Job Title: Part Quality EngineerJob DescriptionThe Part Quality Engineer ensures robust supplier quality for automotive and powertrain components, focusing on new model launches and model changes. This role works closely with suppliers to resolve complex quality issues, manage crises and containment activities, and lead investigations to protect production and product integrity. The engineer uses structured problem-solving methodologies and advanced quality planning tools to prevent recurrence of issues and support continuous improvement across the supply base.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate closely with suppliers to identify, investigate, and resolve part quality issues for automotive and powertrain components.
- Lead containment and crisis management activities to protect production and customers during quality incidents, particularly during new model launches and model changes.
- Conduct thorough root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methods such as 8D to prevent recurrence of issues.
- Develop, review, and maintain control plans to ensure stable and capable processes at supplier facilities.
- Apply Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) principles to support new product introductions and changes, ensuring robust quality planning and risk mitigation.
- Manage and update the SQMS database to track, document, and monitor supplier quality issues and corrective actions.
- Work with suppliers on Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation and approvals to verify readiness for production.
- Support quality activities across various component areas including powertrain, chassis, interior trim, electrical, and other parts as required.
- Use VDA and other relevant quality standards and methodologies to evaluate and improve supplier quality performance.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and suppliers to align on quality expectations, action plans, and timelines.
- Participate actively in cross-functional teams to drive resolution of complex quality topics within short time frames.
- Travel locally to supplier sites to perform on-site investigations, audits, and follow-up on corrective and preventive actions.
- Demonstrate flexibility to work weekends and extended hours when necessary to manage urgent quality issues and launch-related activities.
Essential Skills
- Technical degree in a relevant field such as Mechanical Engineering.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in supplier or parts quality with an OEM or automotive supplier.
- Strong background in automotive and/or powertrain components and systems.
- Hands-on experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
- Experience with Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
- Proficiency in 8D structured problem-solving methodology.
- Demonstrated root cause analysis skills for complex quality issues.
- Supplier quality engineering experience, including direct interaction with supplier organizations.
- Knowledge of automotive component areas such as powertrain, chassis, interior trim, and electrical parts.
- Familiarity with VDA and related automotive quality standards.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively within cross-functional and multicultural teams.
- Proven complex problem-solving experience or relevant certification.
- Strong commitment and drive to resolve issues efficiently and effectively within short time frames.
- Flexibility to work weekends and longer hours when required to support quality and launch needs.
- Ability to travel locally to supplier sites as part of regular duties.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Mechanical Engineering background or degree is highly beneficial for understanding part design and function.
- Experience in automotive interiors quality is an advantage.
- Experience working within OEM environments or large automotive manufacturing organizations.
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple quality issues, action plans, and deadlines simultaneously.
- Ability to build constructive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Comfort with using quality databases and systems such as SQMS to track and report issues.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on preventive measures and long-term robustness.
- Resilience and adaptability in fast-paced, launch-intensive environments.
Work EnvironmentThe role operates within an OEM-focused environment, working closely with manufacturing, engineering, and supplier quality teams. The Part Quality Engineer spends time both in office settings managing data, documentation, and communication, and at local supplier sites conducting on-site investigations, audits, and follow-ups. Work hours are generally standard, but the position requires flexibility to work weekends and longer hours when urgent quality issues arise or during critical launch phases. The environment is dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on technical excellence, structured problem solving, and continuous improvement. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Birmingham, AL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $40.00 - $46.50/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Birmingham, AL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 26, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Birmingham,AL.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
