Quality Engineer 1

Location: Battle Creek, MI, United States

Key Responsibilities

• Lead process change management activities for product, process, equipment, material, and supplier changes
• Ensure all changes comply with IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, and internal quality standards
• Facilitate and approve change control documentation, including:
  • Process Change Requests (PCRs)
  • DFMEA, PFMEA, and Control Plan updates
  • Work instructions and standard operating procedures
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure mitigation plans are implemented prior to change approval
• Support APQP/PPAP activities related to changes, including run-at-rate, validation builds, and capability studies
• Coordinate cross-functional reviews with Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, Supplier Quality, and Operations
• Interface with customers on process change notifications, approvals, and audits
• Lead or support internal and external audits related to process changes
• Analyze quality data and trends to verify change effectiveness and prevent recurrence of issues
• Drive continuous improvement using problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, DMAIC, etc.)
• Support launch readiness and production stability following approved changes

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field
• 3+ years of Quality Engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • IATF 16949 and core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA)
  • Change management and risk-based decision making
  • Automotive customer-specific requirements
• Experience managing process changes in high-volume manufacturing
• Proficient in quality documentation, data analysis, and reporting tools
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers
• Familiarity with launch management and production transfers
• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
• Experience with supplier change management and audits
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles

Key Competencies

• Structured problem solving
• Attention to detail and strong documentation discipline
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Strong risk assessment and decision-making skills
• Proactive mindset with a focus on quality and prevention

 

Benefits Summary: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans
• 401K with 4% Company Match 
• Vacation/PTO and 13 Paid Holidays
• Bonus Program
• FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs 
• Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance 
• Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs 
• Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc. 
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Development and Ongoing Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location) 
• Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)
• Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location) 

Candidates residing 50+ miles from the work location are eligible for relocation assistance.

Annual Salary: $70,000 - $87,000 

Job Summary The Automotive Process Change Management Quality Engineer is responsible for leading and supporting manufacturing and supplier process changes to ensure continued compliance with quality, safety, and customer requirements. This role partners closely with engineering, manufacturing, supplier quality, and program management to assess risk, manage APQP activities, and implement robust change control practices across automotive production environments.