Quality Engineer: APQP, PPAP & Continuous Improvement

Tenneco; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenneco is seeking a QA professional to analyze engineering specs and monitor processes, developing quality control methods for a designated area. The role supports TS16949 policies, environmental health and safety, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing setting.

The position requires experience in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC and strong communication with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure quality across all stages of production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field with five years manufacturing experience (automotive industry a plus) and three years in quality or relevant experience in a machining discipline preferred.
• ASQ CQE with ten years manufacturing experience with a minimum of five years’ experience in the automotive industry and a minimum of five years in a quality related position.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary quality interface across customers, production, and suppliers.
• Leads and coordinates customer, internal, and supplier quality concerns, including corrective action system activities.
• Manages all quality-related communication and ensures timely escalation and resolution of issues.
• Leads APQP activities and supports all new product launches.
• Coordinates, compiles, and submits PPAP documentation (customer and supplier).
• Defines, communicates, and ensures application of customer‑specific and supplier requirements.
• Supports production as the quality representative; identifies quality risks, scrap trends, and drive reduction efforts.
• Leads or supports investigation and disposition of nonconforming or questionable material.
• Develops, maintains, and improves quality documentation (PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Charts).
• Leads PFMEA risk‑reduction and continuous improvement programs.
• Ensures incoming inspection and supplier quality requirements are applied and effective.
• Interfaces with Production, Engineering, Process Technicians, Purchasing, Corporate SQA, and external suppliers as needed.
• Manages containment activities (e.g., GP12) and define exit criteria.
• Ensures relevant quality information is accurately reported and effectively disseminated across the organization.

Skills

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

PFMEA

Control Plans

SPC

Process Flow Charts

Quality Assurance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

ASQ CQE

Tools

MSA

Job description

Tenneco is seeking a QA professional to analyze engineering specs and monitor processes, developing quality control methods for a designated area. The role supports TS16949 policies, environmental health and safety, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing setting.

The position requires experience in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC and strong communication with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure quality across all stages of production.