Quality Engineer

Adient; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Adient in Normal, IL seeks a Quality Engineer to lead quality activities for new programs and ongoing production quality. You will liaison with customers and suppliers, oversee PPAP submissions, and drive continuous improvement using industry-standard methodologies.

You will develop control and inspection plans, perform gage studies, and ensure robust readiness of products before launch. Collaboration with cross‑functional teams and travel to supplier sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field; candidates actively pursuing may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate continuous improvement in Production Quality Deliverables (RTY, Craftsmanship, RPPM, CPPM, SPPM, Warranty/JD Power).
• Prepare PPAP packages for product submissions and obtain approval from Quality/Product Service Manager.
• Resolve customer and supplier quality issues using Adient problem‑solving methods (Kepner‑Tregoe, 8-D).
• Perform gage studies (Gage R&R, Bias, Linearity, Stability) before production use or after changes.
• Develop and update control plans, inspection plans, and containment plans; support PFMEA updates.
• Utilize customer‑specific systems and tools.
• Conduct capability studies and document results for special characteristics.
• Mentor team on statistical applications and techniques.
• Coordinate supplier AQP deliverables and post‑SOP PPAPs for customers.
• Interface with external customers as the single point of contact for issue resolution.
• Support ODS improvements and promote strong customer relations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Quality Manager.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Customer relationship management

Engineering drawing interpretation

MS Office proficiency

Cross-functional teamwork

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

APQP

PPAP

FMEA/PFMEA

Control Plans

SPC

DOE

MSA

TQM

IATF 16949 / ISO/TS 16949

GD&T

Job description

Summary

JOB DESCRIPTION

Available Shifts

• 1st Shift: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
• 2nd Shift: 6:30 PM - 3:30 AM

The Quality Engineer coordinates, administers, and performs quality functions of an engineering and technical nature to ensure product quality and reliability at minimum quality costs. This position assumes a responsible leadership role in the successful launch of new programs, serves as the main quality point of contact for intracompany and external customers, and leads technical support and resolution of quality-related issues.

Responsibilities

• The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring continuous improvement in all Production Quality Deliverables (e.g., RTY, Craftsmanship, RPPM, CPPM, SPPM, and Warranty/JD Power).
• Prepare PPAP packages for product submissions and approval by appropriate customer personnel. Obtain approval of submission packages from the Product Service Manager or Quality Manager prior to submission to the customer.
• Ensure customer and supplier quality issues are resolved using Adient problem‑solving methods (Kepner‑Tregoe, 8-D, etc.).
• Perform gage studies (Gage R&R, Bias, Linearity, and Stability) before a gage is approved for production use or following a product change, when applicable.
• Develop and update control plans, inspection plans, and containment plans as required.
• Support the Manufacturing Engineer in updating the PFMEA as required.
• Utilize all customer‑specific systems.
• Conduct capability studies, ensuring they are properly performed, documented for special characteristics, and meet internal requirements (or that a written customer deviation is obtained).
• Support the continuous improvement of Operation Description Sheets (ODS).
• Identify and utilize appropriate statistical tools. Mentor team members on proper statistical applications and techniques.
• Assess and approve post‑SOP supplier PPAPs.
• Interface with assigned external customers as the single point of contact for issue resolution.
• Coordinate the preparation and on‑time delivery of supplier AQP deliverables.
• Ensure completion of all customer‑specific advanced quality planning requirements.
• Promote strong customer relations by consistently providing premier customer satisfaction through a professional and friendly demeanor, a can‑do attitude, and a willingness to help at all times.
• Resolve customer issues with a high sense of urgency by providing prompt responses, facilitating customer interactions, and coordinating sorting/rework activities at customer sites as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Quality Manager.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical field required (candidates actively pursuing their degree may also be considered).
• Minimum of 6+ years of experience in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Quality, Supplier Quality, or a related field.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing or a highly regulated manufacturing environment preferred.

Required Technical Knowledge

• APQP
• PPAP
• FMEA / PFMEA
• Control Plans
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
• Continuous Improvement Methodologies
• Total Quality Management (TQM)
• ISO/TS 16949 or IATF 16949 requirements
• GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and root‑cause problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent customer service and relationship management skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and technical procedures.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality systems.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality‑related software systems.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross‑functional teams.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to customer and supplier locations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive industry experience.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or similar quality certification.
• Experience with customer‑specific quality systems and requirements.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles

PRIMARY LOCATION

Normal