APQP Quality Engineer — Clinton, Tennessee, US

Job descriptions may display in multiple languages   based on your language selection. What we offer: At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are. Group Summary: Cosma provides a comprehensive range of body, chassis and engineering solutions to global customers. Through our robust product engineering, outstanding tooling capabilities and diverse process expertise, we continue to bring lightweight and innovative products to market. Job Responsibilities: Position Summary The Advanced Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring quality is built into products and processes throughout development, launch, start of production (SOP), and stabilization phases. This role leads Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities from concept through launch, working closely with Program Management, Process Engineering, Customer Quality, Manufacturing, suppliers, and customers. The Advanced Quality Engineer serves as the technical quality lead for the EBM process and supports the successful execution of quality requirements, risk mitigation, customer approvals, and continuous improvement activities. Key Responsibilities • Serve as the technical quality lead for the EBM process. • Lead and coordinate APQP activities throughout product development and launch in partnership with the Program Manager. • Collaborate with Process Quality Engineers and Customer Quality Engineers throughout all APQP phases. • Develop, review, and approve: • Special Characteristics Approval Forms (SCAF) • Process Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (PFMEA) • Control Plans • Process Flow Diagrams • Launch Development System (LDS) documentation • GP-12 containment plans • Coordinate Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions and obtain customer approvals. • Ensure product and process readiness before Start of Production (SOP). • Conduct risk assessments and implement preventive quality-planning activities. • Support process capability studies, validation activities, Run@Rate events, and capacity analyses. • Interface with customers, suppliers, and internal cross-functional teams during launch phases. • Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 requirements and applicable Customer-Specific Requirements. • Support production, inspection, and laboratory personnel in interpreting and applying quality requirements. • Lead product disposition decisions using technical criteria, risk analysis, and launch-phase quality requirements. • Provide timely, accurate, and responsible responses to critical quality issues during launch. • Verify that inspection, measurement, and monitoring methods are correctly executed during the launch phase. • Ensure operators and inspectors understand and consistently apply process controls. • Lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective-action activities using tools such as: • 5 Why • Ishikawa/Fishbone Diagram • 8D • A3 Problem Solving • Statistical analysis • Probability and capability analysis • Promote a prevention-focused, “Build in Quality” culture. • Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the Quality Management System, Environmental Management System, and manufacturing processes. • Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and other internal team members. • Support continuous-improvement activities following launch and stabilization. • Maintain good housekeeping practices and perform other duties as assigned. Safety, Health, and Environmental Responsibilities • Support and enforce compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 procedures and work instructions. • Promote and maintain a safe, healthy work environment free of recognized hazards for employees, contractors, and visitors. • Inform employees, contractors, and visitors of actual or potential safety and health hazards. • Ensure appropriate safety training and personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided and used as required. • Cooperate with local, state, and federal agencies, including OSHA and the EPA, during inspections or investigations. • Know, follow, and enforce all applicable Safety, Health, and Environmental (SH&E) rules, policies, and procedures. • Support management of SH&E performance measures, including incident rates, monthly inspection results, and EOS scores. • Recognize that SH&E performance is a component of the annual performance evaluation. Education Requirements • High school diploma or equivalent required. • Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Statistics, or a related technical discipline. • College-level coursework or technical background in quality systems and/or statistical sciences preferred. • An equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience may be considered in place of a four-year degree, where permitted. Technical Training and Certifications • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) training or certification. • IATF 16949 Internal Auditor certification. • VDA 6.3 Internal Auditor certification. • Core Tools certification or demonstrated expertise in: • APQP • PPAP • PFMEA • Statistical Process Control (SPC) • Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) • Formal problem-solving certification or equivalent experience. Required Qualifications and Experience • Minimum of six years of Advanced Product Quality Planning or advanced quality project experience required. • Manufacturing and/or machine-operation experience, preferably within an automotive manufacturing environment. • Prior Quality Technician, Quality Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, or related quality experience preferred. • Working knowledge of statistical methods and data analysis. • Strong knowledge of GD&T. • Demonstrated expertise in APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, SPC, and MSA. • Experience supporting product launches, customer requirements, process validation, and quality issue resolution. Required Skills and Competencies • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently. • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. • Technical math and statistical-analysis skills. • Exceptional attention to detail and documentation accuracy. • Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced launch environment. • Ability to lead effective meetings, training sessions, and instructional classes. • Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and risk-assessment abilities. • Ability to work additional hours as needed to support program launches, customer requirements, or critical quality issues. Equipment and Tools Used • Personal computer, Local Area Network (LAN), and business software applications. • Standard office equipment, including printers, copiers, scanners, and communication equipment. • Precision measurement equipment, including: • Vernier calipers • Micrometers • Calipers • Other measurement devices used to verify product quality and conformance to customer specifications Performance Measures Performance in this role may be evaluated using the following measures: • Safety compliance • 5S performance • Quality performance • Attendance and punctuality • Key Operating Indicators (KOIs) • Completion of APQP and launch deliverables • Customer approval and PPAP performance • Process readiness and launch quality performance • Overall performance evaluation Working Conditions and Physical Requirements • Ability to move throughout the manufacturing plant and office areas. • Extended periods of sitting and standing. • Frequent reaching, bending, and movement throughout the facility. • Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required. • Work may be performed in a loud manufacturing environment. • Required use of personal protective equipment in designated areas. Travel Requirements • Occasional travel, including overnight travel, may be required. Awareness, Unity, Empowerment: At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That’s why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law. AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies. Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team. Worker Type: Regular / Permanent Group: Cosma International