Quality Systems Engineer Summary of the position : The Quality Systems Engineer is responsible for maintaining and improving the plant's internal quality systems to ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and applicable customer-specific requirements. This role supports both strategic quality system initiatives and day-to-day plant operations, acting as a key liaison between internal teams and external customers. The Quality Systems Engineer is detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to balance compliance activities with practical support for production and engineering teams.
Job Responsibilities:
Quality Systems and Compliance Leads the maintenance and continual improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) and Quality Systems Databases in alignment with
IATF 16949
standards and international VDA quality system guidelines as required. Represent Top Tenn as the main contact for external audits. Manage the internal audit activities, including schedules, assignments, and reporting. Support preparation for and response to external audits (IATF, customer, and third-party). Travels to other plants and customer locations as required Initiates notifications of and tracks all audit-related nonconformance and corrective actions for external and internal audits. Communicate with the registrar, customer, Management, or Top Tenn personnel as needed to resolve the issue. Maintain document control processes, including quality manuals, procedures, and work instructions. Support collecting, organizing, and reporting on the cost of quality (sorts, debits, warranty, maintenance costs, such as calibrations). Customer Interface Serve as the primary quality contact for assigned customers, as designated by the Quality Manager. Support customer-specific requirements, including
APQP, PPAP
submissions, audit preparation, and ongoing communication. Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to customer complaints or nonconformances. Build and maintain strong relationships with customer quality representatives, ensuring responsiveness and professionalism in all interactions. Coordinate with internal departments to ensure customer expectations are understood and consistently met. Plant Support and Daily Activities Work closely with production, engineering, and maintenance to ensure quality requirements are understood and met on the floor. Participate in problem-solving efforts related to process quality and continuous improvement. Monitor and analyze quality performance metrics, including scrap, rework, and audit findings, in support of the Quality Manager. Supports and follows the requirements of the
ISO14001
system as required Continuous Improvement Identify opportunities to improve quality system processes and reduce nonconformances. Participate in cross-functional improvement initiatives such as layered process audits, FMEAs, and control plan reviews. Any additional duties assigned by Management. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality, or equivalent work experience. At least 10 years' experience in Quality Engineering Thorough understanding of
ISO 9000, IATF 16949, ISO 17025, VDA
6.3, and
ISO 14001
(or appropriate equivalents). Experience working within customer portals and quality systems (e.g., corrective action tracking, document control). Formal training in internal auditing is preferred. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Must be able to train others. Must be able to conduct effective presentations. Must be able to operate various computer programs and basic office machines. Must possess independent decision-making skills. Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team-oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment. Puts into practice daily the virtues of the Ideal Team Player (
Humble:
Seeks feedback, acknowledges others' contributions, and admits mistakes.
Hungry:
Self-motivated, eager to take initiative, and driven to improve systems and results.
People Smart:
Builds trust, communicates clearly, and collaborates effectively across teams. Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple priorities. Must be able to manage and maintain confidential information Must maintain regular and predictable attendance Must be able to be physically onsite to work and must be able to travel as needed. Must be able to sit for long periods, stand, walk, climb stairs, and bend Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 pounds Must be able to view computer screens and paperwork at close distance, distinguishing letters and numbers Must be able to hear and speak professionally to small and large groups, interacting with various levels of Management, customers, vendors, co-workers, and visitors To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfy each essential duty. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability and physical demands required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable in
