Quality Engineer

Keystone Automotive Industries; Newnan (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401k with Generous Company Match

Paid Time Off

Company Paid Life Insurance and Long‑|

Job summary

LKQ Corp. is seeking a Quality Engineer to investigate field returns and perform root-cause analysis on automotive transmissions and subassemblies. The role supports IATF 16949, ISO 9001, APQP and PPAP, working with production, dyno-testing environments, and external suppliers.

You will lead structured problem-solving (8D/5 Why/Fishbone/FMEA) and drive continual quality improvements across the branch while preparing SOPs and assisting in hiring processes as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in root cause investigation and problem solving in automotive manufacturing.
• Familiar with quality standards and audits (IATF 16949, ISO 9001).
• Ability to interact with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Investigate field returns and test-stand failures for automotive transmissions and subassemblies.
• Lead 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone diagrams, and FMEA to determine root causes.
• Maintain compliance with quality frameworks and perform internal audits as needed.
• Support supplier quality with KPI tracking and non-conformance resolution.
• Write operating procedures and support validation and equipment modifications.

Skills

Root Cause Analysis

8D Methodology

FMEA

KPI Tracking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

IATF 16949

ISO 9001

APQP

PPAP

Job description

Join the LKQ Family! We're looking for motivated individuals to join our team at LKQ Corporation. With opportunities for growth, competitive benefits, and a supportive work environment, LKQ is the place to be.

Essential Job Duties

• Warranty & Failure Analysis: Investigate field returns, teardowns, and test-stand failures for automotive transmissions and its subassemblies.
• Root Cause Investigation: Lead problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone diagrams, and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).
• Quality Standards & Compliance: Maintain compliance with automotive quality frameworks like IATF 16949, ISO 9001, APQP, and PPAP.
• Floor Support & Validation: work along with production team members, assembly lines, and dyno-testing environments to validate fit, form, and function.
• Supplier Quality: Interact with external parts suppliers to track key performance indicators (KPIs), inspect incoming materials, and resolve non-conformances.
• Train Quality Engineers and other staff Assist in hiring of branch staff
• Supervise day to day functions at branch
• Provide QMS audit support to LKQ Corporation, Inc. line of business– includes conducting internal audits as needed.
• Coordinate and lead in group Supplier Audits.
• Investigate sources of damage during handling, storage, transfers, delivery and any other processes by which material is damaged.
• Assist with writing operating procedures.
• Design and institute equipment modifications.
• Evaluate packing materials for the level of protection they provide.
• Determine and maintain product quality.
• Participate in product testing as required.
• Partner with suppliers to correct and eliminate product defects.
• Inform managers of quality concerns and product defects.
• Maintain records detailing product defects.
• Initiate and support the continual improvement of Keystone Automotive Industries’ quality improvement system.
• Assume other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

Not responsible for supervising employees.

Minimum Requirements Education & Experience

High School Diploma/GED 5+ years of related experience required; Fully competent professional; In-depth knowledge and experience. Experience in the automotive field may be substituted for the college degree requirement.

Preferred Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages and to draw and interpret graphs. Frequent use of Outlook, Word, Excel, graphics, etc. Ability to create, maintain and incorporate functions into Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, databases, and Powerpoint presentations to support business objectives. Regularly uses moderately complex oral and written skills. May train others in functional areas, interact with others and make presentations to department or middle management. Problems encountered are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures. Decisions generally affect own job or assigned functional area. Results are defined; sets personal own goals and determines how to achieve results with few or no guidelines to follow; supervisor/manager provides broad guidance and overall direction. Handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously with moderate complexity. No additional competencies required.

Essential Physical Demands/Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, push, pull, squat, bend, reach, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit for extended periods of time. The employee may be exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, and equipment. Must be able to work in cramped spaces or underneath vehicles that may require getting into awkward positions. May regularly wear personal protective equipment (PPE). May be exposed to extreme temperatures and high noise levels. Travel may be required periodically, including overnight stays (contingent on position requirements). Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Benefits

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401k with Generous Company Match
• Company Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts

Join us for an exciting career journey with positive, driven individuals.

Leading With Innovation As a Fortune 500 leader (#318), LKQ is at the industry’s forefront, operating across 25 countries with over 1,600 locations. Join us to shape the future of vehicle repair and customization, where your impact resonates globally.

Accelerate Your Career at LKQ Join LKQ, a global force of over 51,000 strong across 1,700 locations. Here, you are a part of a community that drives our success and your career forward. Embrace the opportunity to grow, innovate, and lead the industry with us.

Shape the Future with LKQ Embark on a journey where your work makes a tangible impact on the industry and beyond. LKQ offers a challenging yet rewarding career path filled with opportunities to grow, innovate, and contribute to a sustainable future. At LKQ, you're not just joining a team; you're stepping into a role where you can truly thrive. Start your career with us and discover where your journey can take you.

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