Principal APQP Specialist

Position Summary

The APQP Manager is responsible for leading and managing all Advanced Product Quality Planning activities to ensure successful product launches that meet customer regulatory and internal quality requirements. This role drives cross-functional collaboration from program kickoff through production launch ensuring robust planning risk mitigation and on-time delivery of quality products.

Key Responsibilities

APQP & Program Management

• Lead the APQP process in accordance with AIAG / VDA standards
• Ensure timely completion of all APQP deliverables (e.g. DFMEA PFMEA Control Plans MSA SPC PPAP)
• Manage quality activities throughout the product lifecycle from concept through launch and production handoff
• Act as the quality lead for new product introduction (NPI) and launch readiness

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Engineering Manufacturing Supply Chain Program Management and Customers to ensure quality objectives are met
• Facilitate APQP core team meetings and gate reviews
• Serve as the primary quality interface for customer APQP and launch-related requirements

Risk Management & Problem Solving

• Lead risk identification and mitigation using DFMEA PFMEA and process risk assessments
• Drive robust root cause analysis and corrective actions for launch-related issues
• Ensure lessons learned are captured and applied to future programs

PPAP & Customer Requirements

• Oversee preparation review and submission of PPAP packages
• Ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements (CSRs)
• Support customer audits launch reviews and run-at-rate events

Metrics & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and monitor APQP and launch quality KPIs
• Identify opportunities to improve APQP workflows tools and standards
• Promote continuous improvement and standardization across programs

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead mentor and develop APQP Engineers and Quality team members
• Ensure training and competency in APQP Core Tools and customer requirements
• Foster a proactive prevention-focused quality culture

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree in engineering Quality Manufacturing or related field or
• 710 years of experience in Quality or APQP roles within automotive or manufacturing
• 3 years of leadership or project management experience

Technical Skills

• Expert knowledge of APQP PPAP and AIAG Core Tools
• Strong understanding of IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements
• Experience with product launches change management and risk reduction
• Proficiency with quality problem-solving methodologies (8D 5-Why Ishikawa)

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Excellent communication and customer-facing skills
• Data-driven detail-oriented and results-focused

Certifications (Preferred)

• IATF 16949 Internal or Lead Auditor
• AIAG Core Tools certification
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt

Reporting Structure

• Reports to Launch Senior Quality Manager
• Works closely with Program Management Engineering Manufacturing and Customers
• Up to 75% travel to customer sites suppliers and manufacturing locations

Travel