SQD Lead Exterior Vision system

Stellantis; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Stellantis is seeking a Body Exterior Supplier Quality Lead to manage supplier quality systems and drive continuous improvement at various locations. The role involves close collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams to oversee quality assurance processes throughout the product lifecycle.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering, along with 8 years of automotive quality experience and proven leadership capabilities. Familiarity with quality standards and statistical analysis is essential.

Qualifications

• 8 years in automotive product development and quality.
• Proven experience in mentoring and training technical teams.
• Certified Six Sigma Green or Black Belt with 4+ years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier quality systems and process audits.
• Drive continuous improvement activities with suppliers.
• Lead APQP and PPAP activities for purchased components.

Skills

Automotive systems understanding

Statistical analysis

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Statistical analysis tools

Quality management systems

Job description

The Body Exterior Supplier Quality Lead is responsible for managing lessons learned and best practices outlined in the exterior AQRs and MPFEMA. This role also involves overseeing a deck and monitoring various supplier locations and parts to ensure the production and transportation of high-quality products to Stellantis Assembly Plants. The Lead will provide on-site support at supplier facilities to ensure launch readiness, supporting all phases leading up to and including the program launch. Post-launch, the Lead will assist with and oversee continuous improvement activities, offering on-site support at Stellantis assembly plants when needed.

In collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing teams, the Lead will ensure the proper selection of designs, suppliers, and manufacturing processes. Parts to manage may include vision, fuel doors, and lighting systems.

As a Supplier Quality Lead, they will work closely with a team of global and regional CQC’s, overseeing multiple manufacturing processes. In addition to collaborating with global and regional CQC’s, the Lead will be engaged throughout the entire component lifecycle—from early development and sourcing to launch and production. They will guide team objectives and directives, while also helping to develop a successful sourcing strategy.

Job responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Perform supplier quality systems and process audits and lead supplier improvement/development programs
• Establish close relationships with assigned suppliers and actively drive continuous improvement activities
• Initiate and follow-up on corrective actions and verify effectiveness on-site
• Participation in launch teams, lead and coordinate APQP/PPAP deliverables for purchased components within the supplier quality group
• Lead and support supplier APQP and PPAP activities to ensure all deliverables are being fulfilled
• Work with Engineering and Supplier organizations to alleviate discrepancies in product specifications and evaluate cost reduction opportunities
• Present program status to management and executive leadership both within and outside of supplier quality
• Assist in educating suppliers on STELLANTIS systems and requirements
• Develop and manage group personnel
• Lead as CQC, performing this role activities and leading projects resulting from the CQC initiatives for the region/globally as applicable

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 8 years in automotive product development and quality
• Strong understanding of automotive systems and standards
• Proven experience in mentoring and training technical teams
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficient in statistical analysis, regression, hypothesis testing, and DOE
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage projects to successful, on-time delivery
• Strategic thinker with the ability to align initiatives with broader business goals

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• Knowledge of warranty analytics, field failure analysis, and customer satisfaction metrics
• Certified Six Sigma Green or Black Belt (ASQ, IASSC, or equivalent) with 4+ years of experience
• Experience with automotive standards (e.g., ISO 26262, IATF 16949)
• Familiarity with Quality and Systems Engineering