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Summit Polymers

Quality Engineer (Manufacturing)

Summit Polymers, Vicksburg, Michigan, United States, 49097

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Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels.

With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations.

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Engineer, Quality (Manufacturing)

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager, Quality (Manufacturing)

Summary This is a technical position responsible for supporting product quality assurance functions. Key job functions include new product quality system & tool development, achievement of customer PPAP approval, providing world‑class support of product quality at external customers, providing support to internal production operations, administration of internal quality systems, and performing root‑cause problem‑solving activities in support of quality defect elimination.

Responsibilities New Product Development

Perform quality function assignments during product Design Input and Design Output process to ensure all aspects of product quality and quality tools are considered and optimized.

Develop, use, and maintain Summit Polymers and APQP quality documents including PFMEA, Process Flow/Control Plan, Quality Inspection Standards, First/Last Piece Instructions, Receiving Inspection Instructions, Dock Audit Instructions, Safe Launch Instructions, etc.

Ensure quality plans comply with all related statutory and regulatory requirements.

Review, interpret, and communicate technical drawings and other technical information needed to assure compliance of products or processes (GD&T, DV/PV testing requirements, SC, CCs, KPI, etc.).

Utilize Measurement Systems Analysis techniques to qualify gauges, fixtures, and other metrology equipment as needed.

Apply statistical analysis to determine process normality and capability through the use of statistical analysis (P values, PPK, CPK, etc.).

Support Corporate Supplier Quality Engineering with supplier product development, critical review/critique of drawings/tolerances, review/approve quality control plans, and supplier PPAP approvals.

Manage Appearance Approval Report (AAR) process including color coordination with suppliers, developing internal color tolerance values, attending customer color harmony events, and engaging customer color harmony throughout production.

Ensure compliance with all unique customer‑specific quality requirements throughout the product development cycle.

Assemble all PPAP information at pre‑launch and for subsequent post‑launch changes and submit or present to customer.

Maintain all customer web‑based applications utilized during product development.

Perform and oversee safe launch containment inspections and determine corrective actions for safe launch findings.

Support all launch preparation activities including training of associates, internal development trials, customer run at rates, on‑site customer builds, Launch Readiness Reviews, and Launch Effectiveness Reviews.

Provide proactive training and support to on‑site quality liaisons at customer facilities for all new products.

Customer Product Quality Support

Develop and maintain positive working relationships with external customers.

Engage immediately in reaction to customer quality concerns and escalating to Quality Manager and Manufacturing management.

Travel to customer locations as required to support containment, investigation, and presentation of corrective actions for customer quality concerns.

Analyze customer warranty data to apply corrective actions and proper responses during on‑site review and investigation as needed.

Travel routinely to customers for proactive visits and customer build events.

Maintain all related customer web‑based applications and scorecards.

Internal Product & Quality Systems Support

Support internal plant operations enabling the production of high‑quality, high‑value products for customers.

Provide functional and technical knowledge and research to resolve quality concerns and questions in manufacturing operations.

Develop, maintain, and perform internal Layered Process Audits and analyze findings to take appropriate corrective actions.

Participate in other auditing activities including customer audits, internal quality audits, supplier quality audits, and internal/external IATF/ISO audits.

Support continuous improvement activities that create improvements to standardized work methods and operational efficiency.

Use industry standard metrology equipment to qualify and calibrate products, processes, or fixtures/tools as needed.

Guide quality inspectors/technicians in performing their responsibilities.

Provide support during off hours when required for related topics.

Problem Solving

Lead, perform, and support Practical Problem Solving (PPS) activities to fully define the problem, determine root cause, and develop root‑cause‑based corrective actions to resolve customer, internal and supplier quality concerns.

Document corrective actions on PPS A3 format, and when required on specific customer problem‑solving/corrective action formats.

Share corrective actions with other affected functions, including corporate teams, sister plants, and suppliers.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering field or related science discipline is preferred.

3–5 years of experience in automotive quality function is required (alternate to degree).

ASQC CQE certification is a plus.

Experience as Internal Auditor for IATF 16949/ISO 9001 is a plus.

Agreement to complete all post‑hire required training is required.

Skills & Abilities

Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and customer websites.

Knowledge of AIAG‑based quality core tools including APQP, PPAP, MSA, GD&T, & FMEA.

Problem‑solving methodologies (Toyota Practical Problem Solving, 8D, etc.).

Knowledge and understanding of IATF 16949/ISO 9001 Standards.

Knowledge of metrology tools and methods.

Knowledge of SPC & statistical analysis and related software skills (Minitab or similar).

Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with all levels of Summit Polymers and customer organizations, including performing effective negotiations, leading training, presenting problem‑solving results, etc.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional Score of 26 on the cognitive portion).

Travel Requirements This position typically requires up to 15% travel.

Disclaimer The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all‑inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

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