Field Quality Associate

Position Summary: This position plays a critical role in ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability for the Company's customers. You will serve as the primary liaison between service locations (typically automotive OEMs) and their suppliers, driving continuous improvement initiatives and resolving quality-related issues in a timely and effective manner. This role requires strong technical expertise, exceptional communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with supplier and service location personnel, serving as the main point of contact for quality-related matters.
•  onduct regular audits and assessments of supplier parts at the service location to ensure compliance with quality standards, specification, and material flow.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish and implement supplier quality performance objectives.
• Recommend initiatives, including process improvements and corrective action plans, to drive product quality, reliability, and cost reductions.
• Rapidly identify, isolate, communicate and resolve quality issues.
• Conduct root cause analysis of customer quality issues.
• Understand service location processes and its effect on customers' parts.
• Provide technical support and guidance to customers and service location staff, assisting them in resolving quality-related challenges and implementing best practices.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements in manufacturing and quality assurance.
• Communicate effectively with customer and service location team members, including engineering, quality, logistics, procurement, and production teams, to ensure alignment on quality objectives and expectations.
• Identify leads and generate new business opportunities for the Company.
• Document and update notes, audits, issues, contacts, parts, and supplier information in software systems.
• Understand and leverage quality management systems and tools, including ISO, TS 16949, and AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA).
• Promote proper work ethic and demonstrate the Company's Core Values, policies, procedures and best practices.
• Comply with all customer and service location requirements, including, but not limited to, health/safety training and vaccination status. 
• Demonstrate proficiency using technology, including, but not limited to, smart phones, tablets, computers, mobile applications, web-based software, typing, data entry, spreadsheets, and the use of video conferencing systems.
• Demonstrate the ability to use written and verbal communication skills to deal effectively with diverse groups of people, including proficiency in using a telephone/cellphone.
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain a close working relationship with Company team members, customers, service locations, and the general public for the purpose of explanation, interpretation, technical assistance, and non-routine problem-solving.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of driving supplier quality improvements and cost reductions.
• Demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and implement effective solutions.
• Demonstrate outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels, inside and outside the Company.
• Demonstrate solid project and time management capabilities, including the ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrate proficiency in quality analysis tools and methodologies, such as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using measurement gauges (calipers, micrometers, feeler gauges, etc.).
• Travel to Company facilities, customer locations, or alternate service locations as assigned. Must be able to drive on behalf of the Company and/or customers if required.
• Occasional participation in events outside of regular hours may be necessary, which may include meetings, training sessions, and team building events.
• Maintains flexibility to work additional hours as needed during busy periods or to meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing work demands and schedules, including occasional mandatory overtime. Mandatory overtime may be required, with compensation provided in accordance with Company policies and local labor laws.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time (2/3 or more of the workday), and perform tasks that require bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Ability to work with and around others for extended periods of time (2/3 or more of the workday).
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate smartphones, keyboards, hand tools, and measurement devices.
• Keen eyesight to read small print/text/figures and to identify quality defects (including in low-light situations).
• Comfortable working in environments with varying temperatures and noise levels.
• Employment for this position is contingent on the individual obtaining and maintaining all Company, customer, and service location requirements (including vaccination status), which may be subject to change at any time.

Education, Experience, Qualifications:

Required

• High school diploma or GED
• Must be and remain eligible to be issued a passport for any required international travel/training
• Valid driver's license 

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a manufacturing-related field
• Experience in automotive manufacturing or supplier quality assurance

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The statements listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual filling this position and is subject to change. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their typical responsibilities from time to time, as assigned by management. The Company reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description as appropriate in its business judgment. This job description itself is not a contract of employment, implied or otherwise.