Quality Engineer

Hi-Lex Controls; Litchfield Township (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hi-Lex Controls in Michigan is seeking a Quality Engineer to manage customer concerns, drive irreversible corrective action in manufacturing, and develop Quality Plans with Design Engineering to achieve Six Sigma levels.

You will coordinate activities across QA, manufacturing, and suppliers, ensuring adherence to IATF 16949 standards and rigorous process controls throughout the product lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Experience with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Experience developing Quality Plans and Six Sigma manufacturing levels.
• Knowledge of CAPA and Kaizen/Lean methodologies.
• Ability to perform system audits and PPAP documentation.
• Experience with supplier quality and internal audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead Advanced Quality Planning (AQP) for new programs for a group of specified customers.
• Provide technical support to QA staff and manufacturing.
• Assist in establishing IATF 16949 standards.
• Perform system audits to verify adherence to IATF 16949 standards.
• Interface with all departments/suppliers to optimize quality.
• Review supplier parts/documents for PPAP approval.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate an associate relations environment aligned with long-term goals.
• Prepare PPAP documentation and other customer communications.
• Review corrective actions to verify problem resolution.
• Assist in evaluating deviation requests.
• Other related tasks as assigned by management.

Skills

Quality systems

SPC & statistics

Six Sigma / Lean

Root cause analysis

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Time management

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

PPAP documentation

Job description

Job Details

Location: HCIL (Litchfield), Litchfield, MI 49252
Position Type: Full-Time
Job Shift: First Shift

Position Summary

Responsible for managing and resolving customer concerns and facilitating irreversible corrective action into manufacturing. Responsible for working with Design Engineering to develop Quality Plans that will provide for Six Sigma manufacturing levels. Coordinates the activities and resources of Customer Liaisons. Responsible for adherence to process/procedures to ensure optimum quality is maintained during the manufacturing process. To ensure the establishment of and adherence to IATF 16949 Standards. Other related tasks as assigned by management.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Advanced Quality Planning (AQP) for new programs for a group of specified customers.
• Technical support to QA staff and manufacturing.
• Aid in the establishment of IATF 16949 Standards.
• Perform system audits to verify adherence to IATF 16949 standards.
• Interface with all departments/suppliers to optimize quality.
• Review supplier parts/documents for PPAP approval.
• Promotes continuous improvement atmosphere.
• Promotes an associate relations environment that is consistent with long-term management objectives.
• Prepare PPAP documentation and other correspondence to customer(s).
• Review all corrective actions (internal/external) for verification of problem resolution.
• Aid in the evaluation of all deviation requests.
• Other related tasks as assigned by management.

Core Competencies

• Continuous improvement (Kaizen): A core mindset for a quality engineer is constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and prevent future problems.
• Corrective and preventive action (CAPA): The ability to identify nonconformities and implement effective corrective and preventive action plans is a key competency.
• Quality control procedures: This involves developing, implementing, and monitoring inspection, testing, and evaluation methods to ensure adherence to quality standards throughout the product lifecycle.
• Risk management: A quality engineer must be able to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks in a process or product to prevent negative outcomes.
• Supplier management: Working with suppliers to ensure the quality of raw materials and components is a common responsibility.
• Auditing: Conducting both internal and external audits to ensure compliance with quality standards.

Required Skills

• Quality Management Systems: Proficiency with standards like ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 to ensure product meets quality standards and builds customer trust.
• Statistical Tools: Expertise in statistical process control (SPC) and other analytical methods to gather and interpret complex data, identify trends, and control process variation.
• Methodologies: Knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, which focus on reducing waste, variation, and defects to improve efficiency.
• Problem‑Solving Techniques: Strong skills in root cause analysis and developing effective corrective and preventive action plans.
• Analytical & Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze complex data, evaluate processes, and think critically to find efficient and innovative solutions to problems.
• Communication: Clearly communicating technical information, findings, and new processes to team members, stakeholders, and management, often through written reports and presentations.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with various departments, such as development, R&D, production, and suppliers, to foster a culture of quality and improvement.
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to inspections and data, ensuring that all processes and products adhere strictly to specifications.
• Time Management: The capacity to plan and prioritize multiple complex tasks to meet short-term and long-term objectives effectively.
• Regulatory Standards: Understanding and adhering to specific quality and safety standards relevant to the industry.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Ability to work with different functions like development, suppliers, and compliance teams to ensure overall product and process quality.

Other Requirements

• Recommend procedures and budget for quality engineering areas.
• Ensure quality customer files are current to IATF 16949 requirements.
• Performs internal audits as necessary.
• Work Saturdays if required.

Physical Requirements

• Sometime lifts, carries or moves objects up to 25 pounds, occasionally over 60 pounds.
• Office environment with noise from computer peripherals such as mainframe, disk drives and test equipment.
• Factory environment with noise from manufacturing equipment.
• Exposure to dangerous equipment.
• Possible serious injury due to carelessness around equipment.
• Spends time in travel between customers.
• Sometimes lifts, carries or moves objects – up to 50 pounds.