Automotive Quality Engineer

About the role

Join the Lippert team! Lippert is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of highly engineered products and customized solutions for the RV, marine, automotive, commercial vehicle, and building products industries. This position is a hybrid role, requiring at least one week per month onsite in Eau Claire, WI.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all applicable IATF 16949 Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.
• Lead and support internal audits aligned with IATF standards and Customer Specific Requirements.
• Conduct process audits and layered process audits (LPAs).
• Prepare for third‑party certification, surveillance audits, and customer audits.
• Drive risk‑based thinking using tools such as PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams.
• Implement Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) effectively.
• Lead Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions and approvals.
• Utilize and promote core tools: Statistical Process Control (SPC), Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), and FMEA.
• Manage nonconformance and corrective actions using problem‑solving tools (8D methodology, root cause analysis, 5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Maintain proper document control and record retention per IATF requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aligned with IATF clauses.
• Assist cross‑functional teams in new product launch and development.
• Interpret and implement OEM Customer‑Specific Requirements (CSRs) for assigned OEMs (e.g., Ford, General Motors, Stellantis).
• Ensure compliance with OEM portals and systems, including supplier quality portals (e.g., Ford Q1 Portal, GM SupplyPower).
• Lead responses to OEM concerns such as customer complaints, warranty issues, and Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs).
• Manage and track OEM scorecards and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Participate in OEM audits and customer visits.
• Ensure compliance with OEM‑specific documentation, labeling, traceability, and packaging requirements.
• Coordinate containment activities and escalation processes for customer issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field (preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in automotive quality within an IATF 16949‑certified environment.
• Strong working knowledge of the IATF 16949 standard and clauses.
• Proficiency with automotive core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA).
• Experience with OEM customer requirements and portals.
• Certified Internal Auditor IATF 16949 preferred (ISO 13485 or AS9100 acceptable).
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).
• Ability to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Benefits and Culture

• Unique, inclusive, and supportive company culture that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
• Comprehensive benefit offerings including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer match, vacation, and more.
• Fair and competitive compensation.
• Career development, mentoring, and growth opportunities.
• Holiday, personal, and vacation days.