Quality Systems Manager - Automotive

Innovate International Limited; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Technical Response, Inc. in Knoxville, TN seeks a Quality Systems Manager – Automotive to lead the expansion of our automotive quality program.

You will build and sustain the Quality Management System, emphasizing prevention, continual improvement, and customer satisfaction for injected molded components. You will drive APQP/PPAP, IATF 16949 readiness, and cross‑functional collaboration with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Operations to achieve world‑class quality and scalable processes in a

Qualifications

• Experience implementing automotive quality systems (IATF 16949 preferred).
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC and MSA.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, maintenance of the Quality Management System.
• Establish automotive quality culture focusing on prevention and continuous improvement.
• Develop policies, procedures, work instructions, inspection plans.
• Prepare for IATF 16949 compliance and customer standards.
• Lead APQP activities for new product launches.
• Coordinate PPAP documentation submissions.
• Facilitate PFMEA/DFMEA activities.
• Implement SPC and MSA programs.
• Lead internal audits and coordinate external audits.
• Manage customer quality concerns and CAPA using 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone.
• Develop KPIs to monitor system effectiveness.
• Collaborate across functions to resolve quality issues.
• Oversee calibration and inspection equipment programs.
• Train and mentor employees on quality and automotive requirements.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Skills

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

MSA

SPC

8D Analysis

5 Why

Fishbone

Lean Manufacturing

Quality System

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

IATF 16949

Job description

Description

Quality Systems Manager – Automotive

Position Summary

Technical Response, Inc. (TRI) is entering an exciting new phase of growth as we expand our manufacturing capabilities into the automotive industry through the production of injection molded components for a leading regional automotive manufacturer. To support this strategic initiative, TRI is seeking an experienced Quality Systems Manager – Automotive who will play a key leadership role in developing, strengthening, and advancing our Quality Management System to meet the rigorous expectations of the automotive industry.

This is more than a traditional quality management position. The successful candidate will serve as a change leader, partnering with Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, and Executive Leadership to establish a quality culture built on prevention, continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. Leveraging previous experience in automotive manufacturing—preferably within an injection molding environment, the Quality Systems Manager will help guide TRI through the implementation of automotive quality standards, robust manufacturing controls, and industry best practices that support long‑term growth and customer success.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience with automotive quality systems, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and structured problem‑solving methodologies, along with a passion for building sustainable processes, mentoring teams, and driving organizational excellence. Experience implementing or maintaining an IATF 16949 Quality Management System is strongly preferred.

Why Join TRI?

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Technical Response, Inc. As TRI expands into automotive manufacturing, the Quality Systems Manager will have the opportunity to build processes, influence organizational culture, and establish quality systems that will support long‑term growth. This highly visible position works closely with senior leadership and plays a critical role in the successful launch and ongoing support of TRI's automotive manufacturing operations.

Requirements

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of TRI's Quality Management System.
• Partner with leadership to establish an automotive quality culture that emphasizes prevention, process discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop quality policies, procedures, work instructions, inspection plans, and standardized documentation that support automotive manufacturing requirements.
• Prepare the organization for compliance with IATF 16949 requirements and customer-specific quality standards.
• Lead APQP activities for new product launches.
• Coordinate and submit Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation to customers.
• Facilitate Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) activities, as applicable.
• Implement and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) programs.
• Lead internal quality audits and coordinate customer and third‑party audits.
• Manage customer quality concerns, warranty issues, corrective actions, and preventive actions using structured problem‑solving methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, and Fishbone Analysis.
• Develop quality metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor system effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customer Success to resolve quality issues and improve manufacturing processes.
• Establish supplier quality expectations and support supplier development and corrective action activities, as required.
• Oversee incoming, in‑process, and final inspection processes.
• Manage calibration and inspection equipment programs.
• Support process validation, new equipment qualification, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Train and mentor employees on quality principles, automotive requirements, and best practices.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing principles and a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline is required.