Sr. APQP Engineer

Hutchinson; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Hutchinson seeks an Sr. APQP Engineer to lead APQP activities for successful product launches, ensuring customer and regulatory quality requirements are met. You will drive cross-functional planning, risk management, supplier readiness, and PPAP approvals.

The role emphasizes launch excellence, defect prevention, and continuous improvement across automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors. Domestic travel may be required.

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 Excel and quality management systems.
• Experience with inspection tools (CMM, calipers, micrometers, gauges).

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

Skills

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

Control Plans

Lean Six Sigma

Statistical analysis

Blueprint interpretation

Microsoft Excel

Quality data reporting

Quality mgmt systems

Education

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

Tools

Infor ERP (MAPICS)

ERP systems

CMM

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

Job description

The Sr. APQP Engineer is responsible for leading and managing APQP activities to ensure successful product launches that meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements. This role oversees cross-functional planning, risk management, supplier and internal readiness, and compliance with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements. The Sr. APQP Engineer plays a critical role in driving launch excellence, defect prevention, and continuous improvement.

Join the mobility revolution with HUTCHINSON

Are you looking for a job in the automotive, aerospace, defense or industrial sectors?
Would you like to imagine, design and manufacture solutions in vibration control, fluid management,
sealing and composite materials to meet major environmental challenges?
Hutchinson invites you to take action and be at the heart of sustainable, safer, low-carbon mobility.

Join us and reveal what drives you!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Sr. APQP Engineer is responsible for leading and managing APQP activities to ensure successful product launches that meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements. This role oversees cross-functional planning, risk management, supplier and internal readiness, and compliance with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements. The Sr. APQP Engineer plays a critical role in driving launch excellence, defect prevention, and continuous improvement.

Join the mobility revolution with HUTCHINSON

Are you looking for a job in the automotive, aerospace, defense or industrial sectors?
Would you like to imagine, design and manufacture solutions in vibration control, fluid management,
sealing and composite materials to meet major environmental challenges?
Hutchinson invites you to take action and be at the heart of sustainable, safer, low-carbon mobility.

Join us and reveal what drives you!

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

.