Position Overview:This role combines advanced product quality and quality management system ownership. You will lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) from concept through launch - control plans, MSA, capability studies, and PPAP submission and customer approval - and facilitate the FMEA process, with Design Engineering owning the DFMEA and Manufacturing Engineering owning the PFMEA. In parallel, you will develop, maintain, and improve the Quality Management System (QMS) - documentation control, process standardization, internal audits and audit readiness, and system performance metrics - to ensure full compliance with ISO 9001 and customer-specific requirements.
About the Role - You will:- Lead APQP deliverables across all PDP phases from program kickoff through PPAP approval and safe launch, including control plans, MSA/Gage R&R, and process capability studies
- Serve as the FMEA subject-matter expert - support Design and Manufacturing Engineering in DFMEA and PFMEA development, advise on methodology and risk ranking, and promote consistent FMEA practice across locations
- Compile and submit PPAP packages for customer approval, including the A-10 Control Plan Checklist and APP-E Product Quality Planning form;
- Develop and release Prototype, Pre-Launch, Production, and Safe Launch Control Plans aligned to each development phase gate
- Lead development, implementation, and closure of the Pre-Production and Production Safe Launch Plans
- Participate in design reviews, special-characteristics reviews, and engineering-change assessments; identify risks and drive mitigation actions across PMO phases
- Lead the customer-specific requirements self-assessment and assure compliance
- Developing and maintaining Quality Planning documentation such as Quality Technician work instructions, Quality Acceptance Criteria, and quality inspection lists for product characteristics
- Drive Development Issue closure and support overall launch readiness
Quality Management System and Audits- Develop, maintain, and improve the QMS to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and customer-specific requirements
- Lead internal audits and support external and customer audits, including schedule visibility and collection of outputs in the system of record
- Drive containment, correction, and risk assessment of audit findings, and report QMS performance and audit trends to top management
- Own document control - hierarchy, revision impact, and storage standards - and expand the QMS to supporting functions
- Facilitate process mapping with cross-functional teams to standardize processes and remove non-value-add steps
Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement- Lead structured problem solving (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) on launch and early-production issues
- Support root cause and verified corrective action for internal and external
- Analyze scrap, rework, warranty, first-pass-yield, and audit data to target improvement projects
- Apply SPC and error-proofing (poka-yoke) to control key characteristics and eliminate defect opportunities
Cross-Functional Leadership and Coaching- Serve as the quality voice on program teams alongside design, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations
- Coach engineers and technicians on the core tools and coordinate training resources for QMS-related programs
- Develop and deploy metrics that make QMS effectiveness, launch quality, and program risk visible
- Champion a culture of quality, safety, and excellence in all aspects of work
- Perform other duties as assigned by the manager
Your Experience Includes:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or related); Master's preferred
- 5+ years of advanced product quality, new product introduction, or quality management system experience in the automotive or heavy-vehicle industry (Tier 1 or OEM preferred)
- Demonstrated ownership of APQP and PPAP submissions through customer approval
- Hands-on expertise facilitating DFMEA/PFMEA and building Control Plans, MSA/Gage R&R, SPC, and process capability studies
- Experience maintaining a QMS and leading internal audits, corrective action, and document control
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and customer-specific requirements; IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, or ISO 14001 experience a plus
- Structured problem solving depth (8D, 5-Why); Certified Lead Auditor (ISO/IATF) strongly preferred, Six Sigma Green Belt or higher a plus
- Battery, high-voltage, or electrified powertrain product experience preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, QMS/PLM tools, and statistical analysis software (Minitab, Power BI, Tableau)
Soft Skills- Change leader who can influence culture and gain buy-in across the organization
- Strong communicator able to engage stakeholders at all levels
- Proactive problem-solver with a growth mindset and hands-on approach
- Highly organized and detail-oriented under pressure
- Passionate about contributing to a zero-emissions future
Location: Greer, South CarolinaTravel: 5-15%Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. There is no immigration sponsorship available for this role (ex: H1-B, OPT, CPT, TN or any other employment sponsorship).
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