Job Description

About the Role

Pinnacle Partners is recruiting for a Quality Engineer in Shelbyville, IN. This position focuses on supplier quality, APQP, PPAP, and managing quality documentation throughout the product launch process. The ideal candidate will have experience with IATF requirements, core quality tools, supplier quality, and automotive manufacturing.

This is primarily a supplier quality and product launch-focused position rather than a hands-on production-floor role. The majority of the work will involve documentation, supplier/customer communication, technical reviews, and project coordination. This is a Monday–Friday position, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, with little to no overtime and less than 10–15% travel as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities for new products, manufacturing processes, and engineering changes.
• Develop, coordinate, submit, and maintain Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation in accordance with customer-specific requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer and supplier quality matters.
• Develop and maintain control plans, PFMEAs, and other quality documentation to support successful product launches.
• Oversee quality planning and documentation throughout the entire product launch process.
• Support new product launches, engineering changes, and product reviews to ensure customer requirements are met before production.
• Review engineering drawings, technical prints, and specifications to identify quality requirements and establish appropriate controls.
• Ensure compliance with IATF requirements and applicable automotive quality standards.
• Work closely with customers, suppliers, engineering, manufacturing, and internal leadership to resolve quality concerns and maintain compliance.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities using 8D, 5 Why, and other problem-solving methodologies.
• Support CAPA activities and ensure corrective actions are properly documented and implemented.
• Participate in supplier quality discussions, meetings, and audits as needed.
• Manage multiple product launch projects and maintain documentation throughout each project's lifecycle.
• Coordinate quality requirements for products involving machining, metal stamping, robotic welding, and other manufacturing processes.
• Attend daily plant meetings, including discussions surrounding scrap reduction and continuous improvement.
• Monitor supplier performance and address quality concerns to ensure products meet established specifications.
• Maintain accurate quality records, documentation, and customer submissions.
• Travel to supplier locations as needed to support quality concerns, audits, and product launch activities.
• Perform additional quality engineering responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements:

• Experience in a Quality Engineering or Supplier Quality Engineering position within an automotive manufacturing or supplier environment.
• Experience working with IATF 16949 quality requirements and automotive quality standards.
• Strong understanding of core quality tools, including:
  • APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning)
  • PPAP (Production Part Approval Process)
  • PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
  • Control Plans
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • 8D Problem Solving
  • 5 Why
  • Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)
• Previous experience supporting product launches and developing the required quality documentation and controls.
• Strong knowledge of PPAP documentation and customer-specific submission requirements.
• Experience developing and maintaining control plans and PFMEAs.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical prints, including GD&T.
• Experience supporting manufacturing processes involving machining, robotic welding, or similar operations.
• Ability to serve as the primary point of contact for supplier quality issues and coordinate resolutions.
• Experience working directly with suppliers and customers on quality requirements and corrective actions.
• Audit experience, preferably involving IATF 16949.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple product launches and quality projects simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel to supplier locations as needed, generally less than 10–15%.

Preferred:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent industry experience may be considered.
• Project management experience overseeing parts or products from initial development through production.
• Experience working with automotive suppliers and manufacturing environments involving metal stamping, machining, robotic welding, or welded assemblies.
• Experience coordinating supplier audits and customer quality requirements.
• Familiarity with engineering changes, product reviews, and customer-specific quality documentation.
• Experience managing longer-term product launch cycles and maintaining recurring PPAP submissions.

Benefits Overview:

• Annual salary of approximately $80,000–$90,000, depending on experience and qualifications. 
• Annual pay increases based on individual performance.
• Low-cost employee benefits.
• Monday–Friday schedule, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM.
• Little to no overtime expected.
• Limited travel, generally less than 10–15% as needed.
• Opportunities for company-specific training on internal processes, machinery, and procedures.
• Opportunity to work with a growing automotive manufacturing company investing in new equipment, facilities, and robotic automation.

Explore More Engineering Opportunities

This role falls within our Engineering/Manufacturing division, where we specialize in placing professionals in areas such as:

• Quality Engineering and Quality Assurance
• Mechanical/Electrical Engineering
• Manufacturing/Process Engineering
• CNC Machining and Programming
• Field Service Engineering
• Technical Support and Parts Management
• Controls and Automation Engineering
• Project Engineering
• Operations / Plant Engineering

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