<p>JOB DESCRIPTION</p> <p>Lead Quality Engineer - Adient Lakewood Plant</p> <p>Key Responsibilities</p> <p>Quality Leadership & Performance Management</p> <ul> <li> <p>Weld Cut & Etch Knowledge and Experience (Leading a team of technicians is even better)</p> </li><li> <p>Able to Support Leading Floor Quality Technicians at times</p> </li><li> <p>Lead and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, process capability, and operational efficiency.</p> </li><li> <p>Serve as the senior technical authority for resolving complex customer and supplier concerns using structured methodologies (8D, Kepner-Tregoe, etc.).</p> </li><li> <p>Ensure full compliance with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements across all quality deliverables.</p> </li><li> <p>Lead cross-functional quality reviews and drive rapid containment, corrective action, and preventive action activities.</p> </li></ul> <p>APQP, Launch Support & Program Leadership</p> <ul> <li> <p>Lead the preparation, review, and submission of complete PPAP packages, ensuring accuracy and on-time approval.</p> </li><li> <p>Drive supplier APQP readiness, ensuring suppliers meet all quality, documentation, and launch requirements.</p> </li><li> <p>Serve as a key quality leader for new program launches, ensuring process validation, readiness, and deliverable completion.</p> </li><li> <p>Coordinate and lead customer-facing reviews on APQP timing, engineering changes, and open issues.</p> </li></ul> <p>Gage, Process Control & Statistical Expertise</p> <ul> <li> <p>Oversee, validate, and approve gage studies (Gage R&R, Bias, Linearity, Stability) prior to production use or after engineering changes.</p> </li><li> <p>Lead the development, maintenance, and auditing of Control Plans, Inspection Plans, and Containment Plans.</p> </li><li> <p>Support PFMEA development and ensure alignment between PFMEA, Control Plan, and shop-floor documentation.</p> </li><li> <p>Utilize advanced statistical tools and coach the team on SPC methodologies, data-driven decision making, and proper statistical application.</p> </li></ul> <p>Customer & Supplier Interface</p> <ul> <li> <p>Act as the primary point of contact for assigned customers, managing all quality-related communication and escalations.</p> </li><li> <p>Build and maintain strong customer relationships through proactive updates, rapid responsiveness, and professional communication.</p> </li><li> <p>Coordinate sorting, rework, or on-site containment activities when required.</p> </li><li> <p>Travel to customer sites (10-25%) to support issue resolution and represent the plant quality organization.</p> </li></ul> <p>Team Leadership & Development</p> <ul> <li> <p>Provide day-to-day leadership to Quality Technicians, Cut & Etch Operators, and junior Quality Engineers.</p> </li><li> <p>Assign tasks, review work quality, and implement corrective action when needed.</p> </li><li> <p>Mentor and train team members on problem-solving, quality systems, customer portals, and plant processes.</p> </li><li> <p>Support the Quality Manager with strategic planning and departmental improvement initiatives.</p> </li></ul> <p>Systems, Documentation & Technical Support</p> <ul> <li> <p>Lead the creation, maintenance, and auditing of quality documentation including ODS, Control Plans, and compliance requirements.</p> </li><li> <p>Use customer systems such as Stellantis PRISM, GM PRR, Ford WERS, Honda NARS, and others as required.</p> </li><li> <p>Approve post-SOP supplier PPAPs and verify supplier compliance.</p> </li><li> <p>Support process validation and capability studies for critical and significant characteristics.</p> </li></ul> <p>Additional Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li> <p>Collaborate with HSE and Manufacturing Engineering to ensure safe, efficient work practices.</p> </li><li> <p>Complete all required training mandated by Adient and OEM customers.</p> </li><li> <p>Perform additional duties as assigned by the Quality Manager.</p> </li><li> <p>Exercise independent judgment in situations not fully defined by established procedures.</p> </li></ul> <p>Qualifications & Experience</p> <p>Education</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Engineering required (or equivalent technical experience). </li></ul> <p>Required Experience</p> <ul> <li>5+ years of experience with an engineering degree OR </li></ul> <p>9+ years of experience without a degree but with relevant certifications/training.</p> <ul> <li> <p>Minimum 5 years of Quality Engineer experience in high-volume manufacturing.</p> </li><li> <p>Automotive manufacturing experience required, with Tier 1/2/3 experience strongly preferred.</p> </li><li> <p>Demonstrated success leading root-cause analysis, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.</p> </li><li> <p>Strong record of reliability, teamwork, and professional communication.</p> </li><li> <p>Weld Cut & Etch Knowledge and Experience (Leading a team of technicians is even better)</p> </li><li> <p>Able to Support Leading Floor Quality Technicians at times</p> </li></ul> <p>Technical Skills</p> <ul> <li> <p>Formal training in core quality disciplines, including:</p> </li><li> <p>ISO 9001 / IATF 16949</p> </li><li> <p>PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans</p> </li><li> <p>SPC, MSA, DOE</p> </li><li> <p>Continuous Improvement & Total Quality Management</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.</p> </li><li> <p>Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and quality software tools.</p> </li><li> <p>Experience with GMAW and Laser Welding strongly preferred.</p> </li><li> <p>Assembly experience preferred, especially in automotive or high-volume operations.</p> </li></ul> <p>Certifications (Preferred)</p> <ul> <li> <p>APQP certification - strongly preferred</p> </li><li> <p>CQE (Certified Quality Engineer) - strongly preferred</p> </li><li> <p>IATF 16949 certification - preferred</p> </li></ul> <p>Competencies</p> <ul> <li> <p>Strong leadership, coaching, and team development abilities.</p> </li><li> <p>Excellent analytical and root-cause problem-solving skills.</p> </li><li> <p>High customer focus and professional communication skills.</p> </li><li> <p>Strong time management with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.</p> </li><li> <p>Success working cross-functionally in collaborative, fast-paced environments.</p> </li></ul> <p>PRIMARY LOCATION</p> <p>Lakewood</p>