Quality Engineer

Job Title: Customer Quality Engineer

Job Description

As a key member of the program core team, the Customer Quality Engineer represents the voice of the customer within the organization and serves as the primary interface between the customer and internal teams. This role focuses on establishing, managing, and achieving Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and milestone events throughout all program phases in alignment with the organization's program management process. The Customer Quality Engineer supports successful new product launches, ensures compliance with customer-specific requirements, and drives robust quality systems across both internal manufacturing and the supply base.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive APQP documentation to support the Product Realization Process in accordance with customer requirements, including FMEA, MSA, SPC, PPAP, and related core tools.

• Facilitate and participate in the development and maintenance of Process Flows, PFMEA, and Control Plans with strong focus on critical and special product and process characteristics.

• Ensure appropriate inspection plans and containment plans are established and maintained for the process value stream.

• Develop and control all APQP documents through PPAP approval for new program launches.

• Execute PPAP submissions and secure approvals for customer-initiated product changes in line with internal program management guidelines.

• Interpret and communicate customer-specific requirements clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

• Participate in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) development through the Design for Manufacturability (DFM) process.

• Oversee gaging requirements, including design review and customer approval of measurement systems.

• Coordinate and participate in customer quality events at manufacturing plants, such as site visits, launch reviews, and run-at-rate activities.

• Establish and define customer safe launch exit criteria and ensure alignment with internal teams.

• Participate in internal customer program reviews and provide quality status updates and risk assessments.

• Obtain customer approval for After Action Reviews (AAR) on designated A-surface or cosmetic components, when applicable.

• Manage all customer claims during prototype and pre-production phases and provide timely feedback in accordance with customer-specific requirements.

• Maintain customer portals accurately and consistently in line with customer-specific requirements.

• Coordinate the handoff of customer PPAP approval to the manufacturing plant to ensure seamless transition into production.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve potential issues during launch and engineering change phases.

• Initiate dimensional layout requirements during pre-production planning and create standards where none exist.

• Ensure APQP process information is accurate, comprehensive, and communicated effectively to suppliers.

• Coordinate with suppliers to develop and execute line readiness activities, including Run at Rate, PV testing, QAV, and standard APQP milestones.

• Facilitate communication between leadership and suppliers to address and resolve quality issues, providing technical guidance with a focus on prevention.

• Ensure suppliers follow their own program management processes and timing requirements.

• Confirm that Plant Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) approves the effective implementation of supplier processes during safe launch.

• Lead and facilitate corrective action processes to reduce quality incidents and improve overall quality and delivery performance.

• Review and approve PFMEA documents provided by suppliers to ensure robustness and compliance.

• When required, review corrective actions and conduct verification audits at supplier sites.

• Own final PPAP signoff and communication at the designated phase gate review within the program management process.

• Identify and train backup personnel to manage key tasks and responsibilities during absences.

• Perform additional related functions as assigned to support program quality objectives and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a related field, or equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree.

• A minimum of 5 years of Quality Engineer experience, preferably in an automotive manufacturing environment.

• Strong knowledge and practical application of GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.

• Advanced knowledge of APQP and its application throughout the product lifecycle.

• Advanced experience with customer-specific program development, including AIAG Automotive Core Tools (such as FMEA, MSA, SPC, and PPAP).

• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems, including standards such as ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 (formerly TS 16949).

• Demonstrated experience using structured problem-solving tools, including 5 Why, 8D, Root Cause Analysis, and similar methodologies.

• Proficiency in project management using Microsoft applications and related tools.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.

• Proven ability to manage new product launches and support customer-focused quality initiatives.

• Ability to perform root cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with demanding automotive customers and their specific quality and launch expectations.

• Experience in supporting new product introduction and launch activities within a tiered automotive supply chain.

• Experience mentoring or supporting other Quality Engineering team members.

• Strong customer-focus mindset with the ability to represent the voice of the customer within cross-functional teams.

• Comfort working in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment with multiple concurrent programs.

• Ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and drive accountability for quality performance.

Work Environment

This role operates within a tiered automotive supply environment that supports high-profile OEM programs. The work involves close collaboration with manufacturing plants, engineering, program management, and supplier quality teams, as well as direct interaction with customer representatives. The position requires regular presence in office and plant settings, participation in on-site launch activities, run-at-rate events, and supplier visits, and includes domestic and international travel as needed to support program and quality objectives. The environment is fast-paced, milestone-driven, and highly quality-focused, with extensive use of standard office software, quality tools, and measurement systems to support data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Athens, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $110000.00/yr.

401K, Vision, Dental, Medical

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Athens,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.