APQP Quality Engineer

Location: Northeast Georgia Our client is a global automotive supplier expanding its North American operations and launching new business with leading global automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. The APQP Quality Engineer will lead Advanced Product Quality Planning activities for new product launches while supporting manufacturing, engineering, suppliers, and customers throughout the product development lifecycle. This position plays a critical role in ensuring successful launches by coordinating APQP deliverables, PPAP submissions, process validation, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. Key Responsibilities Lead APQP activities from program kickoff through successful production launch. Coordinate development and completion of APQP documentation including: Process Flow Diagrams PFMEAs Control Plans Process Instructions Prepare and submit PPAP documentation to customers. Coordinate product and process validation activities. Support manufacturing during equipment installation, process development, and launch activities. Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Program Management, Production, and Suppliers to resolve quality concerns. Conduct root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, etc.). Monitor launch timing and quality milestones to ensure customer requirements are achieved. Support customer and supplier quality meetings. Participate in internal, customer, and third-party audits. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, scrap reduction, and process capability. Maintain quality documentation in accordance with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements. Qualifications 3+ years of APQP and automotive quality experience. Experience supporting automotive product launches. Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, GD&T Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and Core Tools. Experience working with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Excellent project management and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple launch programs simultaneously. Preferred Experience Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field preferred. What You'll Bring Strong organizational and planning skills Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities Ability to build relationships across engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers Self-motivated with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced launch environment Continuous improvement mindset Why Join? 4 weeks PTO, generous paid holidays Medical benefits with low employee contribution cost Stable global automotive manufacturer with continued North American growth Opportunity to support exciting new vehicle programs Collaborative engineering and manufacturing environment Career growth opportunities within an expanding international organization #J-18808-Ljbffr Gilder Search Group