Quality Investigation Engineer

Subaru of America; Merchantville (NJ); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Plans

401(k) Match Offerings

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Job summary

A leading automobile manufacturer is seeking a Quality Investigation Engineer to support extensive investigations into vehicle performance and quality issues. This role involves collaboration with teams in North America and Japan, requiring problem-solving and analytical skills to enhance quality across various vehicle models. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in engineering and have relevant experience. The position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, fostering professional growth within the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in electrical, mechanical, or automotive engineering.
• 1-3 years of experience in a relevant engineering role.
• Technical and analytical skills with problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations into vehicle performance and quality concerns.
• Perform root-cause analysis on defects and warranty returns.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve technical issues.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Technical knowledge in automotive systems

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in engineering

Master's Degree in engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Python

Jira

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

Summary

The Quality Investigation (QI) Engineer supports investigations into vehicle performance, quality concerns, and component‑level issues across Subaru's battery electric vehicle (BEV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and internal combustion engine (ICE) product lines across the North American region. This engineering role works under guidance from senior engineers and managers to evaluate vehicles, conduct root‑cause analysis, and recommend technical improvements.

Teams and Projects

Power Systems (BEV, HEV, ICE)

• High Voltage Components and Air Conditioner
• Engine, Transmission, and Axles

Body & Electricals (BEV, HEV, ICE)

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Brakes
• Electrical
• Chassis and Body

Activities Include

• In‑field investigation of vehicle‑related issues
• Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including members in North America and Japan
• Analyzing market and automotive technical data
• Testing and evaluating repair and countermeasures
• Assisting with vehicle development while correlating quality‑related tasks
• Approximately 80% execution of assigned tasks and 20% project oversight

Job Responsibilities

Project Responsibilities

• Progresses in projects as directed by experienced team members
• Leads some minor‑impact projects independently
• Participates in frequent check‑ins from managers for workload and progress

Post‑Production Vehicles

• Conducts evaluation of production vehicles and makes final recommendations
• Monitors early production quality and escalates abnormal trends

Future Production Vehicles

• Supports Subaru entities with new model launch quality reviews
• Shares best practices to reduce potential quality issues

Conduct Root Cause Analysis

• Performs in‑depth investigations into defects, customer complaints, warranty returns, and field issues
• Drives failure analysis via lab testing, teardown studies, supplier returns, and in‑field investigation

Perform Cross‑Functional Problem Solving

• Facilitates structured problem‑solving processes
• Works with stakeholders to identify and eliminate root causes
• Ensures corrective and preventative actions are validated and implemented

Manage Quality Incidents and Containment Activities

• Leads urgent responses to field or production issues
• Defines, coordinates, and audits containment actions
• Verifies containment effectiveness

Support Warranty and Field Issue Analysis

• Analyzes field return data, warranty trends, early warning alerts, dealership reports, and telematics
• Identifies systemic issues and provides technical guidance

Document and Report

• Prepares detailed technical reports summarizing investigations and findings
• Presents issues and status to management and senior leadership when needed

Champion Continuous Improvement

• Identifies procedural or quality issues
• Recommends systemic improvements
• Supports quality system and process improvement initiatives

Additional Responsibilities

• Collaborates with engineers across disciplines to develop competitive, reliable products that meet Subaru's quality standards
• Stays current with industry trends and best practices in ICE, HEV, and BEV development

Job Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

Skills

• Basic understanding of general interests/trends in the U.S. market; passion for automobiles and customer service
• General engineering knowledge; ability to learn new technical information
• Technical & analytical skills including ability to read engineering drawings, apply RCA tools, evaluate vehicles
• Problem‑solving skills including hands‑on investigation and structured analysis
• Project management ability with strong communication between North American and Japanese teams
• Data collection, interpretation, and presentation
• Clear verbal and written communication; ability to explain findings to engineers or managers
• Software proficiency: Microsoft Office, Python, Jira, Tableau, Power BI, RCA software, quality reporting tools
• General knowledge of RCA methodologies
• Basic knowledge of vehicle parts/materials

Role‑Specific Knowledge

Power Systems – High Voltage Components & Air Conditioner

• EV/HEV/ICE architecture and performance
• Thermal conditioning in automotive systems
• High voltage component standards

Power Systems – Engine, Transmission & Axles

• EV/HEV/ICE architecture and performance
• Basic knowledge of engines, transmissions (CVT), and axles
• Knowledge of CAN, TCP/IP signals (preferred)
• CVT development/design experience (preferred)
• Thermal conditioning knowledge (preferred)

Body & Electricals – ADAS & Brakes

• EV/HEV/ICE electrical architecture and performance
• Basic knowledge of ADAS
• Basic brake system understanding

Body & Electricals – Electrical

• EV/HEV/ICE electrical architecture and performance
• Electrical wiring knowledge
• Ability to read wiring diagrams and understand low‑voltage operations

Body & Electricals – Chassis & Body

• EV/HEV/ICE architecture and performance
• Basic chassis/body knowledge

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or similar field (Required)
• Master's Degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or similar field (Preferred)

Work Experience

• At least one (1) to three (3) years of relevant experience with a bachelor's degree (Required)
• Master's degree with no years of work experience (Required)

Work Environment

• Office Location: Pennsauken, NJ
• Compensation: The recruiting base salary range for this full‑time position is $75,000 – $90,000 / year. Individual pay is determined based on job‑related skills, experience, and education. This role is bonus‑eligible (Internal Job Grade: P1).

WHY JOIN US?

Total Rewards & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
• Pension, Profit Sharing, and 401(k) Match Offerings
• 15 Vacation days, 5 Floating Holidays, 5 Sick days, and 9 Company Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement Program: $15,000 yearly benefit
• Vehicle Discount Programs

Learning & Development

• Professional growth and development opportunities
• Direct partnership with senior leadership
• Formal Mentorship Program
• LinkedIn Learning License

Visit our careers landing page for additional information about compensation and benefit programs.

About Subaru

• Love. It’s what makes Subaru, Subaru®
• Subaru strives to be More Than a Car Company® through community engagement and our Subaru Love Promise®.
• Subaru is a globally renowned automobile manufacturer known for innovation, safety, and sustainability since 1953.
• Subaru's culture is built on collaboration, diversity, and passion for our products. Employees are encouraged to contribute their unique talents to create exceptional vehicles that inspire our customers.