Quality Engineer

Location: Port Elizabeth
Reporting to: Quality Manager

Job Overview

The Quality Engineer will be responsible for ensuring product quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement within the manufacturing environment. The role involves driving problem-solving initiatives, managing corrective actions, monitoring quality performance metrics, and ensuring compliance with quality standards and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive customer satisfaction through effective problem identification and the application of structured problem-solving techniques.
• Lead and drive 8D corrective action processes and ensure effective closure of action plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers through effective communication and responsiveness.
• Ensure compliance with customer-specific quality requirements.
• Prepare, measure, and drive IPPM reduction initiatives, focusing on rework reduction, First Time Through (FTT), scrap reduction, and continuous improvement.
• Manage the Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) process using the PDCA methodology.
• Identify gaps in the Quality Management System (QMS) and maintain internal audit schedules, particularly for shopfloor activities.
• Participate in launch team activities, identifying potential process non-conformances through risk assessments, FMEAs, SOPs, and CSR requirements.
• Plan, manage, and conduct internal quality audits.
• Promote operational quality awareness and training initiatives aligned with the Layered Process Audit (LPA)system.
• Facilitate daily KPI reporting to plant management and the operations team.
• Consolidate and report KPIs for monthly performance reporting and operational reviews.
• Monitor and track customer scorecards.
• Analyse performance metrics and implement corrective and preventative actions to improve KPIs.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma in Engineering or Qualified Toolmaker (NTC 6).
• Diploma in Quality Management (advantageous).
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills.
• Lean Manufacturing training or Six Sigma Black Belt (advantageous).
• Strong knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies including:
  • 8D
  • PDCA
  • Ishikawa
  • 5 Why analysis
• Solid understanding of multi-disciplinary manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, CAD, part and assembly drawings.
• Minimum 5 years experience in a quality role within an automotive manufacturing environment, preferably in a press shop environment.
• Knowledge of industry standards including:
  • IATF 16949
  • VDA 6.3
  • IQSB
  • Ford Q1

Key Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Leadership and ability to manage cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Resilience and ability to perform under pressure
• Excellent report writing and communication skills
• Strong time management and organisational skills

Additional Information

Applicants may be required to undergo competency assessments, personality assessments, medical examinations, and criminal background checks as part of the recruitment process.