Quality Engineer (Heavy Steel Products Manufacturing Plant - IATF 16949, ISO 9001, VDA ) - Alberton

Mecs Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 215 000 - 1 563 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive company in Johannesburg seeks a Quality Engineer to lead and improve the quality management system (QMS) ensuring compliance with industry standards. Responsibilities include driving audits, managing supplier quality, and training teams. Candidates should have a mechanical engineering degree and at least 10 years of automotive experience. Strong analytical and leadership skills are essential in this role.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in automotive manufacturing quality roles.
• Deep understanding of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001.
• Proven track record in auditing and root cause analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve the quality management system (QMS).
• Conduct audits and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee supplier quality compliance and manage customer complaints.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Knowledge of QMS

Education

BSc / BEng / BTech in Mechanical, Industrial, or Quality Engineering

Black Belt qualification

Certified Lead Auditor (IATF or ISO)

Job description

Overview

To lead and drive the development, implementation, and continual improvement of the quality management system (QMS) across the automotive manufacturing environment. This role ensures full compliance with international and local automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, VDA, etc.), customer-specific requirements, and regulatory obligations. The Quality Engineer acts as a subject matter expert, mentoring the quality team and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to uphold product quality, reduce defects, and strengthen customer satisfaction.

This position is responsible for quality of the product. Therefore, the position has the authority and responsibility to stop a process or shipment when the quality and safety of the product is compromised. As such, incidents in this regard must be immediately reported to your supervisor or Manager (Escalation).

Qualifications

• Education Level: BSc / BEng / BTech in Mechanical, Industrial, or Quality Engineering
• Education Program: Black Belt qualification
• Professional Registrations and Certifications: Certified Lead Auditor (IATF or ISO)

Experience

• Years of Experience: At least 10 years of experience in automotive manufacturing quality roles
• Deep understanding of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, VDA 6.3, and customer-specific requirements
• Proven track record in auditing, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and root cause analysis

Knowledge

• Certified Lead Auditor (IATF or ISO)
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Manufacturing certification
• Proficient in reading engineering drawings
• Excellent analytical, reporting and communication skills
• Experience with German, Japanese, or American OEM requirements (e.g., BMW, Toyota, Ford)

Quality Management System (QMS) Leadership

• Maintain, update, and audit the QMS in line with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and other industry-specific standards.
• Conduct gap analyses and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate internal audits and coordinate external audits (e.g., OEM, ISO).

Strategic Quality Planning

• Develop and implement plant-wide quality strategies aligned with business and customer objectives.
• Monitor key quality KPIs (PPM, scrap rate, cost of quality) and lead problem-solving teams to improve them.

Supplier Quality Management

• Oversee supplier quality audits and ensure compliance with incoming quality standards.
• Collaborate with purchasing and engineering to evaluate and qualify new suppliers.

Product & Process Validation

• Approve PPAPs, FMEAs, control plans, and process flow diagrams for new products or engineering changes.
• Support APQP and launch readiness for new model introductions and tooling changes.

Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving

• Lead structured problem-solving using 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, or similar tools.
• Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) implementation across departments.

Customer Quality Liaison

• Act as the primary quality contact for OEM and Tier 1 customers.
• Manage warranty analysis, field returns, and customer complaints using robust documentation and communication.

Training & Mentoring

• Coach and develop junior engineers, technicians, and quality inspectors.
• Deliver training on quality tools, standards, and systems across production teams.