Quality Reliability Engineer

Optimal; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

OEM is seeking a Quality / Manufacturing Engineer for STA Site Interior to ensure supplier readiness and sustained performance. You will implement commodity-specific plans, lead cross-functional teams, and drive issue resolution to prevent production disruption.

Ideal candidates have 3-5+ years in interior automotive processes, APQP/PPAP experience, and the ability to travel to supplier sites up to 70%.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years in advanced manufacturing or quality/process planning for interior automotive components.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
• Experience collaborating with internal teams and supplier leadership to resolve issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead on-site technical collaboration with OEM teams and suppliers to ensure launch readiness.
• Drive APQP/PPAP deliverables and monitor supplier performance.
• Act as principal on-site technical lead during supplier events and containment actions.
• Travel up to 70% to supplier sites to support production readiness.

Skills

Problem solving

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Quality / Manufacturing Engineer *STA Site Interior - STA Engineer*

Position Description:

Quality / Manufacturing Engineer *STA Site Interior* As a STA Engineer at OEM, you will play a critical role in ensuring supplier manufacturing readiness and sustained performance. You will be responsible for implementing commodity-specific business plans, ensuring supplier compliance with OEM's quality, delivery, capacity, and warranty standards. This position serves as the primary technical interface between Ford and its suppliers and is essential in supporting product launches, driving issue resolution, and ensuring zero disruption to vehicle production.

Required:

• Implement commodity-specific business plans to ensure suppliers exceed OEM's expectations for launch readiness, quality, capacity, warranty, and on-time delivery.
• APQP, PPAP
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with internal OEM teams and supplier leadership to resolve open issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Serve as the principal on-site technical lead for troubleshooting, emergency containment, and corrective action implementation during critical supplier events.
• Ensure zero vehicle losses or production disruptions due to supplier-related issues.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with OEM's quality and operational standards, including Q1 requirements.
• Drive early manufacturing feasibility assessments at supplier sites to ensure launch and production readiness.
• Lead and support execution of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) deliverables in alignment with program timelines.
• Analyze supplier performance using data-driven metrics to support strategic sourcing decisions and future quality improvements.
• Participate in supplier development initiatives, helping build long-term capability and alignment with OEM's operational excellence goals.

Required:

• 3-5+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing, advanced quality, process planning, implementation or launch of Interior Commodity manufacturing systems (Seats, IP's, consoles, headliners, door panels, restraints, seat structures).
• 3-5+ years of experience in one or more but not limited to the following Interior manufacturing processes: Stamping, Welding, Plastic Welding, Plastic/Rubber Molding, Blow Molding, Automated/Manual Assembly Process, Controls Automation programing, Paint, Chroming.
• Preferred experience within automotive Interior Commodities or experience with similar manufacturing processes.

Experience in the following:

• Proven experience in PPAP, APQP, and quality systems.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to travel frequently to supplier sites up to 70%.

Experience Preferred:

• Automotive industry experience.
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills.

Education Required:

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field.