Strategic Supplier Quality Architect (APQP/Launch)

Daimler Truck North America; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 98,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus program

401k company contribution with company

4 weeks paid vacation

13+ calendar holidays

8 weeks paid parental leave

Employee assistance program

Healthcare plans and wellness programs

Onsite fitness (at some locations)

Tuition assistance

Volunteer paid time off

Short-term and long-term disability

Job summary

Daimler Truck North America is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to drive performance across suppliers and internal teams. You will manage quality, delivery, and capacity requirements throughout the product lifecycle and lead corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.

You will collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Logistics to assess risk and ensure smooth launches. The role requires deep knowledge of automotive quality systems and APQP/PPAP processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical discipline with 5+ years of experience; or 8 years equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of automotive quality systems and AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, Control Plans).
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Ability to travel domestically and internally to supplier locations as required, occasionally over weekends.

Responsibilities

• Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement in quality, delivery, capacity, and operational performance.
• Develop and implement supplier improvement plans to address quality concerns and performance gaps.
• Monitor and communicate supplier performance using key metrics such as DPPM, corrective action responsiveness, launch quality, on-time delivery, and capacity readiness.
• Lead supplier performance improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and other CI methodologies.
• Facilitate APQP activities for new product launches, engineering changes, and capacity expansions; ensure deliverables are completed on schedule.
• Review PPAP submissions and audit PPAP documentation; verify alignment of processes and documentation.
• Conduct supplier audits and maintain the audit program per IATF 16949, ISO 9001, VDA 6.3, and customer requirements.
• Lead root-cause analysis and 8D problem-solving; ensure corrective actions are implemented and verified.
• Identify supplier risk and manage change, including process changes, tooling transfers, and capacity expansions.
• Lead capacity assessments and Run-at-Rate evaluations; ensure manufacturing readiness across suppliers.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Decision making

Verbal communication

Written communication

Presentation skills

Multitasking

Travel ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical discipline

8 years of equivalent experience in Supplier Quality/Quality Engineering/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Daimler Truck North America is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to drive performance across suppliers and internal teams. You will manage quality, delivery, and capacity requirements throughout the product lifecycle and lead corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.

You will collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Logistics to assess risk and ensure smooth launches. The role requires deep knowledge of automotive quality systems and APQP/PPAP processes.