Senior Quality Engineer (Automotive Manufacturing)

Automotive | Leadership | Hands-On Problem Solving

Elizabethtown, KY

About the role

Our client, a global automotive manufacturer, is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer for its Elizabethtown, Kentucky facility. This highly visible, hands-on role combines automotive quality engineering expertise with leadership responsibilities, supporting manufacturing operations, quality improvement initiatives, and resolution of complex quality issues. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive accountability across the quality team, fostering a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
• Maintain and improve the plant's quality management system in compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements (CSRs).
• Lead APQP and PPAP activities for new product launches and engineering changes.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts using structured methodologies such as 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa, A3.
• Develop, review, and update Process/Design FMEAs and Control Plans.
• Apply Statistical Process Control, capability studies, and Measurement System Analysis to monitor and improve process stability.
• Serve as the primary quality contact for assigned customer accounts, managing scorecards, complaints, and quality escalations.
• Plan and conduct internal quality audits and support/lead customer and third-party audits.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of quality engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment
• 3+ years of supervisory or leadership experience overseeing Quality Engineers
• Prior experience in a Tier 1/Tier 2 automotive supplier or OEM plant preferred
• Strong knowledge of AIAG core tools such as APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC
• Proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa, A3, DMAIC)
• Hands-on experience with blueprint reading and dimensional inspection equipment
• Familiarity with Six Sigma (Green Belt/Black Belt preferred) and Lean Manufacturing principles
• Understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to automotive
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving mindset