APQP Process Control Engineer

The primary responsibilities of this position are to work with suppliers to ensure that robust process controls are in place to prevent nonconformities, to continuously monitor suppliers key manufacturing processes and quality management system for improvement opportunities and to assist suppliers with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities to ensure production readiness for New Product Introduction (NPI). Responsible for the suppliers processes from design concept to the end of product life. Potential travel may be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- The position manages the completion of their own work assignments and coordinates work with others.
- Maintains the highest ethical and professional standards within this diverse global organization.
- This position ensures the adequacy of the suppliers quality management system and the capability of people, training, tooling, fixturing and equipment.
- Provides technical support during start-up activities.
- Ensures that APQP activities related to process control are being performed by the supplier.
- Monitors supplier adherence to Process Change Notification (PCN) (for changes driven by Supplier and Customer) on a timely and cost effective basis.
- Helps suppliers extract value from the APQP process. Manages suppliers project plans and activities to ensure product meets Customer expectations.
- Ensures all relevant requirements and related changes are thoroughly documented.
- Reviews APQP documentation (eg, Process FMEA {failure mode and effects analysis}, Process Control Plans, Gage R&R {repeatability & reproducibility}).
- Participates in process FMEA for suppliers manufacturing processes. Audits process control implementation and effectiveness. Validates process capability.
- Ensures PPAP completion and approval prior to delivery of new parts.
- Ensures resolution and implementation of robust solutions for quality problems associated with purchased materials and engineering issues.
- Responsible for the review, approval and validation of permanent corrective action plans.
- Performs quality management system audits and Supplier Evaluation Surveys (SES), including assessments of potential new suppliers.
- Participates in the development of Supplier quality metrics, and in Supplier Performance Management reviews (SPM). Supports Customers 6 Sigma initiatives with suppliers.
- Executes assigned activities from Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD), New Product Introduction (NPI) and Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) teams.
- Works with suppliers to reduce waste and improve supplier process capability and efficiency.

SKILLS:

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

- Bachelors degree (or equivalent experience) preferably in engineering or manufacturing
- A minimum of 1 year of job-related experience
- Engineering or manufacturing background plus familiarity with manufacturing processes used to produce components and assemblies
- Advanced knowledge of shop operations
- Must have a thorough working knowledge of quality initiatives.

HIGHLY DESIRED:

- Quality engineering certification
- Capable of using and demonstrating statistical and problem solving tools
- Understanding of 3rd party registration standards
- Automotive experience