Supplier Quality Engineer, Cabin

ArcTern Ventures; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision

Early-stage Stock Options

401k, HSA, FSA

Paid Time Off & Parental Leave

Annual Vacation Bonus

Wellness & Fertility Benefits

Cell Phone Stipend

Complimentary Meals & Stocked Kitchens

Job summary

Harbinger is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (Cabin Systems) to define and implement supplier quality processes for cabin interiors, oversee audits, and drive continuous improvement across engineering, suppliers, purchasing, and manufacturing. The role emphasizes QMS implementation, NVH, aesthetics, and compliance with safety standards.

Ideal candidates will have 3–7 years in automotive interior supplier quality, knowledge of APQP/PPAP, and hands-on experience with cabin components like

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 3–7 years in manufacturing or supplier quality engineering in automotive/interiors.
• Experience with cabin interior components and materials.
• ASQ CQE/CQA/CQM or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement supplier quality standards for cabin interior components.
• Inspect materials, sub-assemblies, and finished products to ensure specs.
• Lead supplier audits and APQP/PPAP processes.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and drive CAPA (8D, 5-Why).
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing to improve quality and ergonomics.
• Lead RCA to implement robust corrective actions and PFMEA/DFMEA.
• Support DFM/DFMA reviews and ensure compliance with FMVSS and cabin safety.

Skills

QMS knowledge

APQP/PPAP

Root cause analysis

Statistical process control

Dimensional inspection

Supplier quality management

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Quality management software

CMM/fixture validation

Job description

About Harbinger

Harbinger is an American commercial electric vehicle (EV) company on a mission to transform an industry starving for innovation. Harbinger's best-in-class team of EV, battery, and drivetrain experts have pooled their deep experience to bring a first-of-its-kind EV platform to support the growing demand for medium-duty EVs and Hybrids. Harbinger: Familiar Form, Revolutionary Foundation.

Job Overview

We are looking for a Supplier Quality Engineer (Cabin Systems) with broad responsibilities, working cross-functionally with Engineering, Suppliers, Purchasing, and Manufacturing teams to define and implement supplier quality engineering processes and drive continuous improvement activities throughout the organization. The Quality Engineer will play a key role in implementing and maintaining Harbinger's quality management system (QMS) and will establish and improve the quality of our operational processes and outputs. Responsibilities include defining quality standards for interior and cabin components, inspecting materials, equipment, processes, and products, developing quality control systems, supplier selection, PPAP, leading APQP, and determining corrective actions. A successful Quality Engineer should have excellent troubleshooting skills, an eye for aesthetic detail, and the ability to ensure that cabin systems consistently meet established functional, safety, and fit-and-finish standards.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and implement supplier quality standards, supplier quality portal, and supporting supplier quality processes tailored to cabin interior, trim, and human-interface components.

• Inspect and test materials, sub-assemblies, and finished products (e.g., seating assemblies, instrument panels, dashboards, door trim, HVAC controls, interior lighting, glass/windshields, insulation, and cabin hardware) to ensure functional, dimensional, and aesthetic specifications are met.

• Conduct supplier assessments and evaluations to ensure suppliers meet automotive interior quality, craftmanship, and flammability/safety standards.

• Plan and conduct supplier audits to assess their quality systems, production control processes, color/grain matching controls, tool longevity, and manufacturing capabilities.

• Participate in the supplier selection process by providing quality-related, craftmanship, and interior compliance input.

• Lead weekly calls with suppliers to ensure cabin components and assemblies are on track to meet quality, aesthetic, and timing requirements for various build stages of the production line.

• Monitor and report on supplier performance metrics, such as defect rates, cosmetic fallout, delivery times, and compliance with specifications.

• Identify areas for improvement and work with suppliers to implement robust root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, 5-Why).

• Investigate and resolve quality issues related to material defects, surface finish, squeak and rattle (NVH), color/gloss variation, and dimensional fit issues.

• Collaborate with suppliers to determine root causes of defects and implement robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier quality, cabin craftsmanship, and interior ergonomics.

• Work with suppliers to implement lean manufacturing practices, poke-yoke assembly fixtures, and statistical process controls for high-touch interior parts.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of supplier quality performance, appearance sign-offs (AAR), audits, and corrective actions.

• Ensure that suppliers comply with all relevant industry standards, cabin safety regulations (e.g., FMVSS 302 flammability, occupant impact standards), and company policies.

• Stay updated on changes in industry standards and regulations affecting automotive interiors, materials compliance, and supplier quality.

• Lead supplier audits, APQP, PPAP (including Appearance Approval Reports - AAR), Gauge R&R, CMM/fixture validation, and safe launch activities.

• Participate in Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA) and craftsmanship/gap-and-flush reviews with design engineering and manufacturing teams.

• Lead MRB (Material Review Board) meetings and act as a quality representative for the engineering change control board regarding cabin assemblies, interior trim, and driver interface components.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or a similar technical field required.

• 3 - 7 years of experience in manufacturing quality or supplier quality engineering in the automotive, commercial vehicle, aerospace interior, or mass transit industries.

• Hands-on experience or familiarity with vehicle cabin systems, including interior plastics, thermoforming, foam-in-place, seating mechanisms, upholstery/stitching, glass/glazing, HVAC ducting, or cabin electronics/displays.

• ASQ Certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, or higher preferred.

• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001:2018 or IATF 16949 standards strongly desired.

• Understanding of core quality tools such as Quality Management Systems, Supplier/Internal Audits, APQP, SPC, PPAP (AAR), FMEA (DFMEA/PFMEA), and MSA.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.

• High attention to visual and tactile details (fit and finish, color matching, texture, gap and flush, and NVH/squeak-and-rattle mitigation).

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex supplier projects simultaneously.

• Strong understanding of interior manufacturing processes, including plastic injection molding, blow molding, vacuum forming, leather/fabric wrapping, stamping, and electromechanical sub-assembly integration.

• Ability to travel (domestic and international) up to 30% to 50%.

• Proven experience in a quality engineering role within an automotive or commercial vehicle interior environment.

• Strong knowledge of quality assurance methodologies, dimensional checking fixtures, surface measurement tools, and root cause analysis techniques.

• Experience with supplier quality management, including auditing suppliers of interior trim, seating, and human-machine interface (HMI) modules.

• Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS) and relevant software applications.

Key Benefits & Perks:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision (HDV) – 100% employee covered
• Early-stage Stock Options
• Robust Retirement Savings (401k, HSA, FSA)
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) & Parental Leave
• Annual Vacation Bonus
• Wellness & Fertility Benefits
• Cell Phone Stipend
• Complimentary Meals & Stocked Kitchens

California Pay Range

$120,000 - $180,000 USD

Equal Opportunity

Harbinger is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Harbinger is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at [e-mail].