Quality / Manufacturing Engineer - Automotive InteriorsJob Overview We are seeking a Quality / Manufacturing Engineer with experience in automotive interior manufacturing, supplier quality, and manufacturing process development. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with stamping, welding, and thermoforming processes, along with a strong understanding of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and quality systems. This role focuses on supplier manufacturing readiness, quality improvement, production support, and issue resolution to maintain consistent manufacturing performance.
Key Responsibilities - Develop and implement supplier business plans to support manufacturing readiness, product quality, production capacity, warranty performance, and on-time delivery.
- Collaborate with internal teams and supplier leadership to resolve manufacturing issues and drive continuous improvement.
- Provide technical support at supplier facilities, including troubleshooting, emergency containment, and corrective action implementation.
- Prevent production disruptions caused by supplier-related quality or manufacturing issues.
- Monitor supplier compliance with quality requirements and applicable operational standards.
- Conduct manufacturing feasibility assessments at supplier facilities to support launch and production readiness.
- Lead and support APQP and PPAP activities in alignment with program timelines.
- Analyze supplier performance data to identify improvement opportunities and support sourcing decisions.
- Participate in supplier development initiatives to improve manufacturing capabilities and operational performance.
- Troubleshoot process defects and tooling or equipment issues related to stamping, welding, and thermoforming operations.
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
- 3-5+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing, advanced quality, process planning, implementation, or launch of automotive interior manufacturing systems.
- 3-5+ years of hands-on experience with stamping, welding, and thermoforming processes in automotive interior manufacturing or a related manufacturing environment.
- Experience with automotive interior components such as cross-car beams, carpets, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) insulators, and heat shields.
- Knowledge of metal stamping processes for structural components, brackets, and mounting or reinforcement panels.
- Experience with resistance, spot, projection, or MIG welding processes for structural assemblies and joints.
- Experience with thermoforming processes for automotive carpets, heat shields, acoustic insulators, or wheel arch liners.
- Familiarity with relevant manufacturing tooling and equipment, including stamping dies and presses, robotic welding systems, welding fixtures, thermoforming equipment, forming molds, and trimming fixtures.
- Proven experience with APQP, PPAP, and quality systems for stamped, welded, and thermoformed components.
- Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and manufacturing troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to travel frequently to supplier locations, up to 70%.
Preferred Qualifications - Automotive industry experience.
- Working knowledge of automotive quality standards and supplier quality systems.
- Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and cross-functional leadership skills.
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