Quality Engineer II

Get To Know East Penn!

Navitas Systems LLC, a leader in comprehensive energy storage solutions, was formed in 2011 with the merger of MicroSun Innovative Energy Storage Solutions and MicroSun Electronics, and the acquisition of lithium battery company A123 Systems' Government Solutions Group. In 2019, East Penn Manufacturing, one of the world's leading battery manufacturers, acquired majority interest in Navitas Systems. In seven remarkable decades, East Penn has grown from a one-room shop with a product line of five automotive batteries to one of the world's leading battery manufacturers with over 10,500 full-time employees, 515 product designs, operations around the world, and hundreds of awards for industry excellence.

At our Navitas facilities we engage in the research, design, development, and manufacture of advanced lithium cells and energy storage products and systems for both commercial and industrial customers. We invest in our people, they are and always will be the heart of this company. Are you ready to join a family-owned enterprise committed to honoring the contributions of everyone? Then Navitas is the right place for you.

Overview

The Quality Engineer II is an experienced individual contributor responsible for leading manufacturing quality execution, resolving complex product and process quality issues, and driving corrective and preventive actions within Navitas operations. This role serves as a technical authority for quality methods, data analysis, and problem solving, and acts as the internal voice of the customer for manufacturing quality.

• The QE II works cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) to ensure products meet customer requirements, production processes are capable, and quality risks are identified and mitigated. This position operates with a high level of independence and mentors less experienced quality personnel.

Responsibilities

Manufacturing Quality Ownership

• Own and lead manufacturing quality issue resolution related to capability, tolerancing, materials, and process variation
• Provide engineering support to operations to ensure consistent application of quality techniques
• Lead containment, sorting, and risk mitigation activities to protect manufacturing and customers
• Coordinate and lead quality activities during pre-launch and production trial runs
• Ensure quality risks are identified, documented, and addressed throughout the product lifecycle

Advanced Problem Solving & Corrective Action

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions using structured methodologies (e.g. 8D, KT, Shainin)
• Independently drive cross-functional corrective action teams for complex or high-impact issues
• Verify effectiveness and sustainability of corrective actions using data-driven methods
• Escalate systemic or supplier-driven issues to Supplier Quality Engineering as appropriate

Quality Planning & Control

• Lead development, maintenance, and improvement of Control Plans and FMEAs throughout the life of the product
• Determine when process stability and capability studies are required; analyze results and drive improvements
• Apply appropriate statistical techniques to monitor, control, and improve manufacturing processes
• Recommend changes to product specifications, tolerances, or processes to support manufacturability and cost-effective production

Supplier Quality Interface (Non-Ownership)

• Support Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) by providing technical input on supplier-related defects impacting manufacturing or customers
• Participate in supplier corrective action efforts as a technical contributor when issues affect internal processes or product fit, form, or function
• Support containment and sorting activities related to supplier defects at Navitas facilities
• Communicate supplier-caused quality risks promptly to SQE and Supply Chain

Note: Ownership of supplier qualification, performance management, audits, and supplier improvement programs resides with Supplier Quality Engineering.

Customer Quality & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate with Sales, Purchasing, Engineering, Production, and SQE to resolve customer quality complaints and concerns
• Act as the internal advocate for customer quality requirements during investigations and corrective actions
• Analyze quality data (including warranty or field data, where applicable) to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Support customer visits, audits, and meetings as the technical quality representative for manufacturing

Leadership & Mentorship

Mentor and train Quality Engineer I and quality technicians in quality tools, analysis, and problem solving

• Provide hands-on coaching during investigations and continuous improvement activities
• Reinforce Navitas' quality policy and commitment to continuous improvement

Safety & Workplace Standards

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, safety, and environmental requirements on the production floor
• Enforce and model strong 5S and safe work habits
• Maintain punctuality, reliability, and professionalism

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required
• 3–7+ years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience leading corrective actions and cross-functional investigations
• Must be able to work on site M-F at our Ann Arbor, MI facility
• Must be US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing quality methods and problem-solving techniques
• Strong data analysis and statistical skills
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Strong communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Solid business judgment and risk-based decision making

Travel

• Limited travel based on business need (generally <20%)

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

East Penn Benefits

Navitas/East Penn offers excellent benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Group health insurance that includes high quality medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage with a low employee premium
• Retirement Savings Plan with company match and a 3% employer contribution
• Paid company holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee assistance program
• Fitness Discounts
• Promotional opportunities

At Navitas/East Penn, our employees are our culture; our employees will always be the heart of the company. We are a private, family-owned enterprise committed to cultivating an atmosphere that honors the contributions of everyone. We want our employees to have long-term careers, and many do. More than 38% of our workforce has over a decade of service. Our open-door management policy, comprehensive benefits package, employee appreciation and recognition events, and career advancement opportunities are just some of the ways we show our employees how incredibly valued they are.

EOE/VEVRAA