Quality Engineer: APQP, PPAP & Lean Improvement

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

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