Senior Quality Engineer – APQP & Launch Excellence

USA Rare Earth, Inc.; Stillwater (OK); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

USA Rare Earth, Inc. is seeking a Quality Engineer to support daily Quality System operations and safeguard product integrity across the APQP lifecycle.

You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and suppliers to design, validate, and launch products that meet customer specifications, quality standards, and regulatory obligations, from concept through production. The role emphasizes leading APQP, PPAP submissions, internal audits, and corrective actions, while training

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of hands-on quality experience in a manufacturing environment.
• CIA, ISO 9001, AS 9100, or IATF 16949 certification.
• Understanding PFMEAs and control plans.
• Ability to lead and train others on the team.
• Capable of leading or supporting the corrective action process.
• Basic computer skills, including ERP systems and Excel.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Preferred: experience supporting manufacturing workflows; exposure to 5S and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead APQP for new and revised products from voice-of-customer requirements through to production launch.
• Facilitate cross-functional APQP teams to drive milestones and resolve risks on schedule.
• Manage PPAP submissions, including flow diagrams, FMEA, process control plans, and gate reviews.
• Support Quality Leadership with new product launches.
• Lead or participate in the corrective action process.
• Support receiving and final inspections.
• Perform internal audits and close findings.
• Provide on-site customer assessments when required.
• Develop standard work and train others on them.
• Uphold safety policies and PPE requirements.
• Participate in 5S and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

APQP processes

Cross-functional teamwork

Auditing (CIA)

Leadership

Problem solving

Data analysis

ERP systems

Education

Quality certifications (CIA/ISO 9001/AS 9100/IATF 16949)

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

FMEA

Job description

USA Rare Earth, Inc. is seeking a Quality Engineer to support daily Quality System operations and safeguard product integrity across the APQP lifecycle.

You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and suppliers to design, validate, and launch products that meet customer specifications, quality standards, and regulatory obligations, from concept through production. The role emphasizes leading APQP, PPAP submissions, internal audits, and corrective actions, while training