Sr. APQP Engineer

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the APQP process from concept through production launch and post-launch activities.
• Ensure all APQP deliverables are completed on time, including PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, and Measurement System Analysis (MSA).
• Coordinate and facilitate cross-functional APQP team meetings involving Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Suppliers.
• Drive issue resolution, risk mitigation, and escalation during new product introductions and engineering changes.
• Oversee and approve PPAP submissions to customers and ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements.
• Serve as the primary interface with customers on APQP, PPAP, and launch readiness topics.
• Ensure customer milestones and timelines are met without compromising quality or compliance.
• Ensure robust risk identification and prevention using FMEA methodologies.
• Verify effective control plans and process capability prior to launch.
• Ensure lessons learned are captured and incorporated into future programs.
• Work closely with Supplier Quality to align supplier APQP activities with internal timelines and requirements.
• Support supplier APQP reviews, development activities, and launch readiness assessments.
• Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure equipment, tooling, and processes are validated prior to production.
• Establish and monitor APQP performance metrics, including launch quality, timing, and defect prevention.
• Report APQP and launch status to leadership and initiate corrective actions when targets are not met.
• Drive continuous improvement of APQP processes, tools, and standard practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 standards
• APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans
• Leverage Lean / Six Sigma methodologies
• Statistical analysis and quality data reporting
• Blueprint and engineering drawing interpretation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management systems
• Experience with inspection tools (CMM, calipers, micrometers, gauges)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial) or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7–10 years of experience in manufacturing quality or engineering.
• Extensive hands-on experience with APQP and PPAP in automotive or regulated manufacturing environments.

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems and knowledge of Infor ERP (MAPICS) preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
• Leverage Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 Lead Auditor

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• On-Time APQP Milestone Completion (%)
• On-Time PPAP Submission Rate (%)
• Launch Readiness Approval (Gate Pass Rate)
• On-Time Launch Issue Closure (%)
• Repeat Launch Issues Rate
• Corrective Action Effectiveness
• Engineering Change Implementation Timeliness

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Combination of office, manufacturing floor, and supplier locations
• Use of PPE required in production areas
• Domestic and occasional international travel may be required