Sr. APQP Engineer

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and manage the APQP process from concept through production launch and post-launch activities.




• Ensure all APQP deliverables are completed on time, including PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, and Measurement System Analysis (MSA).




• Coordinate and facilitate cross-functional APQP team meetings involving Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Suppliers.




• Drive issue resolution, risk mitigation, and escalation during new product introductions and engineering changes.




• Oversee and approve PPAP submissions to customers and ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements.




• Serve as the primary interface with customers on APQP, PPAP, and launch readiness topics.




• Ensure customer milestones and timelines are met without compromising quality or compliance.




• Ensure robust risk identification and prevention using FMEA methodologies.




• Verify effective control plans and process capability prior to launch.




• Ensure lessons learned are captured and incorporated into future programs.




• Work closely with Supplier Quality to align supplier APQP activities with internal timelines and requirements.




• Support supplier APQP reviews, development activities, and launch readiness assessments.




• Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure equipment, tooling, and processes are validated prior to production.




• Establish and monitor APQP performance metrics, including launch quality, timing, and defect prevention.




• Report APQP and launch status to leadership and initiate corrective actions when targets are not met.




• Drive continuous improvement of APQP processes, tools, and standard practices.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 standards




• APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans




• Lean / Six Sigma methodologies




• Statistical analysis and quality data reporting




• Blueprint and engineering drawing interpretation




• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management systems




• Experience with inspection tools (CMM, calipers, micrometers, gauges)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial) or a related field, or equivalent experience.



• 7-10 years of experience in manufacturing quality or engineering.



• Extensive hands-on experience with APQP and PPAP in automotive or regulated manufacturing environments.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Experience with ERP systems and knowledge of Infor ERP (MAPICS)preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)


• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt


• IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 Lead Auditor

KEY PPERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs):

• On-Time APQP Milestone Completion (%)




• On-Time PPAP Submission Rate (%)




• Launch Readiness Approval (Gate Pass Rate)




• EnOn-Time Launch Issue Closure (%)




• Repeat Launch Issues Rate




• Corrective Action Effectiveness Engineering Change Implementation Timeliness

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Combination of office, manufacturing floor, and supplier locations

Use of PPE required in production areas

Domestic and occasional international travel may be required