The Advanced Quality Engineer supports the implementation, execution, and continuous improvement of the plant's quality systems and customer-focused processes. This role ensures adherence to APQP and PPAP requirements, manages customer concerns and visits, oversees gauging and process control plans, and supports ISO-based Quality Management Systems (QMS) and customer-specific requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Launch & APQP/PPAP Support

- Lead all Quality Engineering activities for product launches and act as the plant's representative within the manufacturing organization.

- Prepare and maintain all APQP and PPAP documentation for new and existing part files.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure customer requirements are understood and met.

- Obtain detailed product knowledge during development phases.

- Work with Project Engineers to ensure FMEAs are accurately completed and maintained.

- Develop Process Control Plans for assigned products.

- Support "Safe Launch" activities, including tooling buyoffs, Run at Rate events, and readiness documentation.

- Gather and archive Master Samples for new product introductions.

Product & Process Quality

- Evaluate product GD&T specifications and approve final attribute and gauging requirements.

- Participate in gage reviews, buy-off meetings, and attend all die runoffs to confirm compliance with quality specifications.

- Monitor daily product quality, perform floor audits, and ensure customer requirements are consistently met.

- Address plant floor quality issues promptly, provide professional judgement on part acceptability, and guide disposition decisions.

- Update Control Plans and FMEAs as new issues arise from customer or internal feedback.

- Implement new inspection and control methods as needed (SPC, containment, CMM checks, etc.).

- Participate in layered process audits and support QMS compliance for assigned product families.

Customer & Supplier Interface

- Serve as the direct point of contact for customer complaints and quality concerns.

- Provide timely acknowledgement and formal documentation responses for all customer issues.

- Communicate the "voice of the customer" to plant teams, clarifying key product attributes and expectations.

- Understand how each part functions within the vehicle and act as the internal subject-matter expert.

Documentation & Continuous Improvement

- Issue Product Quality Check Deviations as directed by management.

- Prepare product quality documentation (visual aids, gage instructions, quality alerts, etc.).

- Prioritize product improvement opportunities based on risk and customer impact.

- Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies.

- Manage changes to the quality system for assigned products after launch.

Gage & Measurement Systems

- Oversee gage calibration, testing programs, process control, and related improvement activities.

- Ensure measurement systems support accurate and repeatable evaluation of product quality.

Other

- Perform additional duties as assigned to support plant goals.

Education & Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Quality, or related field preferred.

- 3-5 years of experience in a quality-related role, ideally within automotive manufacturing.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis and corrective action.

- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications.

- Experience in manufacturing, quality, process/tooling, or shop floor supervision preferred.

- Knowledge of calibration processes and equipment.

- Working knowledge of ISO-based quality systems and audit processes.

- Strong communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams and external customers.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.

- Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize appropriately.

- Ability and willingness to travel as needed.