Sr. APQP Engineer

Country United States / US City GRAND RAPIDS (MI) Workplace location GRAND RAPIDS-PAULSTRA (MI-USA) Employer company HUTCHINSON AUTOPARTES DE MEXICO SA.DE CV Domain Hyg Saf Sec Societal Env Qual Type of contract Regular position Experience Minimum 10 years

Activities

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 re