Customer Quality Engineer

As a member of the program core team, the Customer Quality Engineer (CQE) represents the voice of the customer within the organization, acting as the key interface between the customer and the company. The primary focus is to establish, manage, and achieve APQP and milestone events during all program phases in accordance with the SPMP process.

Responsibilities

• Develop APQP documentation to support the Product Realization Process in accordance with customer requirements, such as FMEA, MSA, SPC, PPAP, etc.
• Facilitate and participate in the development and maintenance of Process Flows, PFMEA, and Control Plans with strong attention to critical and special product & process characteristics.
• Ensure that appropriate inspection plans and containment plans are in place for the process value stream.
• Develop and control all APQP documents through PPAP approval for new program launches.
• Execute PPAP submission and approval as required for customer-initiated product changes according to SPMP guidelines.
• Understand and provide interpretation of customer-specific requirements.
• Participate in GD&T development through the DFM process.
• Oversee gaging requirements, design approval, and customer approval.
• Coordinate and participate in all customer quality events with manufacturing plants, such as site visits, launch reviews, and run @ rates.
• Establish and define customer safe launch exit criteria.
• Participate in internal customer program reviews.
• Manage all customer claims and provide feedback as per customer-specific requirements during prototype and pre-production phases.
• Ensure customer portals are maintained as per CSR (customer-specific requirements).
• Work closely with program management teams to identify and resolve any potential issues during the launch and EC phase.
• Initiate dimensional layout requirements during pre-production planning and create standards where none exist.
• Ensure APQP process information is accurate, comprehensive, and received by the supplier.
• Coordinate with suppliers to develop 'line readiness' activities such as Run at Rate, PV testing, QAV, and all standard APQP milestones.
• Communicate between leadership and suppliers to address and resolve quality issues, providing technical input and guidance with a focus on preventative care.
• Facilitate the corrective action process with a focus on reducing quality incidents and improving overall quality and delivery systems.
• Review and approve PFMEA documents provided by suppliers.
• Review corrective actions and conduct verification audits at supplier sites when needed.
• Responsible for final PPAP signoff and communication at Phase Gate review 5 during program management processes.
• Identify and train a backup to manage key tasks when absent.
• Perform additional functions as directed by the leader.

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of Quality Engineer experience, preferably in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack-up applications.
• Advanced knowledge of APQP.
• Advanced knowledge of customer-specific Program Development, e.g., AIAG Automotive Core Tools.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems, e.g., ISO9001, TS16949.
• Experience mentoring other Quality Engineering team members.
• Advanced project management skills using Microsoft applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Competency in the use of problem-solving tools, e.g., 5 why, 8D, Root Cause Analysis.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

• Root cause analysis expertise.
• Proficiency in PPAP.

The work environment involves collaboration with a Tier one supplier, offering opportunities to engage in quality assurance and program management with a focus on automotive manufacturing processes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Athens, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $55.29/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Athens,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 30, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $43 - $55