• Support upkeep of the calibration system. Maintain records, ensure gages and equipment are calibrated within required time. In house calibration of applicable hand tools.
• Provide support onsite to customer/suppliers as needed.
• Support prototype builds (document according to prototype checklist inspection process).
• Collect SPC data and report monthly; and work with manufacturing on process improvements.
• Support manufacturing in the development of job instructions and procedures.
• Establish and assist in providing training to individuals associated with the inspection and collecting of data. Lead and mentor other process quality auditors.
• Document all activities as required.
• Provide support and maintain compliance with all company guidelines, union contracts, International Quality Standards (ie ISO, IATF, etc.) and all applicable government regulations and standards.
• Define and implement “Customer’s indicators” to monitor the satisfaction level of the customer and reporting back to management.
• Makes decisions with regard to disposition of non‑conforming material and that proper containment and follow up is done.
• Perform additional assignments per manager’s direction.
• Advise on improvements in tracking and reporting procedures.
• The incumbent is responsible for the awareness, understanding, specific responsibilities and management of CQAM.00001 – Quality Management Systems Manual.

Requirements

• Preferred Certified Quality Engineer Certificate
• Preferred 3-5 yrs of work experience in Automotive quality; including knowledge of: SPC, APQP, Control Plans, PFMEA, MSA, GR&R, IMDS. 3-5 years of experience in Automotive quality strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma or green belt certification a plus.
• Knowledge of production process, machines, tools, including design and uses. Metals background in welding and stamping a plus.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Proficiency with database applications and administration systems, specifically Microsoft Office and the use of statistical software.
• Ability to work effectively alone and prioritize.
• Must be a highly motivated, service and team-oriented individual with an attention to detail.
• Enthusiasm for challenge and new initiatives are prerequisites.
• Strong analytical ability
• Supervisory and interpersonal skills are required
• Troubleshooting ability is required
• Strong decision making and problem solving skills
• Demonstrated good internal and external customer service skills
• Good presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• GDT/Blueprint reading
• Engineering specifications and understanding

Working Conditions

• Physical ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Travel as necessary (minimal).
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals. The ability to see details at close range.
• Must be able to lift, twist, bend, squat, climb, stand and walk in close, confined surroundings.
• Overtime as required.
• Weekend work may be required.
• May be exposed to hazards associated with manufacturing.