Quality Assistant Manager

(To perform within this position successfully, the incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.)

• Plan, develop, and implement product validation (PV) testing and production quality validation activities.
• Manage product validation (PV) testing and validation activities for battery system assembly and production lines.
• Conduct audits and inspections to identify risks, nonconformities, and opportunities for improvement.
• Investigate customer complaints, quality issues, and production incidents to determine root causes and corrective actions.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities using 8D, 5 Why, and other problem-solving methodologies.
• Analyze quality data, process metrics, and customer feedback to identify trends and drive improvements.
• Recommend and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve overall product quality.
• Support customer audits, supplier audits, and internal quality system audits.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 requirements and maintain the effectiveness of the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Support supplier quality management, supplier development activities, and critical component quality assurance.
• Support pilot-stage quality activities, including ISIR (Initial Sample Inspection Report), PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), and related quality documentation.
• Develop pilot sample validation plans, conduct validation testing, and prepare test reports.
• Collaborate with production, manufacturing engineering, maintenance, and other cross-functional teams to resolve quality concerns and improve process performance.
• Provide training and technical guidance on quality procedures, testing requirements, and quality standards.
• Prepare quality reports, presentations, and performance summaries for management and customers.
• Respond promptly to customer quality concerns and support customer satisfaction initiatives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, customer satisfaction, and operational performance.
• Stay current with industry standards, best practices, and emerging quality technologies
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

AUTHORITY & SCOPE

Responsible for supporting and coordinating product quality, process quality, validation activities, supplier quality, customer quality concerns, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives. Exercises authority to stop, contain, and escalate quality concerns that may impact product conformity, customer satisfaction, safety, or regulatory compliance. Supports audit readiness, customer responses, supplier quality improvement activities, and cross-functional quality initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

(The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required and preferred for this position.)

Required Education & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, battery systems, or quality engineering required.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field required
• Experience with Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and related documentation
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies and corrective action processes
• Experience with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Experience developing and maintaining Control Plans and quality documentation

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven interpersonal, communication, and time management skills
• Proven experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Experience in automotive OEM, Tier 1 supplier, or battery manufacturing environments preferred
• Knowledge of VDA standards, customer-specific requirements, and automotive quality systems preferred
• Experience in automotive or xEV battery manufacturing preferred
• Experience using tensile strength testers, leak testers, and 3D scanning equipment (e.g., Hexagon) preferred.

Working Conditions: 

• Manufacturing plant and office environment
• Frequent walking and standing on the production floor
• Exposure to production equipment, machinery, and industrial noise
• Must wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds
• May require shift support, extended work hours, weekends, and holidays based on production requirements