Quality Engineer

Socket.dev; Mebane (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Shift differential

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Company paid life insurance

PTO and paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Training and advancement opportunities

Stable manufacturing environment

Employee recognition programs

Team-oriented safety culture

Job summary

AKG is seeking a Quality Engineer (QE) to lead product and process quality initiatives in a manufacturing setting. You will drive APQP/PPAP, review product drawings, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949 alignment.

You will analyze quality data, manage non-conformances, support supplier quality, and mentor teams on PFMEA, Control Plans, and work instructions. Travel may be occasional.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 3–4 years in automotive, heavy equipment, or industrial manufacturing.
• Experience with PPAP, APQP, Control Plans, and PFMEA preferred.
• ISO Internal Auditor training or equivalent is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead APQP and PPAP submissions, review and approve PPAP documentation and inspection reports.
• Review product drawings and represent Quality during new product launches, kick-off meetings, and engineering changes.
• Support development and maintenance of PFMEAs, Control Plans, and Work Instructions with cross-functional teams.
• Review, approve, and manage non-conformance reports, MRB activities, and containment actions.
• Lead root cause analysis and facilitate corrective, preventive, and continuous improvement actions.
• Serve as the primary quality contact for assigned customer accounts, customer visits, and customer issue resolution.
• Support supplier quality activities, including PPAP approval, defect containment, RGA, and supplier corrective actions.
• Conduct and support internal, process, external, and customer audits, including Gemba walks.
• Monitor, analyze, and report Quality KPIs and Built-In-Quality metrics.
• Maintain quality records, inspection data, and reporting systems, including SAP quality-related documentation.
• Develop and deliver quality training and coaching to quality personnel and production employees.
• Drive horizontal deployment of lessons learned to prevent recurrence across products and processes.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, AKG Quality Management System (QMS), Environmental Management system and applicable regulatory standards.
• Support warranty investigations and prepare customer warranty analysis reports as assigned.
• Advise internal teams on customer and supplier quality requirements, specifications, and industry standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

SAP/ERP

Microsoft 365

Job description

At AKG, we believe great people build great products. We are looking for dependable, safety-focused team members who want to grow their skills and be part of a company that values teamwork, accountability, respect, and continuous improvement.

If you enjoy hands‑on work, problem-solving, and working with precision equipment in a manufacturing environment, we encourage you to apply. We will train you...

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Shift differential opportunities
• GREAT Medical, dental, and vision benefits the first of the month after 30 days
• Company Paid Life insurance, STD insurance and LTD insurance
• PTO and paid holidays
• 401(k) with amazing company match
• Training and advancement opportunities
• Stable manufacturing environment
• Employee recognition programs
• Team-oriented culture focused on safety and respect

What You’ll Do:

The QE plays a critical role in ensuring product and process quality by leading problem‑solving activities, managing customer and supplier quality deliverables, and driving continuous improvement across manufacturing operations. This position requires strong analytical skills, technical knowledge, and effective communication to ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and alignment with IATF 16949 standards.

1. Lead APQP and PPAP submissions, including review and approval of PPAP documentation and inspection reports.
2. Review product drawings and represent Quality during new product launches, kick‑off meetings, and engineering changes.
3. Support development and maintenance of PFMEAs, Control Plans, and Work Instructions with cross‑functional teams.
4. Review, approve, and manage non‑conformance reports, Material Review Board (MRB) activities, and containment actions.
5. Lead root cause analysis and facilitate corrective, preventive, and continuous improvement actions.
6. Serve as the primary quality contact for assigned customer accounts, customer visits, and customer issue resolution.
7. Support supplier quality activities, including PPAP approval, defect containment, RGA, and supplier corrective actions.
8. Conduct and support internal, process, external, and customer audits, including Gemba walks.
9. Monitor, analyze, and report Quality KPIs and Built‑In‑Quality metrics.
10. Maintain quality records, inspection data, and reporting systems, including SAP quality‑related documentation.
11. Develop and deliver quality training and coaching to quality personnel and production employees.
12. Drive horizontal deployment of lessons learned to prevent recurrence across products and processes.
13. Ensure compliance with customer requirements, AKG Quality Management System (QMS), Environmental Management system and applicable regulatory standards.
14. Support warranty investigations and prepare customer warranty analysis reports as assigned.
15. Advise internal teams on customer and supplier quality requirements, specifications, and industry standards.

Maintain regular physical attendance and support cross‑functional quality initiatives as required.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
2. Minimum of two (3-4) year experience in automotive, heavy equipment, or industrial manufacturing environment.
3. Prior experience with PPAP, APQP, Control Plans, and PFMEA strongly preferred.
4. ISO Internal Auditor training or equivalent is a plus.

Must have the following:

1. Strong proficiency in Microsoft360; and SAP/ERP experience a plus.
2. Ability to interpret and apply technical drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
3. Strong problem‑solving skills using structured methodologies (8D, 5‑Why, Ishikawa).
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to interact effectively with cross functional teams, customers and suppliers. Willingness to travel occasionally, including short‑notice trips, for supplier or customer support.

Physical Demands:

1. Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
2. Must be able to sit (50%) and walk (50%) of the time
3. Regular walking, standing, and use of required safety equipment (steel‑toe shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection).

Work Environment:

Office area and manufacturing/warehouse environment with exposure to shop floor activities.

Why AKG?

At AKG, we are committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and part of the solution. Safety is our top priority, and we believe strong teams are built through communication, accountability, and respect for others.

As part of The AKG Way, we strive to create an environment where employees can grow professionally while contributing to the success of the organization.

AKG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.