Quality ManagerLeads quality assurance and quality control for automotive aluminum components - building and improving the quality management system, driving continuous improvement, and leading internal and external audits.
Full Time • Quality • Quality Management • Minth North America, Inc., Lewisburg, TN • FLSA Status: Exempt (to be confirmed by HR)
Requisition ID: Salary Range:KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Quality Management System (QMS) - Maintain and continuously optimize the IATF 16949 and VDA 6.3 quality system across the Lewisburg plant.
- Customer Audits and PPAP - Lead customer audits, including PPAP and MMOG/LE processes for original equipment manufacturers.
- Quality Planning - Develop specialized Control Plans, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and inspection standards (SIP) for aluminum components.
- Process Quality Control - Monitor critical parameters of aluminum die-casting, extrusion and welding processes; implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) and anomaly analysis, such as porosity and dimensional deviations.
- Problem Solving - Promote 8D and 5 Whys methodologies to address recurring quality issues and reduce Parts Per Million (PPM) defects.
- Supplier Quality - Evaluate the quality capabilities of aluminum material and mold suppliers through Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) audits; manage supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) in a closed-loop system.
- Customer Quality - Handle customer quality complaints, including claims processing, and provide regular monthly quality reports (QBR).
- Team Leadership - Lead quality engineers and Quality Control (QC) teams; enhance inspection efficiency by introducing automated inspection technologies.
- Cost of Quality - Manage Cost of Quality (COQ) and minimize scrap rates.
REQUIREMENTS- Minimum of eight years of quality management experience for automotive aluminum components, with familiarity with the defect patterns associated with die-casting and extrusion processes.
- Proficiency in the APQP/PPAP process and aluminum part inspection techniques, such as X-ray and spectral analysis.
- Expertise in Minitab and the seven major QC tools, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Fluency in English, as the role requires interaction with global clients.
- Must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (A PLUS)- Experience in OEM or Tier 1 aluminum parts projects.
- Proficiency in Chinese, an advantage for collaboration with group and China-based teams.
MINIMUM EDUCATION / FIELD OF STUDYBachelor's degree or higher in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Quality Management or a related field.
KEY TO BEING SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE- A data-driven approach to quality, using SPC, PPM and Cost of Quality to prioritize improvements.
- Disciplined problem solving, applying 8D and 5 Whys to eliminate root causes of recurring issues.
- Strong customer focus and the ability to lead audits and manage complaints with global OEM clients.
- Leadership of quality engineers and QC teams, with a drive to introduce automated inspection.
- Good teamwork and communication skills in a multicultural team.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT- Work performed in both the office and on the manufacturing floor, including standing and walking; hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear and other required PPE are worn on the floor.
- Exposure to noise and moving equipment in die-casting, extrusion and welding areas.
- Occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
- Regular computer use for quality data analysis, reporting and documentation.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
