Quality Engineer

Htijobs; Piedmont (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

JTEKT North America in Piedmont, SC is seeking a Quality Engineer to help scale our automotive manufacturing expansion. You will lead APQP and PPAP activities, support new equipment launches, and manage customer quality concerns to ensure regulatory and internal standards are met.

This role requires strong GD&T and blueprint interpretation, plus experience with 8D, 5 Why, and other root‑cause tools. Collaborate across production, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain to improve process

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field required/preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality role, automotive experience preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and IATF 16949.
• High proficiency in GD&T and blueprint interpretation.
• Experience with structured problem‑solving methodologies (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, statistical tools).
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools.
• Experience with measurement systems, metrology, and statistical analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and interface with customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead APQP activities and prepare/submit PPAP documentation.
• Support new equipment launches and process validation tied to facility expansion.
• Manage customer complaints and quality issues using structured problem‑solving methods.
• Drive containment, corrective actions, and preventive measures to closure.
• Support and maintain IATF 16949:2016 compliance and audit readiness.
• Partner with production, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain to improve process capability and product quality.
• Guide metrology activities, including MSA and GD&T interpretation.
• Support product validation, receiving inspection, calibration systems, and testing programs.
• Participate in and drive Kaizen and Lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Monitor quality KPIs and implement improvements to reduce defects and variation.

Skills

APQP

PPAP

IATF 16949

GD&T

Blueprint interpretation

8D

5 Why

Fishbone

Statistical tools

Lean manufacturing

Measurement systems

Metrology

Statistical analysis

Communication skills

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Associate degree with equivalent experience

Job description

Back Quality Engineer
Quality Piedmont , SC Professional Direct Hire Sep 3, 2026

Quality Engineer

Location: Piedmont, SC
Company: JTEKT North America

Join Our Expansion in 2026

Join JTEKT North America—a global leader in automotive systems, bearing solutions, and high-performance machine tools—as we expand our Piedmont, SC facility in 2025 with over 120 new machines and advanced automation systems.

As a Quality Engineer, you will be a key technical contributor helping scale and optimize our high-volume manufacturing operation. This is a high-impact role supporting new equipment launches, process validation, and customer quality performance during a significant growth phase.

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality systems to ensure products meet customer, regulatory, and internal standards. This role leads APQP and PPAP activities, manages customer quality concerns, drives corrective actions, and supports continuous improvement initiatives in alignment with IATF 16949 standards.

This position requires strong technical knowledge, hands‑on problem‑solving ability, and the confidence to work cross‑functionally within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead APQP activities and prepare/submit PPAP documentation

• Support new equipment launches and process validation tied to facility expansion

• Manage customer complaints and quality issues using structured problem‑solving methods (8D, 5 Why, Root Cause Analysis)

• Drive containment, corrective actions, and preventive measures to closure

• Support and maintain IATF 16949:2016 compliance and audit readiness

• Partner with production, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain to improve process capability and product quality

• Guide metrology activities, including measurement systems analysis (MSA) and GD&T interpretation

• Support product validation, receiving inspection, calibration systems, and testing programs

• Participate in and drive Kaizen and Lean manufacturing initiatives

• Monitor quality KPIs and implement improvements to reduce defects and variation

• Work collaboratively in a team‑based, multi‑cultural environment

• Perform additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related technical field preferred
  (Associate degree with equivalent experience may be considered)

• 4+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality role (automotive industry preferred)

• Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and IATF 16949

• High proficiency in GD&T and blueprint interpretation

• Experience with structured problem‑solving methodologies (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, statistical tools)

• Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools

• Experience with measurement systems, metrology, and statistical analysis

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and interface directly with customers

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing plant environment requiring use of PPE (steel‑toed shoes, safety glasses, etc.)

• Frequent standing, bending, reaching, and repetitive motion

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

• Overtime and flexible hours may be required based on production demands

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