PPAP Coordinator

PPAP Coordinator

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you. Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations. Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

What to Expect As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward thinking, open-minded and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. Located in our Siloam Springs, Arkansas plant, you will be an PPAP Coordinator. The PPAP Coordinator is responsible for managing the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and supporting the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process to ensure all parts meet customer and internal quality requirements before production release. This role coordinates APQP deliverables, prepares, organizes, and submits PPAP documentation, and collaborates with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to ensure successful product launches. The PPAP Coordinator serves as the primary customer interface for PPAP and APQP activities, facilitating communication with customers to ensure timely, accurate, and successful part approvals. This position maintains compliance with customer-specific requirements, AIAG standards, and Gates Quality Management System requirements while supporting continuous improvement through data analysis, corrective actions, and cross-functional communication.

Keys Responsibilities (to name a few)

• Coordinate APQP activities and monitor deliverables to ensure successful product launches and compliance with customer requirements.
• Support APQP milestones including design reviews, process readiness, risk assessments, and launch activities.
• Prepare, compile, review and upload all PPAP-related documents for Gates customers
• Understand, promote, and adhere to customer-specific requirements, AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA,PCP, SPC, and MSA), applicable standards, specifications, and Gates' internal requirements.
• Serve as the primary customer contact for PPAP and APQP activities, responding to customer requests, coordinating submissions, and ensuring timely and accurate part approvals.
• Perform quality tests and inspections on products, materials, components, and parts at various stages of the production process to ensure compliance with quality and reliability standards.
• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications and collect dimensional data through part measurement and inspection to support PPAP Initial Sample Inspection Reports (ISIR).
• Manage product flow into and out of the PPAP stage area
• Coordinate cross-functional activities required to complete PPAP submissions, including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and customers.
• Demonstrate proficiency with inspection tools (e.g., calipers, tape measures, Snap Gauges) and measurement techniques
• Support gauge calibration activities and maintain the calibration system, including conducting GR&R and Annual Layouts.
• Train new employees on the proper use of inspection equipment and measurement techniques.
• Contribute to the development and revision of quality procedures, work instructions, training documents, and standardized work.
• Assist Quality Technicians and Engineers as needed
• Document and update Cpk studies
• Participate in problem-solving activities, root cause analysis, and corrective and preventive action investigations.
• Develop and revise Quality/Process alerts
• Collaborate in the validation and verification of corrective actions to ensure effectiveness and compliance.
• Maintain APQP and PPAP records to ensure traceability, document control, and audit readiness.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits related to APQP, PPAP, and Quality Management System requirements.
• Monitor project timelines and communicate status of APQP and PPAP activities to stakeholders to ensure on-time customer approvals.

About You

High school diploma or equivalent required

Knowledge of the PPAP process/ APQP and related documentation required

3 to 5 years of OE Industrial PPAP experience preferred

Above-average ability to interpret blueprints

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Must be legally authorized to work permanently in the United States without sponsorship

Pay And Benefits

Full-Time Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: Benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire

Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation, additionally 8 sick days 11 paid holidays 401(k): company matching up to 6%

Tuition Reimbursement

Why Gates? Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Work Environment Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.