Customer Quality Engineer

JD:

The purpose of this position is to implement customer requirements (inhouse & extended workbench) & ensure faster response in resolving Q issues without affecting customer line & improve customer satisfaction index. Drive product audits (functional, barrier, assemblies, EOL) across value stream & error free product & PPAP dispatches to Customers (external & internal). The purpose of this position is to drive product quality across value stream & dispatch error free product to Customers.

2. Key Responsibilities

• PPAP Approval: Lead the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) with OEMs to secure full validation sign-off before Start of Production (SOP).
• Requirement Matrix: Translate complex customer technical specifications into the plants internal quality control plans.
• FMEA Alignment: Review and align the System/Design FMEAs with the Process FMEA (PFMEA) to verify that potential risks are controlled on the assembly line.
• OEM Interface: Serve as the first point of contact for customer assembly plants or field claims regarding eAxle operational anomalies.
• Structured Problem Solving: Facilitate interdisciplinary 8D investigations. Coordinate with specialists in motor winding, power electronics, and gear geometry to determine the true root cause using problem solving
• Containment Action: Immediately coordinate quarantine and containment procedures at both the supplier facility and the customers vehicle assembly plant to prevent spillover.
• Standards Enforcement: Maintain strict compliance with automotive sector standards as per IATF 16949 and specific regional mandates.
• Customer Audits: Host OEM quality representatives for regular plant line assessments, run-at-rate tests, and quality management system reviews.

3. Skills & Competencies

Technical Powertrain Competencies

• Electric Motor & E-Drive Systems: Strong understanding of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) or Induction Motors (IM), including stator winding insulation, rotor magnet retention, thermal management, and position sensors (resolvers).
• Power Electronics & Inverter Integration: Basic knowledge of inverter architecture, IGBT/SiC switching behaviours, gate drivers, software-to-hardware interfaces.
• Mechanical & Gearbox Systems: Proficiency in mechanical transmission concepts, high-speed NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) signatures, bearing durability, and dynamic oil sealing/lubrication systems.
• End-of-Line (EOL) Testing: Familiarity with powertrain production validation testing, including high-voltage isolation checks, leak tests, back-EMF measurements.

Automotive Quality Core Tools & Problem Solving

• Core Tools Mastery: Advanced expertise in APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning), PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), and control plans.
• Risk Analysis & Statistics: Deep proficiency in FMEA (Design & Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), SPC (Statistical Process Control), and MSA (Measurement Systems Analysis) using software like Minitab.
• Automotive Standards: Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949 quality management standards (Functional Safety / ASIL levels) for electrified powertrains. Customer-Specific Requirements (CSR):
• Structured Problem Solving: Certified or highly experienced in 8D methodology, 5-Why analysis, Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams, and Red X/Shainin techniques.
• Containment Execution: Speed and precision in establishing robust boundary samples, quarantine logic, and clean-point definitions at both supplier and OEM sites.

Interpersonal & Customer Management Skills

• Crisis Management & Resilience: Ability to maintain professional composure and logical thinking under high-pressure scenarios, such as when facing an OEM assembly line stoppage.
• Technical Diplomacy: Strong communication skills to act as a buffer and translator between demanding OEM quality managers and internal engineering/manufacturing teams.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Capacity to lead matrixed, cross-functional engineering teams (mechanical, software, electrical, manufacturing) without direct reporting authority.

4. Education

• Bachelors degree in engineering in Mechanical, Electronics, Electrical, Automotive engineering.
• Certified IATF auditor (mandatory)
• Master's in quality / Operation / Project Management (desirable)

5. Experience

• Total Experience: Typically, approx. 5 years of professional progressive experience in automotive quality, product engineering, or manufacturing engineering.
• Powertrain Specifics: Minimum 3 years of dedicated experience working with electrified powertrain systems (e-drives, electric motors, inverters, eAxles, or high-voltage battery systems).