Quality Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Quality Project Manager (QPM) Automotive Manufacturing

Location: Dublin, GA

Department: Quality

Reports To: Business Unit Management Dublin (Technical reporting to Business Unit Management ZF/SGU)

Position Summary

Erdrich USA Inc. is seeking an experienced Quality Project Manager (QPM) to lead quality planning and execution activities for automotive manufacturing projects from quotation through launch and series production. The QPM will ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements, automotive quality standards, and internal quality systems while driving successful project launches, supplier quality integration, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role serves as the primary quality representative for new product launches, supporting cross-functional teams, suppliers, customers, and international manufacturing locations to achieve world-class quality performance.

Key Responsibilities Advanced Quality Planning & Project Launch

• Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage quality deliverables to meet customer, timing, cost, and quality requirements.
• Support quotation and feasibility reviews, including risk assessments and supplier technical evaluations.
• Develop and maintain project quality plans, control plans, inspection plans, and measurement system strategies.
• Identify Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) characteristics and ensure appropriate controls are implemented.
• Coordinate Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions and customer approvals.

Customer & Supplier Quality Management

• Serve as the primary customer contact for project quality matters.
• Interface directly with OEM and Tier 1 customer quality teams regarding launches, concerns, approvals, and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure compliance with quality requirements and APQP deliverables.
• Support supplier qualification, development, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Participate in customer audits, assessments, and process approvals.

Quality Engineering & Risk Management

• Lead and facilitate Process FMEA and risk analysis activities.

• Utilize Lessons Learned, 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, and other problem-solving methodologies to prevent recurring issues.

• Plan and coordinate capability studies, including:- Process Capability (Cp/Cpk)

  • Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
  • Statistical Process Control (SPC)
  • Gauge and inspection equipment validation

• Analyze and evaluate inspection and measurement requirements for new and existing products.

Continuous Improvement & Production Support

• Monitor launch and production quality metrics, including:- Scrap

  • Rework
  • Internal defects
  • Customer complaints
  • Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)
  • Warranty and failure costs

• Drive corrective and preventive actions to improve manufacturing quality performance.

• Support engineering changes, production transfers, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Train and coach production personnel on inspection requirements, quality standards, and project-specific quality controls.

Required Qualifications Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent experience in automotive quality management will be considered.

Experience

• Experience in automotive manufacturing quality, quality planning, launch management, or quality engineering.
• Experience working with OEM and Tier 1 automotive customers preferred.
• Strong background supporting new product launches and serial production environments.

Technical Knowledge

Strong working knowledge of:

• APQP
• PPAP
• FMEA
• MSA
• SPC
• 8D Problem Solving
• VDA 2 and VDA 5 methodologies
• Control Plans
• Statistical Analysis
• Root Cause Analysis Tools
• Automotive Core Tools

Experience with:

• SAP
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Babtec or equivalent Quality Management Systems
• Qlik Sense or related reporting tools

Manufacturing Knowledge

• Stamping and metal forming processes
• Assembly and joining technologies
• Inspection and measurement systems
• GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
• Blueprint and engineering drawing interpretation

Desired Skills

• Strong customer-focused mindset with excellent relationship-building skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and global teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.
• Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.

Why Join Erdrich USA?

• Opportunity to support major automotive customer programs.
• Collaborative global manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to new product launches and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Career growth opportunities within an international organization committed to operational excellence and quality leadership.

Erdrich USA Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.

Keywords: Automotive Quality, APQP, PPAP, Quality Engineer, Quality Manager, Manufacturing Quality, Automotive Manufacturing, IATF 16949, FMEA, SPC, MSA, Project Quality, Launch Quality, Supplier Quality, OEM, Tier 1, Control Plans, Root Cause Analysis.