Engineer, Quality

Automatic Spring Products Corporation

Job Description

Job Title:    Customer Quality Engineer
Department:   Quality
Reports to:   Customer Quality Manager
Prepared By:   Joel Rus
Prepared Date:  8/19/25
Approved By:   Aniket Maske
Approved Date:  8/19/25
FLSA Status:   Exempt

SUMMARY

The Customer Quality Engineer (CQE) is responsible for leading and coordinating all customer-facing quality activities, ensuring compliance to IATF 16949:2016 and customer-specific requirements (CSR). This position requires strong technical knowledge, effective communication, and data-driven problem solving to maintain high customer satisfaction, protect ASPC from risk, and drive continuous improvement. The CQE will champion customer concerns, facilitate cross-functional problem-solving, and ensure systemic corrective actions are implemented and sustained and reviewed for effectiveness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Champion all customer-reported issues, complaints, and rejections, ensuring timely containment, accurate root cause analysis, and lasting corrective actions.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities using 8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa, and other recognized methodologies.
• Ensure all corrective actions are closed within 30 days unless formally justified with customer approval.
• Integrate lessons learned into PFMEAs, Control Plans, and work instructions to prevent repeat issues.
• Revise, update, and sustain accuracy in control plans, 8Ds, ECRs, PPAP and associated quality data in our Quality Management System (QMS) and Q-Drive
• Act as a primary liaison between ASPC and customer Quality/Manufacturing teams.
• Maintain and improve customer scorecard performance through proactive quality management.
• Support audits (IATF 16949, customer, and internal) and ensure effective and timely closure of findings.
• Provide training and coaching to operators, technicians, and engineers on quality principles, SPC, and error-proofing practices.
• Foster collaboration between manufacturing and quality teams to support a customer-first culture. 
• Ensure all company safety policies and procedures are followed by modeling safe behavior.
• All other responsibilities as assigned by your supervisor.

COMPETENCIES

• Integrity and Professionalism
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Planning & Organization
• Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving
• Customer-Focused Leadership
• Resilience and Follow-Through
• Effective Communication (verbal & written)
• Ability to Influence Without Authority through inspiring 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Metallurgy, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of automotive Quality Engineering experience (Tier 1 preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with IATF 16949:2016 and customer-specific requirements.
• Hands-on experience with AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC).
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software.
• Experience leading 8D investigations and corrective actions with measurable results.
• Strong background in GD&T, blueprint reading, inspection methods, and measurement systems.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ERP systems (PLEX preferred).
• Strong understanding of SPC, capability analysis (Cpk/Ppk), and control charting.
• Knowledge of DOE and advanced statistical methods for process improvement.
• Ability to train, coach, and mentor team members on Core Tools and quality methods.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and error-proofing concepts (Poka-Yoke).
• Working knowledge of ISO 14001 Environmental Systems.
• Strong documentation skills to support audits, PPAP, and customer reporting.
• Ability to take and pass AIAG Core Tool Exam if needed.

SOFT SKILLS

• Servant Leadership mindset
• Strong work ethic with a hands-on approach
• Active listening and reflection skills
• Flexibility and adaptability under pressure
• Conflict resolution and facilitation skills
• Trustworthiness and accountability
• Professional customer-facing demeanor

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standing, walking, sitting, and occasional stooping.
• Repetitive motion related to computer use and document review.
• Lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Exposure to shop floor environment, including moving mechanical parts and workplace chemicals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those a team member may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regular presence in a manufacturing environment.
• Moderate noise levels; hearing protection required in certain areas.
• Frequent interaction with production staff, engineers, and customers.
• Ability to travel as needed (less than 10%)

BENEFITS

• Medical – 1st of the month following hire date.
• Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, & Life Insurance.
• Free ASPC Health and Wellness Clinic – located in Grand Haven.
• $100 annually for safety boots.
• Prescription safety glasses program.
• Paid Holidays & your birthday is a paid holiday.

Automatic Spring Products Corporation is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will take the necessary steps to ensure reasonable accommodations are provided for those with disabilities throughout the application and interview process, as well as during employment.