Quality Engineer

HTI; Piedmont (SC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

JTEKT North America leads automotive systems and bearing solutions at our Piedmont, SC facility. We seek a Quality Engineer to support high-volume manufacturing, improving product quality and customer satisfaction.

You will drive APQP/PPAP, CAPA, and process validation, partnering with engineering and production to scale improvements and launches. Strong problem-solving, SPC, and GD&T skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related technical field; 4+ years in manufacturing quality, automotive preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and IATF 16949; GD&T and blueprint interpretation.
• Experience with structured problem-solving methods (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, SPC) and Lean tools.

Responsibilities

• Support daily manufacturing quality activities and investigations using structured methods.
• Develop and maintain Control Plans, PFMEAs, inspection plans, and quality documentation.
• Lead APQP/PPAP activities for new and existing products and drive CAPA effectiveness.
• Analyze SPC data and process trends to identify opportunities and support continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, maintenance, suppliers, and customers to resolve issues.
• Support launches, engineering changes, and internal/external quality audits.

Skills

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

Control Plans

SPC

GD&T

8D

MSA

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Associate degree with equivalent experience

Job description

Join JTEKT North America—a global leader in automotive systems, bearing solutions, and high-performance machine tools—as we expanded 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 supports manufacturing operations by improving product quality, resolving customer and internal quality concerns, implementing corrective actions, and partnering with engineering and production to drive continuous improvement. This role is heavily involved with APQP, PPAP, root cause analysis, customer quality, and production-floor support.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily manufacturing quality activities.
• Investigate internal and customer quality concerns using structured problem-solving methods (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, etc.).
• Develop and maintain Control Plans, PFMEAs, inspection plans, and quality documentation.
• Lead or support APQP and PPAP activities for new and existing products.
• Analyze SPC data, capability studies, and process trends to identify improvement opportunities.
• Work closely with production, engineering, maintenance, suppliers, and customers to resolve quality issues.
• Participate in launch activities and engineering changes.
• Conduct layered process audits and support internal quality audits.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and verify effectiveness.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve quality, reduce scrap, and improve customer satisfaction.
• Support customer visits and customer-specific quality requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5+ years of Quality Engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of:
• APQP
• PPAP
• PFMEA
• Control Plans
• SPC
• GD&T
• 8D
• MSA
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 requirements (ownership not required).
• Strong communication and cross-functional problem-solving skills.

Nice-to-Have

• CQE certification.
• Experience with customer quality (OEM/Tier 1).
• Injection molding, machining, or assembly experience.
• Launch experience.
• Experience with BMW, Toyota, Honda, GM, or other automotive customers.

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

  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