Quality Engineer PPAP

Job Purpose

The Quality Engineer – PPAP is responsible for leading all Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities associated with new product launches, engineering changes, supplier changes, process modifications, tooling changes, and customer-specific requirements. This position serves as the primary quality resource for Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), PPAP submissions, launch readiness activities, process validation, and customer approval requirements.

The Quality Engineer - PPAP works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, Supplier Quality, Metrology, and Customer Quality functions to ensure successful product launches while maintaining compliance with IATF 16949 requirements, AIAG Core Tools, and customer-specific standards.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

PPAP Management & Customer Approvals
•    Lead preparation, review, submission, and approval of customer PPAP packages.
•    Ensure compliance with AIAG PPAP requirements and customer-specific requirements.
•    Maintain PPAP status tracking and communicate progress to stakeholders.
•    Coordinate customer submission timing to support launch and production milestones.
•    Manage annual revalidations and PPAP updates resulting from engineering or process changes.
APQP & Launch Readiness
•    Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities throughout the product lifecycle.
•    Participate in launch readiness reviews and cross-functional team meetings.
•    Coordinate completion of launch deliverables including Process Flows, PFMEA, Control Plans, capability studies, and MSA activities.
•    Identify launch risks and drive preventive actions to ensure successful production implementation.
Process Validation & Core Tools
•    Develop and maintain Control Plans for assigned products and processes.
•    Support PFMEA development and updates as part of a cross-functional team. 
•    Conduct process capability studies (Cp, Cpk, Pp, Ppk).
•    Lead Measurement System Analysis (MSA), including GR&R studies and calibration-related support activities. 
•    Validate manufacturing process changes and process capability requirements.
Customer & Internal Quality Support
•    Support customer visits, audits, and technical reviews. 
•    Interface directly with customers regarding PPAP approvals, and launch-related issues.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Support
•    Support continuous improvement initiatives and cost reduction activities. 
•    Apply statistical analysis techniques to drive data-based decision making. 
•    Assist with supplier quality concerns, supplier PPAP approvals, and supplier corrective actions. 
•    Conduct Layered Process Audits (LPA), CQI assessments, and process audits to ensure compliance. 
Compliance & Documentation
•    Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, and internal quality standards.
•    Maintain accurate quality records and documentation related to APQP and PPAP activities.
•    Support internal, registrar, and customer audits.
•    Drive closure of audit findings and corrective actions.

Education and Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, preferably Quality, Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering required and 3 years experience, preferably in manufacturing/automotive.
Experience
•    Experience supporting PPAP submissions, APQP activities, customer launches, or manufacturing quality systems preferred.
•    Automotive manufacturing experience preferred. 
•    Experience with FMEA, Process Control Plans, Root Cause Analysis, and Corrective Actions required. 
•    Demonstrated competence in quality-related statistical methods and data analysis. 
•    Experience working with customer-specific requirements and quality audits preferred.
Certifications
•    ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) preferred. 
•    Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) and/or IATF 16949 Internal Auditor certification preferred. 

Skills

Technical Skills
•    Strong understanding of PPAP, APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, Control Plans, and Process Flow requirements.
•    Proficient in interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications. 
•    Understanding of IATF 16949 requirements. 
•    Understanding of AIAG Core Tools requirements. 
•    Understanding of CQI special process assessments and audit requirements. 
•    Strong analytical and statistical problem-solving skills.
•    Ability to perform process capability and measurement system analyses.
•    Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality systems.
Professional Skills
•    Excellent organizational and time management skills. 
•    Strong project management and coordination abilities. 
•    Ability to coordinate cross-functional activities and drive accountability. 
•    Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
•    Strong customer-facing communication skills.
•    Self-motivated and capable of working independently. 
•    Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
•    Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority. 
Computer Skills
•    Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint). 
•    SAP experience preferred. 
•    Experience with quality data systems and reporting tools preferred.