Senior Quality Engineer, Advanced Quality

Socket.dev; Greer (SC); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Proterra is seeking a senior quality leader to own APQP across PDP phases, drive PPAP submissions, and manage DFMEA/PFMEA with cross-functional teams in Greer, SC.

The role focuses on ISO 9001 alignment, QMS improvements, and launch readiness, including audits, control plans, and SPC. Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in automotive quality, strong problem solving, and data-driven impact.

Qualifications

• Education and experience in APQP/PPAP with customer approvals.
• 5+ years in advanced product quality in automotive or heavy-vehicle sectors.
• Experience leading DFMEA/PFMEA and Control Plans.
• Proven ability to lead audits and maintain a QMS.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead APQP from concept to PPAP and launch readiness.
• Own DFMEA/PFMEA with engineering teams and risk ranking.
• Develop and release quality planning docs and control plans.
• Submit PPAP packages for customer approval.
• Drive continuous improvement and data-driven decisions.
• Lead internal/external audits and CAPA activities.

Skills

APQP

PPAP submissions

FMEA

MSA/Gage R&R

Control Plans

Statistical Analysis

ISO 9001 knowledge

IATF 16949 awareness

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree

Tools

Minitab

Power BI

Tableau

QMS/PLM tools

Job description

Proterra offers a dynamic and supportive workplace where our employees can thrive personally and professionally. With cutting-edge facilities and groundbreaking projects, Proterra offers unique opportunities to grow, collaborate, and lead transformative change in the electrification of heavy‑duty transportation and equipment.

Our commitment to innovation extends beyond our battery solutions to our people, where we create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to drive change for the earth. Here at Proterra we strive to foster a culture of inclusivity, valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging bold ideas, allowing our employees to bring their full selves to work. Our employees benefit from competitive total rewards packages, and opportunities to develop professionally.

Position Overview:

This role combines advanced product quality and quality management system ownership. You will lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) from concept through launch — control plans, MSA, capability studies, and PPAP submission and customer approval — and facilitate the FMEA process, with Design Engineering owning the DFMEA and Manufacturing Engineering owning the PFMEA. In parallel, you will develop, maintain, and improve the Quality Management System (QMS) — documentation control, process standardization, internal audits and audit readiness, and system performance metrics — to ensure full compliance with ISO 9001 and customer‑specific requirements.

About the Role – You will:

• Lead APQP deliverables across all PDP phases from program kickoff through PPAP approval and safe launch, including control plans, MSA/Gage R&R, and process capability studies
• Serve as the FMEA subject‑matter expert — support Design and Manufacturing Engineering in DFMEA and PFMEA development, advise on methodology and risk ranking, and promote consistent FMEA practice across locations
• Compile and submit PPAP packages for customer approval, including the A-10 Control Plan Checklist and APP-E Product Quality Planning form;
• Develop and release Prototype, Pre‑Launch, Production, and Safe Launch Control Plans aligned to each development phase gate
• Lead development, implementation, and closure of the Pre‑Production and Production Safe Launch Plans
• Participate in design reviews, special‑characteristics reviews, and engineering‑change assessments; identify risks and drive mitigation actions across PMO phases
• Lead the customer‑specific requirements self‑assessment and assure compliance
• Developing and maintaining Quality Planning documentation such as Quality Technician work instructions, Quality Acceptance Criteria, and quality inspection lists for product characteristics
• Drive Development Issue closure and support overall launch readiness

Quality Management System and Audits

• Develop, maintain, and improve the QMS to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and customer‑specific requirements
• Lead internal audits and support external and customer audits, including schedule visibility and collection of outputs in the system of record
• Drive containment, correction, and risk assessment of audit findings, and report QMS performance and audit trends to top management
• Own document control — hierarchy, revision impact, and storage standards — and expand the QMS to supporting functions
• Facilitate process mapping with cross‑functional teams to standardize processes and remove non‑value‑add steps

Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement

• Lead structured problem solving (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) on launch and early‑production issues
• Support root cause and verified corrective action for internal and external
• Analyze scrap, rework, warranty, first‑pass‑yield, and audit data to target improvement projects
• Apply SPC and error‑proofing (poka‑yoke) to control key characteristics and eliminate defect opportunities

Cross‑Functional Leadership and Coaching

• Serve as the quality voice on program teams alongside design, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations
• Coach engineers and technicians on the core tools and coordinate training resources for QMS‑related programs
• Develop and deploy metrics that make QMS effectiveness, launch quality, and program risk visible
• Champion a culture of quality, safety, and excellence in all aspects of work
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager

Your Experience Includes:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or related); Master’s preferred
• 5+ years of advanced product quality, new product introduction, or quality management system experience in the automotive or heavy‑vehicle industry (Tier 1 or OEM preferred)
• Demonstrated ownership of APQP and PPAP submissions through customer approval
• Hands‑on expertise facilitating DFMEA/PFMEA and building Control Plans, MSA/Gage R&R, SPC, and process capability studies
• Experience maintaining a QMS and leading internal audits, corrective action, and document control
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and customer‑specific requirements; IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, or ISO 14001 experience a plus
• Structured problem solving depth (8D, 5-Why); Certified Lead Auditor (ISO/IATF) strongly preferred, Six Sigma Green Belt or higher a plus
• Battery, high‑voltage, or electrified powertrain product experience preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, QMS/PLM tools, and statistical analysis software (Minitab, Power BI, Tableau)

Soft Skills

• Change leader who can influence culture and gain buy‑in across the organization
• Strong communicator able to engage stakeholders at all levels
• Proactive problem‑solver with a growth mindset and hands‑on approach
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented under pressure
• Passionate about contributing to a zero‑emissions future

Proterra’s battery technology offers industry‑leading energy density, safety systems, and durability. Proudly designed in Silicon Valley and assembled in Greer, South Carolina, Proterra® batteries are the premier choice to electrify commercial vehicles ranging from buses and trucks to construction equipment and more. Proterra is building innovative battery technology to power a better, more sustainable world.

Location: Greer, South Carolina

Travel: 5–15%

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. There is no immigration sponsorship available for this role (ex: H1-B, OPT, CPT, TN or any other employment sponsorship).

Proterra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all Employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Proterra participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program (E-Verify).

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