A Mechanical Testing Engineer designs and runs verification methods, test reports, and assists with troubleshooting for mechanical engineering projects.
Customer Quality and Test Engineer BArdor LLC South Lyon, MI Job Details Full-time $80,000 - $120,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Vision insurance 401(k) matching Flexible schedule Qualifications Statistics Customer support experience within manufacturing industry Customer communication Defect resolution root cause analysis Equipment calibration
IATF 16949
2016 Statistical Process Control GD&T Manufacturing facility experience Bachelor's degree in engineering Production validation processes Bachelor's degree Data analytics Quality assurance experience within automotive industry Productivity software Engineering functional testing
PPAP OEM
Test validation method Technical Proficiency Test Planning (Quality assurance practices) Failure analysis Engineering manufacturing support Measurement (quality control) Full Job Description The Customer Quality and Test Engineer is responsible for ensuring products meet customer requirements from development through launch and production. This role combines customer-facing quality ownership with hands-on test planning, execution, data analysis, and failure investigation. The engineer serves as a key technical interface between customers and internal Manufacturing, Product Engineering, Program Management, Supplier Quality, and Operations teams. The position leads the resolution of customer quality concerns, validates product and process performance, supports new-product launches, and drives corrective actions that prevent recurrence. Success requires a strong understanding of automotive quality systems, test methods, data-driven problem solving, and customer-specific requirements. Primary Responsibilities Customer Quality Management Serve as the primary quality and technical contact for assigned customers and programs. Build productive relationships with customer quality, engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing teams. Manage customer complaints, scorecards, quality reviews, plant visits, launch reviews, and warranty-related discussions. Coordinate immediate containment and communicate status, recovery plans, and closure timing to customers. Support customer-specific requirements and ensure timely response to quality-related requests. Test Engineering and Validation Develop and execute product, component, and process test plans in accordance with customer specifications, internal standards, and applicable industry requirements. Define test methods, fixtures, acceptance criteria, data-collection plans, and reporting requirements. Coordinate laboratory, production-floor, and external test activities; verify equipment readiness and calibration status. Analyze test data, identify trends and failure modes, and prepare clear technical reports for internal and customer review. Support design verification, process validation, run-at-rate, safe-launch, and production validation activities. Lead or support teardown, inspection, and failure-analysis activities for test failures, customer returns, and field issues. Problem Solving and Corrective Action Lead cross-functional investigations using 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, Pareto analysis, fault-tree analysis, and DOE as appropriate. Establish and verify containment, root cause, corrective actions, and preventive actions for internal and customer issues. Prepare and submit customer corrective-action responses, including 8D reports, evidence of effectiveness, and recurrence-prevention plans. Verify implementation of corrective actions at manufacturing, supplier, and customer locations when required. Launch and Manufacturing Quality Support Participate in APQP activities, including review of PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions, test requirements, and readiness plans. Support PPAP preparation, product and process validation, and customer approval activities. Work with production teams to reduce scrap, rework, internal PPM, and cost of poor quality. Monitor first-pass yield, process capability, audit findings, and launch quality metrics; drive improvement actions. Support layered process audits, product audits, and internal quality-system audits. Quality Systems and Documentation Maintain complete, accurate test records, calibration evidence, inspection results, and customer-quality documentation. Support compliance with
IATF 16949, ISO 9001, AIAG
Core Tools, and customer-specific requirements. Contribute to continuous improvement of test procedures, quality standards, control methods, and reporting tools. Required Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Quality, or a related Engineering discipline. Experience Minimum 3-5 years of experience in automotive quality engineering, test engineering, product validation, or a closely related role. Experience in a Tier 1 automotive supplier or automotive manufacturing environment. Experience supporting OEM customers, customer quality concerns, product launches, or production validation. Technical Skills Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, SPC, MSA, GD&T, process capability, and statistical analysis. Ability to develop test plans, conduct or coordinate validation testing, interpret results, and document conclusions. Strong root-cause analysis and structured problem-solving capability. Familiarity with measurement systems, inspection equipment, data acquisition, and calibration controls. Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with quality, test, or data-analysis software is preferred. Key Competencies Customer-focused communication and professional presentation skills Technical judgment and attention to detail Analytical, data-driven problem solving Ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority Organization, urgency, and ability to manage competing priorities Clear written communication for test reports, quality documentation, and customer responses Key Performance Indicators Customer PPM and customer scorecard performance Customer complaint response and 8D closure time Corrective-action effectiveness and repeat-issue reduction Test-plan completion, first-pass test rate, and validation readiness Launch quality performance, internal PPM, scrap, rework, and COPQ Audit results and compliance to quality-system requirements Preferred Certifications ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt AIAG Core Tools certification
IATF 16949
Internal Auditor certification VDA 6.3 Process Auditor certification Success Profile A successful Customer Quality and Test Engineer combines a strong customer orientation with rigorous technical discipline. The individual anticipates quality risks, validates product and process performance, communicates clearly with customers and internal teams, and turns test and failure data into lasting improvements. This role contributes to successful launches, reliable products, strong customer relationships, and a culture of prevention and continuous improvement.
