Principal Quality Engineer

Position Summary

This position serves as the primary quality liaison between Magnet Wire Operations and automotive customers. The role supports the development, improvement, and control of manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality systems for automotive magnet wire products. Responsibilities include leading APQP activities, ensuring compliance with customer-specific requirements, supporting PPAP submissions, and driving continuous quality improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Customer Interface

• Serve as the primary Quality contact for automotive customers in collaboration with Sales, with a focus on strengthening customer relationships.
• Manage and maintain customer quality portal systems.
• Support new product launches through APQP and serve as the key Quality interface during all Customer Care incidents.
• Monitor customer satisfaction metrics and coordinate responses to customer issues.

Manufacturing Interface

• Partner with manufacturing sites to meet customer requirements and resolve quality-related issues.
• Collaborate on root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

APQP / PPAP

• Lead the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process to ensure successful Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions and customer approval.

Customer Care

• Coordinate the implementation and maintenance of effective quality containment processes.
• Function as the primary Quality liaison with customers during quality incidents.
• Monitor and audit corrective actions, evaluate effectiveness, and develop reporting methods to support clear communication.

Quality System Support

• Support the Quality Management System through APQP activities, customer scorecards, customer care processes, and internal/external audits.
• Recommend product and process improvements based on statistical analysis and quality data.
• Develop and maintain quality system documentation, reports, training materials, and audit responses.
• Provide recommendations to management regarding quality system compliance, enhancements, and implementation.
• Assist with Quality System training and new employee orientation.
• Review customer and industry specifications for compliance and develop appropriate testing methods.
• Stay current with industry standards and regulatory changes.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a technical field (or equivalent experience).
• 5–8 years of experience in customer-facing quality roles within a manufacturing environment; automotive preferred.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949; Lead Auditor certification preferred.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, audits, calibration control, and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Minitab.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred.