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Sr. APQP Engineer

Hutchinson
Grand Rapids, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 21 Jul 2026

About the role

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead and manage the APQP process from concept through production launch and post-launch activities.

  • Ensure all APQP deliverables are completed on time, including PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, and Measurement System Analysis (MSA).

  • Coordinate and facilitate cross-functional APQP team meetings involving Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Suppliers.

  • Drive issue resolution, risk mitigation, and escalation during new product introductions and engineering changes.

  • Oversee and approve PPAP submissions to customers and ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements.

  • Serve as the primary interface with customers on APQP, PPAP, and launch readiness topics.

  • Ensure customer milestones and timelines are met without compromising quality or compliance.

  • Ensure robust risk identification and prevention using FMEA methodologies.

  • Verify effective control plans and process capability prior to launch.

  • Ensure lessons learned are captured and incorporated into future programs.

  • Work closely with Supplier Quality to align supplier APQP activities with internal timelines and requirements.

  • Support supplier APQP reviews, development activities, and launch readiness assessments.

  • Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure equipment, tooling, and processes are validated prior to production.

  • Establish and monitor APQP performance metrics, including launch quality, timing, and defect prevention.

  • Report APQP and launch status to leadership and initiate corrective actions when targets are not met.

  • Drive continuous improvement of APQP processes, tools, and standard practices.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • None
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 standards

  • APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans

  • Lean / Six Sigma methodologies

  • Statistical analysis and quality data reporting

  • Blueprint and engineering drawing interpretation

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management systems

  • Experience with inspection tools (CMM, calipers, micrometers, gauges)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial) or a related field, or equivalent experience.

  • 7–10 years of experience in manufacturing quality or engineering.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with APQP and PPAP in automotive or regulated manufacturing environments.

     

 

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Experience with ERP systems and knowledge of Infor ERP (MAPICS)    preferred. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
  • ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
  • IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 Lead Auditor
KEY PPERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs):
  • On-Time APQP Milestone Completion (%)

  • On-Time PPAP Submission Rate (%)

  • Launch Readiness Approval (Gate Pass Rate)

  • EnOn-Time Launch Issue Closure (%)

  • Repeat Launch Issues Rate

  • Corrective Action Effectiveness Engineering Change Implementation Timeliness

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Combination of office, manufacturing floor, and supplier locations

Use of PPE required in production areas

Domestic and occasional international travel may be required

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Company

Hutchinson

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