Quality Engineer II

East Penn Manufacturing Company, Inc.; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Retirement Savings Plan with company 3

Paid holidays and PTO

Employee assistance program

Fitness Discounts

Job summary

East Penn/Navitas facilities are seeking a Quality Engineer II to lead manufacturing quality execution, resolve complex product and process quality issues, and drive corrective and preventive actions across Navitas operations.

You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and SQE to ensure products meet customer requirements, drive root cause analysis, and mentor junior staff in quality tools and methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
• 3–7+ years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading corrective actions and cross‑functional investigations.
• US citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead manufacturing quality issue resolution related to capability, tolerancing, materials, and process variation.
• Provide engineering support to operations to ensure consistent application of quality techniques.
• Lead containment, sorting, and risk mitigation activities to protect manufacturing and customers.
• Coordinate and lead quality activities during pre-launch and production trial runs.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions using structured methodologies (8D, KT, Shainin).
• Mentor and train Quality Engineer I and quality technicians in quality tools and problem solving.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of manufacturing QC

Data analysis and statistics

Influence cross-functional teams

Strong communication

Risk-based decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

Get to know East Penn!

Navitas Systems LLC, a leader in comprehensive energy storage solutions, was formed in 2011 with the merger of MicroSun Innovative Energy Storage Solutions and MicroSun Electronics, and the acquisition of lithium battery company A123 Systems’ Government Solutions Group. In 2019, East Penn Manufacturing, one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers, acquired majority interest in Navitas Systems. In SEVEN remarkable decades, East Penn has grown from a one-room shop with a product line of five automotive batteries to one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers with over 10,500 full-time employees, 515 product designs, operations around the world, and hundreds of awards for industry excellence.

At our Navitas facilities we engage in the research, design, development, and manufacture of advanced lithium cells and energy storage products and systems for both commercial and Industrial Customers. We invest in our people, they are and always will be the heart of this company. Are you ready to join a family-owned enterprise committed to honoring the contributions of everyone? Then Navitas is the right place for you.

Overview

The Quality Engineer II is responsible for leading manufacturing quality execution, resolving complex product and process quality issues, and driving corrective and preventive actions within Navitas operations. This role serves as a technical authority for quality methods, data analysis, and problem solving, and acts as the internal voice of the customer for manufacturing quality.

The QE II works cross‑functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) to ensure products meet customer requirements, production processes are capable, and quality risks are identified and mitigated. This position operates with a high level of independence and mentors less experienced quality personnel.

Responsibilities

Manufacturing Quality Ownership

• Own and lead manufacturing quality issue resolution related to capability, tolerancing, materials, and process variation
• Provide engineering support to operations to ensure consistent application of quality techniques
• Lead containment, sorting, and risk mitigation activities to protect manufacturing and customers
• Coordinate and lead quality activities during pre‑launch and production trial runs
• Ensure quality risks are identified, documented, and addressed throughout the product lifecycle

Advanced Problem Solving & Corrective Action

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions using structured methodologies (e.g. 8D, KT, Shainin)
• Independently drive cross‑functional corrective action teams for complex or high‑impact issues
• Verify effectiveness and sustainability of corrective actions using data‑driven methods
• Escalate systemic or supplier‑driven issues to Supplier Quality Engineering as appropriate

Quality Planning & Control

• Lead development, maintenance, and improvement of Control Plans and FMEAs throughout the life of the product
• Determine when process stability and capability studies are required; analyze results and drive improvements
• Apply appropriate statistical techniques to monitor, control, and improve manufacturing processes
• Recommend changes to product specifications, tolerances, or processes to support manufacturability and cost‑effective production

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor and train Quality Engineer I and quality technicians in quality tools, analysis, and problem solving
• Provide hands‑on coaching during investigations and continuous improvement activities
• Reinforce Navitas’ quality policy and commitment to continuous improvement

Safety & Workplace Standards

Ensure compliance with OSHA, safety, and environmental requirements on the production floor

• Enforce and model strong 5S and safe work habits
• Maintain punctuality, reliability, and professionalism

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required
• Currently a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
• 3–7+ years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience leading corrective actions and cross‑functional investigations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing quality methods and problem‑solving techniques
• Strong data analysis and statistical skills
• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams without direct authority
• Strong communication skills with technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Solid business judgment and risk‑based decision making

East Penn Benefits

Navitas/East Penn offers excellent benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Group health insurance that includes high quality medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage with a low employee premium
• Retirement Savings Plan with company match and a 3% employer contribution
• Paid company holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee assistance program
• Fitness Discounts
• Promotional opportunities

At Navitas/East Penn, our employees are our culture; our employees will always be the heart of the company. We are a private, family-owned enterprise committed to cultivating an atmosphere that honors the contributions of everyone. We want our employees to have long‑term careers, and many do. More than 38% of our workforce has over a decade of service. Our open-door management policy, comprehensive benefits package, employee appreciation and recognition events, and career advancement opportunities are just some of the ways we show our employees how incredibly valued they are.

EOE/VEVRAA