Senior Quality Engineer, Advanced Quality

Proterra offers a dynamic and supportive workplace where our employees can thrive personally and professionally. With cutting-edge facilities and groundbreaking projects, Proterra offers unique opportunities to grow, collaborate, and lead transformative change in the electrification of heavy-duty transportation and equipment. Our commitment to innovation extends beyond our battery solutions to our people, where we create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to drive change for the earth. Here at Proterra we strive to foster a culture of inclusivity, valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging bold ideas, allowing our employees to bring their full selves to work. Our employees benefit from competitive total rewards packages, and opportunities to develop professionally.Position Overview:This role combines advanced product quality and quality management system ownership. You will lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) from concept through launch — control plans, MSA, capability studies, and PPAP submission and customer approval — and facilitate the FMEA process, with Design Engineering owning the DFMEA and Manufacturing Engineering owning the PFMEA. In parallel, you will develop, maintain, and improve the Quality Management System (QMS) — documentation control, process standardization, internal audits and audit readiness, and system performance metrics — to ensure full compliance with ISO 9001 and customer-specific requirements.About the Role – You will:Lead APQP deliverables across all PDP phases from program kickoff through PPAP approval and safe launch, including control plans, MSA/Gage R&R, and process capability studiesServe as the FMEA subject-matter expert — support Design and Manufacturing Engineering in DFMEA and PFMEA development, advise on methodology and risk ranking, and promote consistent FMEA practice across locationsCompile and submit PPAP packages for customer approval, including the A-10 Control Plan Checklist and APP-E Product Quality Planning form;Develop and release Prototype, Pre-Launch, Production, and Safe Launch Control Plans aligned to each development phase gateLead development, implementation, and closure of the Pre-Production and Production Safe Launch PlansParticipate in design reviews, special-characteristics reviews, and engineering-change assessments; identify risks and drive mitigation actions across PMO phasesLead the customer-specific requirements self-assessment and assure complianceDeveloping and maintaining Quality Planning documentation such as Quality Technician work instructions, Quality Acceptance Criteria, and quality inspection lists for product characteristicsDrive Development Issue closure and support overall launch readinessQuality Management System and AuditsDevelop, maintain, and improve the QMS to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and customer-specific requirementsLead internal audits and support external and customer audits, including schedule visibility and collection of outputs in the system of recordDrive containment, correction, and risk assessment of audit findings, and report QMS performance and audit trends to top managementOwn document control — hierarchy, revision impact, and storage standards — and expand the QMS to supporting functionsFacilitate process mapping with cross-functional teams to standardize processes and remove non-value-add stepsProblem Solving and Continuous ImprovementLead structured problem solving (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) on launch and early-production issuesSupport root cause and verified corrective action for internal and externalAnalyze scrap, rework, warranty, first-pass-yield, and audit data to target improvement projectsApply SPC and error-proofing (poka-yoke) to control key characteristics and eliminate defect opportunitiesCross-Functional Leadership and CoachingServe as the quality voice on program teams alongside design, manufacturing, supply chain, and operationsCoach engineers and technicians on the core tools and coordinate training resources for QMS-related programsDevelop and deploy metrics that make QMS effectiveness, launch quality, and program risk visibleChampion a culture of quality, safety, and excellence in all aspects of workPerform other duties as assigned by the managerYour Experience Includes:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or related); Master’s preferred5+ years of advanced product quality, new product introduction, or quality management system experience in the automotive or heavy-vehicle industry (Tier 1 or OEM preferred)Demonstrated ownership of APQP and PPAP submissions through customer approvalHands-on expertise facilitating DFMEA/PFMEA and building Control Plans, MSA/Gage R&R, SPC, and process capability studiesExperience maintaining a QMS and leading internal audits, corrective action, and document controlStrong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and customer-specific requirements; IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, or ISO 14001 experience a plusStructured problem solving depth (8D, 5-Why); Certified Lead Auditor (ISO/IATF) strongly preferred, Six Sigma Green Belt or higher a plusBattery, high-voltage, or electrified powertrain product experience preferredProficiency with Microsoft Office, QMS/PLM tools, and statistical analysis software (Minitab, Power BI, Tableau)Soft SkillsChange leader who can influence culture and gain buy-in across the organizationStrong communicator able to engage stakeholders at all levelsProactive problem-solver with a growth mindset and hands-on approachHighly organized and detail-oriented under pressurePassionate about contributing to a zero-emissions futureProterra’s battery technology offers industry-leading energy density, safety systems, and durability. Proudly designed in Silicon Valley and assembled in Greer, South Carolina, Proterra® batteries are the premier choice to electrify commercial vehicles ranging from buses and trucks to construction equipment and more. Proterra is building innovative battery technology to power a better, more sustainable world.Location: Greer, South CarolinaTravel: 5–15%Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. There is no immigration sponsorship available for this role (ex: H1-B, OPT, CPT, TN or any other employment sponsorship).Proterra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all Employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Proterra participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program (E-Verify).#LI-BJ1Job SummaryRequisition Number: SENIO004245Job Category: QualitySchedule: Full-Time