Quality Engineer 1

*Please note: This is a part-time position Schedule: 32 hours/week | 4 days/week | Flexible workdays Monday–Friday* The Quality Engineer I will work within the DMMI-0231 Quality Engineering team at DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. in Battle Creek, MI. This role focuses on supplier quality, internal process improvement, and the application of basic quality and AIAG core tools to maintain high standards for automotive components.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages in-line (non-conformance) claims by customer for assigned plants/manufacturers. Monitors customer quality issues via web portal, regular correspondence and during customer site visits. Investigates quality concerns, recovers defective products and ships to DENSO plants and establishes on site containment for critical issues. Reviews countermeasures suggested by DENSO plants. Tracks customer rating system to ensure records match actual performance and reconciles inaccurate records with customer and requests revisions. Works to isolate and identify root causes within a process via on-site review and data analysis. Develops countermeasures to resolve issues found to prevent recurrence.
• Manages approval process/system engineering change activity for assigned customers. Reviews design change information and follows up with DENSO plants with any concerns prior to submission to customer. Relays customer requests for more information, data, sample parts prior to approval of design changes. Sends notification to plants of approval to ship new parts. Holds status update meetings with customers to detail progress and concerns.
• Ensures that all New Model Requirements are completed according to the schedule supplied by the customer. Attends customer kickoff meetings to determine project requirements. Follows DENSO NA QE standards to manage new model launch activities. Negotiates any changes to customer or plant side requirements. Establishes plant visits to perform audits. Monitors design changes to confirm implementation and effectiveness of change.
• Performs plant "Go and See" activities when a major quality issue is reported. Performs a root cause analysis and evaluates process changes / countermeasures that the plant has made. Makes recommendations towards additional improvements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related
• 0-3 years of relevant experience
• Mechanical aptitude as many issues presented by the customer are vague and require additional investigation.
• Customer service skills. Ability to promote and support a service-oriented environment.
• Negotiation skills. Ability to defend position strongly while keenly aware of the need to maximize benefits for all sides.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain relationships with an ability to work as part of a cross functional team.
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Annual Salary: $56,000- $70,000

• Perform supplier audits and assessments using AIAG Core Tools.
• Analyze and resolve non‑conformances and customer complaints.
• Develop and maintain quality documentation, including PPAP and control plans.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using basic quality tools (e.g., 5‑Why, Fishbone).
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor key quality metrics and generate performance reports.
• Assist in root‑cause investigations and implement effective solutions.
• Participate in internal and external quality system audits.
• Provide technical support for new product introductions.
• Maintain compliance with ISO/TS 16949 and other relevant standards.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of engineering experience in a quality environment.
• Proficiency with basic quality tools (e.g., SPC, FMEA, Pareto).
• Knowledge of AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC).
• Experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier quality.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Familiarity with ISO/TS 16949 automotive quality standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.