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

Permanent; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturing firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Quality Manager with over 10 years of experience in quality roles within the automotive sector. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in IATF 16949 and ISO 9001, along with certification as a Lead Auditor. Responsibilities include maintaining the QMS, developing quality strategies, and leading problem-solving initiatives to enhance quality performance.

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

• Maintain and audit the QMS in line with IATF 16949.
• Develop plant-wide quality strategies aligned with objectives.
• Lead structured problem-solving using tools like 8D and Fishbone.

Skills

Lead Auditor (IATF or ISO)

Six Sigma Black Belt

Reading engineering drawings

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

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

Black Belt qualification

Job description

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.