Lead Quality Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are a global leader in automotive seating because of our people — a team of adventurous thinkers and passionate high performers who make it all possible. We pride ourselves on being at the vanguard of new industry trends and technologies. When you join Adient, you’ll play an important role in helping us improve the experience of a world in motion.
At Adient, we care about your character just as much as your qualifications. Because for us, it’s more than the job. It’s about committing to your responsibilities. Creating a global community and empowering your teammates. That’s why we work hard to ensure our employees — no matter their race, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, caste, disability, union membership, ethnicity, religious beliefs or the stage of their careers — can see the difference their work makes for our customers and their consumers around the globe.

Summary

The Quality Engineer coordinates, administers, and performs the quality function of an engineering and technical nature to ensure product quality and reliability at minimum quality costs.  Assumes a responsible leadership role in the successful launch of new programs.  Serves as the main quality point of contact for intracompany and external customers.  Leads technical support and resolution of quality- related issues. This position leads the Cut &Etch team.

Responsibilities

• Ensures that continuous improvement is made in all Production Quality Deliverables (e.g.:  RTY, Craftsmanship, RPPM, CPPM, SPPM, and Warranty/JD Power).
• Prepares PPAP packages for product submissions and approval by appropriate Customer personnel. Obtains approval of submission packages from the Product Service Manager or Quality Manager before submission to the Customer.
• Ensures that Customer and supplier quality issues are resolved using the Adient problem-solving methods (Kepner-Tregoe, 8-D, etc.).
• Performs gage studies (Gage R&R, Bias, Linearity, and Stability) before a gage is approved for production use, or after a product change (when applicable).
• Develops and updates control, inspection, and containment plan as required.
• Supports the Manufacturing Engineer in updating the PFMEA as required.
• Utilizes all Customer-specific systems (e.g.: Stellantis PRISM, GM PRR, Ford WERS, Honda NARS).
• Conducts capability studies, ensure that they are properly performed, documented for special characteristics, and meet internal requirements (or a written Customer deviation is obtained).
• Supports the continuous improvement of the Operation Description Sheets (ODS).
• Identifies and utilizes the appropriate statistical tools. Mentors team members on proper statistical application and techniques.
• Assesses and approves post S.O.P. Supplier PPAPs.
• Interfaces with assigned external customers as the single point contact for issue resolution.
• Responsible to co-ordinate the preparation and on-time delivery of supplier AQP deliverables.
• Responsible for the completion of any customer-specific advanced quality planning requirements.
• Promotes good customer relations by consistently providing premier customer satisfaction with a professional and friendly appearance and demeanor, can-do attitude, and willingness to always.
• Resolves customer issues with a high sense of urgency, through providing fast responses to the customer, customer interaction, facilitating participation, and coordination of sorting/rework at the customer site.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Quality Manager.
• Occasional Travel to support customer sites (10-25%).
• Supervises Quality Technicians and/or Cut and Etch operators.
• Takes appropriate action to correct the employee’s performance and/or behavior. After instruction and sufficient time for improvement, take appropriate action to correct the employee's performance and/or behavior.
• Completes all required and applicable training by Adient and its customers.

• Occasional Travel to supplier sites (10%)

Additional Information

• Safety: Study, institute and maintain efficient and safe work practices, procedures, facilities; by coordinating with the Human Relations Department and Manufacturing Engineering Department and keeping them abreast of all safety and efficiency requirements to maintain an accident-free, high-efficiency plant operation.

• An individual may be required to perform other duties from time to time.  The company reserves the right to amend, change, or delete the contents of this description

Qualifications/Experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering require (individual may still be pursuing); (or equivalent experience) Specific education and training in Quality disciplines is required, including (minimum):  ISO/TS16949, Continuous Improvement, Total Quality Management, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, DOE, and SPC

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, drawings/blueprints (including an understanding of GD&T), and procedure manuals. Candidate has the ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

• Math Skills: Through knowledge of SPC techniques and applications, including DOE & MSA.

• Candidate has the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

• Must be computer literate and familiar with appropriate software programs.  Candidate has the ability to create visual aids for communication purposes.

• Strong time management skills and customer focus

• Advanced analytical problem-solving skills to determine the root cause of issues.

• Prefer three (3) years of supervisory experience in manufacturing processes.

Experience

• Manufacturing Experience is required, with experience in automotive seating mechanisms strongly preferred.

• Experience in Welding (GMAW and Laser) and Assembly processes.

• Minimum 5 years in Quality Engineer role, preferably in high volume manufacturing environment; 3 years automotive Tier 1/2/3 supplier experience preferred.

• Must have a consistent employment record including good attendance and be capable of adapting to a participative teamwork environment.

PRIMARY LOCATION

Lakewood