Quality Engineer 1

Socket.dev; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401K with 4% Company Match

Vacation/PTO and 13 Paid Holidays

Bonus Program

Relocation assistance

Tuition Reimbursement

Career Development and OngoingTraining

Employee Assistance Program

Onsite Fitness Center

Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy

Job summary

Socket.dev in Battle Creek, MI, is seeking an experienced Quality Engineer to lead process change management for automotive products and processes. You will ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and customer requirements, and drive change documentation through PCRs, DFMEA/PFMEA, and Control Plan updates.

Responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, supporting APQP/PPAP activities, audits, and continuous improvement using 8D, A3, and DMAIC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 3+ years of Quality Engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949 and core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA).
• Experience managing process changes in high-volume manufacturing.
• Proficient in quality documentation, data analysis, and reporting tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead process change management activities for product, process, equipment, material, and supplier changes.
• Ensure all changes comply with IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Facilitate and approve change control documentation, including PCRs, DFMEA, PFMEA, and Control Plan updates.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure mitigation plans are implemented prior to change approval.
• Support APQP/PPAP activities related to changes, including run-at-rate, validation builds, and capability studies.
• Coordinate cross-functional reviews with Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, Supplier Quality, and Operations.
• Interface with customers on process change notifications, approvals, and audits.
• Lead or support internal and external audits related to process changes.
• Analyze quality data and trends to verify change effectiveness and prevent recurrence of issues.
• Drive continuous improvement using problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, DMAIC, etc.).
• Support launch readiness and production stability following approved changes.

Skills

Change management

Risk assessment

Cross-functional leadership

Quality documentation

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field

Tools

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

SPC

MSA

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead process change management activities for product, process, equipment, material, and supplier changes
• Ensure all changes comply with IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, and internal quality standards
• Facilitate and approve change control documentation, including:
  • Process Change Requests (PCRs)
  • DFMEA, PFMEA, and Control Plan updates
  • Work instructions and standard operating procedures
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure mitigation plans are implemented prior to change approval
• Support APQP/PPAP activities related to changes, including run-at-rate, validation builds, and capability studies
• Coordinate cross-functional reviews with Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, Supplier Quality, and Operations
• Interface with customers on process change notifications, approvals, and audits
• Lead or support internal and external audits related to process changes
• Analyze quality data and trends to verify change effectiveness and prevent recurrence of issues
• Drive continuous improvement using problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, DMAIC, etc.)
• Support launch readiness and production stability following approved changes

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field
• 3+ years of Quality Engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • IATF 16949 and core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA)
  • Change management and risk-based decision making
  • Automotive customer‑specific requirements
• Experience managing process changes in high-volume manufacturing
• Proficient in quality documentation, data analysis, and reporting tools
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross‑functional teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers
• Familiarity with launch management and production transfers
• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
• Experience with supplier change management and audits
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles

Key Competencies

• Structured problem solving
• Attention to detail and strong documentation discipline
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Strong risk assessment and decision‑making skills
• Proactive mindset with a focus on quality and prevention

Benefits Summary:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans
• 401K with 4% Company Match
• Vacation/PTO and 13 Paid Holidays
• Bonus Program
• FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs
• Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance
• Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs
• Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc.
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Development and Ongoing Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location)
• Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)
• Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location)

Candidates residing 50+ miles from the work location are eligible for relocation assistance.

Annual Salary: $70,000 - $87,000