Quality Engineer (Manufacturing)

Summit Polymers; Michigan; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit Polymers is seeking an Engineer, Quality (Manufacturing) to lead quality assurance activities across new product development, internal systems, and customer product quality support. The role emphasizes PPAP, DFMEA/GD&T interpretation, and robust problem solving in a high‑volume manufacturing setting.

The position requires a engineering degree, automotive QA experience, and collaboration with internal teams and external customers to ensure compliance, continuous improvement, and on-time

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science field.
• 3–5 years of automotive quality experience required.
• ASQC CQE certification a plus.
• Experience as internal auditor for IATF16949 / ISO 9001 a plus.
• Willingness to complete post‑hire training.

Responsibilities

• Performs quality function assignments during Design Input/Output to ensure quality tools are used.
• Develops PFMEA, Process Flow/Control Plan, Quality Inspection Standards, First/Last Piece Instructions, Receiving/ Dock/ Launch instructions.
• Ensures compliance with applicable statutes and regulatory requirements.
• Interprets drawings (GD&T, DV/PV testing) and communicates requirements.
• Uses MSA to qualify gauges and metrology equipment; applies statistical analysis (P and CPK).
• Supports supplier quality with PPAPs and supplier audits; manages AAR process and color tolerance activities.
• Assembles PPAP information pre-launch and for post-launch changes; maintains customer web apps.
• Provides launch support, training, and on-site quality liaison support at customer facilities.
• Leads and supports practical problem solving to root cause and corrective actions.

Skills

Quality engineering

APQP/PPAP

Statistical analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Auditing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

3–5 years automotive quality experience

ASQC CQE certification (preferred)

Internal Auditor for IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 (plus)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Minitab

Customer portals / portals

Job description

P08 - Vicksburg, 115 S Leja Drive, Vicksburg, Michigan, United States of America

Job Description

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations.

JOIN A TEAM WHERE YOU'LL BE CHALLENGED AND valued.

A career with Summit Polymers means working with smart people in a culture that thrives on challenging, meaningful work. At Summit, we look for growth potential with every hire. We don’t just fill seats, we set people on career paths. We’re always on the lookout for smart people who are committed to continuous improvement, customer service and quality.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Engineer, Quality (Manufacturing) FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager, Quality (Manufacturing)

SUMMARY

This is a technical position responsible for supporing product quality assurance functions. Key job functions include new product quality system & tool development, achievement of customer PPAP approval, providing world class support of product quality at external customers, providing support to internal production operations, administration of internal quality systems, and performing root cause problem solving activities in support of quality defect elimination.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

New Product Development

• Performs Quality function assignments during product Design Input and Design Output process to ensure all aspects of product quality and quality tools are considered and optimized.
• Develops, uses, and maintains Summit Polymers and APQP quality documents including but not limited to PFMEA, Process Flow/Control Plan, Quality Inspection Standards, First/Last Piece Instructions, Receiving Inspection Instructions, Dock Audit Instructions, Safe Launch Instructions, etc.
• Ensures quality plans are in compliance to all related statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Reviews, interprets, and communicates technical drawings and other technical information needed to assure the compliance of products or processes. (GD&T, DV / PV testing requirements, SC, CCs, KPI, etc.)
• Utilizes Measurement Systems Analysis techniques to qualify gages, fixtures, and other metrology equipment as needed.
• Utilizes statistical analysis to determine process normality and capability through the use of statistical analysis. (P values, PPK, CPK, etc…)
• Supports Corporate Supplier Quality Engineering with development of supplier product, critical review/critique of drawings/tolerances, review/approve quality control plans, attending supplier run at rates as needed, and critical reviews and approval of supplier PPAPs.
• Manages Appearance Approval Report (AAR) process including directing colorant, paint, film, and purchased component suppliers, developing internal color tolerance values, attending customer color harmony events, and proactively engaging customer color harmony through life of production.
• Ensures compliance with all unique customer specific quality requirements throughout the product development cycle.
• Assembles all PPAP information at pre-launch as well as for subsequent post launch changes and submits or presents to customer.
• Accesses, updates, and maintains all customer web based applications utilized during product development.
• Performs and oversees safe launch containment inspections and determines corrective actions for safe launch findings.
• Supports all launch preparation activities including training of associates, internal development trials, customer run at rates, on-site customer builds, Launch Readiness Reviews, and Launch Effectiveness Reviews.
• Provides proactive / prior to launch training and support to on-site quality liaisons at customer facilities for all new products.

Customer Product Quality Support

• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with external customers.
• Engages immediately in reaction to customer quality concerns, and escalates to Quality Manager and Manufacturing management.
• Travels to customer locations as required to support containment, investigation, and presentation of corrective actions (or disputes) for customer quality concerns.
• Breakdowns and reviews customer warranty data to apply corrective actions and proper responses up and including on-site review and investigation at the customer as needed.
• Travels routinely to customer for proactive visits and customer build events.
• Accesses, updates, and maintains all related customer web based applications and scorecards

Internal Product & Quality Systems Support.

• Provides support for internal plant operations enabling the production of high quality, high value products for our customers.
• Provides functional and technical knowledge and research in support of manufacturing operations in resolving quality concerns and questions.
• Develops, maintains and performs internal Layered Process Audits and analyzes findings to take appropriate corrective actions.
• Participates in other auditing activities including but not limited to customer audits, internal quality audits, supplier quality audits, and internal/external IATF / ISO audits.
• Supports and participates in continuous improvement activities that create improvements to standardized work methods and operational efficiency.
• Uses industry standard metrology equipment to qualify and calibrate as needed products, processes, or fixtures / tools.
• Provides guidance to quality inspectors / technicians in performing their responsibilities.
• Provides support when required during off hours relating to any topic related to the above mentioned duties.

Problem Solving

• Leads, performs and supports Practical Problem Solving (PPS) activities to fully define the problem, determine root cause, and develop root cause based corrective actions to resolve customer, internal and supplier quality concerns.
• Documents corrective actions on PPS A3 format, and when required on specific customer problem solving / corrective action formats.
• Shares corrective actions with other affected functions, including corporate teams, sister plants, and suppliers.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering field or related science discipline is preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in automotive quality function is required alternate to degree
• ASQC CQE certification is a plus
• Experience as Internal Auditor for IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 is a plus
• Agreement to complete all post-hire required training is required

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong computer litteracy, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Power Point and customer websites
• Knowledge of AIAG based quality core tools including APQP, PPAP, MSA, GD&T, & FMEA
• Problem Solving Methodologies (Toyota Practical Problem Solving, 8D, etc.)
• Knowledge and understanding of IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 Standards
• Knowledge of Metrology tools and methods
• Knowledge of SPC & Statistical Analysis and related software skills (Minitab or similar)
• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with all levels of Summit Polymers and customer organizations, including performing effective negotiations, leading effective training, presenting problem solving results, etc.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional Score of 26 on the cognitive portion).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position typically does require up to 15% travel.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

P08 - Vicksburg, 115 S Leja Drive, Vicksburg, Michigan, United States of America