Quality Engineer

Quality

Piedmont, SC

Professional Direct Hire

Sep 3, 2026

Quality Engineer

Location:

Piedmont, SC

Company:

JTEKT North America

Join Our Expansion in 2026

Join JTEKT North America—a global leader in automotive systems, bearing solutions, and high-performance machine tools—as we expand our Piedmont, SC facility in 2025 with over 120 new machines and advanced automation systems.

As a Quality Engineer, you will be a key technical contributor helping scale and optimize our high-volume manufacturing operation. This is a high-impact role supporting new equipment launches, process validation, and customer quality performance during a significant growth phase.

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality systems to ensure products meet customer, regulatory, and internal standards. This role leads APQP and PPAP activities, manages customer quality concerns, drives corrective actions, and supports continuous improvement initiatives in alignment with

IATF 16949

standards.

This position requires strong technical knowledge, hands-on problem-solving ability, and the confidence to work cross-functionally within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead APQP activities and prepare/submit PPAP documentation

Support new equipment launches and process validation tied to facility expansion

Manage customer complaints and quality issues using structured problem-solving methods (8D, 5 Why, Root Cause Analysis)

Drive containment, corrective actions, and preventive measures to closure

Support and maintain

IATF 16949

2016 compliance and audit readiness

Partner with production, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain to improve process capability and product quality

Guide metrology activities, including measurement systems analysis (MSA) and GD&T interpretation

Support product validation, receiving inspection, calibration systems, and testing programs

Participate in and drive Kaizen and Lean manufacturing initiatives

Monitor quality KPIs and implement improvements to reduce defects and variation

Work collaboratively in a team-based, multi-cultural environment

Perform additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical field preferred

(Associate degree with equivalent experience may be considered)

4+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality role (automotive industry preferred)

Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and

IATF 16949

High proficiency in GD&T and blueprint interpretation

Experience with structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, statistical tools)

Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools

Experience with measurement systems, metrology, and statistical analysis

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to lead cross-functional teams and interface directly with customers

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Manufacturing plant environment requiring use of PPE (steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, etc.)

Frequent standing, bending, reaching, and repetitive motion

Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

Overtime and flexible hours may be required based on production demands

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