Senior APQP Engineer: Launch & Quality Leader

Hutchinson Group; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Hutchinson Group is seeking an APQP Program Lead to drive new product introductions from concept through production launch. You will coordinate Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing and suppliers to ensure PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flows, and MSA are delivered on time and to spec.

You will interface with customers on APQP, PPAP and launch readiness, manage risk with FMEA, and ensure learnings are captured for future programs while maintaining strict quality and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• 7-10 years of experience in manufacturing quality or engineering.
• Extensive hands-on APQP and PPAP experience in automotive or regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage APQP from concept to launch and post-launch activities.
• Ensure all APQP deliverables (PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow, MSA) are on time.
• Coordinate cross-functional APQP meetings with Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing and Suppliers.
• Drive issue resolution, risk mitigation, and escalation during new product introductions.
• Oversee and approve PPAP submissions and ensure customer-specific requirements.
• Interface with customers on APQP, PPAP, and launch readiness topics.
• Ensure milestones and timelines are met without compromising quality.
• Identify and prevent risks using FMEA methodologies.
• Verify control plans and process capability prior to launch.
• Capture lessons learned for future programs.
• Align supplier APQP activities with internal timelines with Supplier Quality.
• Support supplier APQP reviews and launch readiness assessments.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to validate equipment, tooling, and processes.
• Establish and monitor APQP performance metrics; report to leadership and take corrective actions.

Skills

IATF 16949

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

Control Plans

Lean Six Sigma

Statistical analysis

MS Excel

Quality data reporting

Blueprint interpretation

QMS proficiency

CMM

MAPICS / ERP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial) or related

Tools

Infor MAPICS

ERP systems

Job description

Hutchinson Group is seeking an APQP Program Lead to drive new product introductions from concept through production launch. You will coordinate Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing and suppliers to ensure PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flows, and MSA are delivered on time and to spec.

You will interface with customers on APQP, PPAP and launch readiness, manage risk with FMEA, and ensure learnings are captured for future programs while maintaining strict quality and regulatory