Job Description
Individual contributor that is fully proficient in applying established quality standards. Works independently and may instruct and/or coach other professionals.
Job purpose
The Process Quality Engineer (PQE) is a key member of the plant Quality team and is responsible for manufacturing process quality control and continuous improvement in accordance with IATF 16949 requirements.
The PQE ensures that product quality risks are identified, controlled and prevented within manufacturing processes, through robust process controls, effective problem-solving and close cross-functional cooperation.
The PQE works closely with the Customer Quality Engineer (CQE) to support the resolution of customer quality concerns, acting as the factory-level quality owner to investigate root causes, implement corrective and preventive actions, and ensure sustainable improvements are embedded in standard manufacturing processes.
Principle accountabilities
- Comply with IATF 16949, EHS and JM Quality Policies
- Comply with EHS regulations, quality management system requirements and company quality objectives.
- Ensure process quality activities are aligned with IATF 16949 principles, with focus on risk-based thinking and prevention.
Drive Manufacturing Process Quality Control and Improvement
- Establish, implement and maintain process quality control methods, including Control Plans, inspection standards and sampling plans, to ensure stable and capable manufacturing processes.
- Monitor and analyze process quality performance indicators (e.g. scrap rate, FPY, process capability), driving continuous improvement actions to reduce quality losses and COPQ.
- Identify potential process quality risks and initiate preventive actions before customer impact occurs.
Factory-Level Quality Issue Management
- Lead the investigation and resolution of internal manufacturing quality issues and process-related NCRs.
- Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g. 5 Why, Fishbone, statistical analysis) to identify true root causes from a process perspective.
- Coordinate with Manufacturing, Process, Engineering and Production teams to ensure timely and effective implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
- Verify the effectiveness of implemented actions and prevent recurrence.
Customer Quality Support – Collaboration with CQE
- Act as the primary factory interface to support CQE in resolving customer quality complaints.
- Translate customer quality issues and requirements into manufacturing process actions and lead the plant-side investigations and improvements.
- Support the preparation of customer reports (e.g. 8D), providing accurate root cause analysis and corrective action details related to manufacturing processes.
- Ensure customer-driven quality requirements are correctly implemented, standardized and sustained within factory operations.
NPI and Change Management Process Quality Support
- Participate in New Product Introduction (NPI), line trials and scale-up activities, focusing on process quality risk identification and prevention.
- Support the development and update of Process FMEA, Control Plans and quality checkpoints for new or modified processes.
- Participate in Management of Change (MOC) activities to assess quality risks associated with process, equipment, material or parameter changes.
- Ensure process readiness and stability before mass production release.
Audit, Standardization and Quality Culture
- Support internal, customer and third-party audits (e.g. IATF 16949), ensuring manufacturing process compliance and effective corrective action follow-up.
- Ensure process quality documentation is accurate, up to date and effectively implemented on the shop floor.
- Promote quality awareness and process discipline within manufacturing teams.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or above in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials or related discipline
- Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing or process quality within Chemical or Automotive industry
- Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 requirements and manufacturing process quality control
- Experience in applying quality tools such as Process FMEA, Control Plan, SPC, MSA
- Competent user of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Minitab preferred
- Strong process-focused problem-solving capability
- Ability to work effectively across functions and drive actions on the shop floor
- Good communication skills to translate customer requirements into manufacturing actions
- Ability to handle complexity and work under pressure
- Fluent in written and verbal English
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