SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Proterra is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to lead advanced product quality and quality management system ownership for its battery technology and electrified powertrain solutions. This role combines strategic quality planning with operational excellence across the product development lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP): Lead APQP deliverables from concept through launch, including control plans, measurement system analysis (MSA/Gage R&R), process capability studies, and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) submissions. Develop and release Prototype, Pre-Launch, Production, and Safe Launch Control Plans aligned to development phase gates.
FMEA Leadership: Serve as the subject-matter expert for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Support Design and Manufacturing Engineering in DFMEA and PFMEA development, advise on methodology and risk ranking, and promote consistent FMEA practice across locations.
Customer Compliance: Compile and submit PPAP packages for customer approval, including control plan checklists and product quality planning forms. Lead customer-specific requirements self-assessments and assure compliance.
Quality Management System (QMS): Develop, maintain, and improve the QMS to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and customer-specific requirements. Own document control, process standardization, and system performance metrics.
Audits and Compliance: Lead internal audits and support external and customer audits. Drive containment, correction, and risk assessment of audit findings. Report QMS performance and audit trends to top management.
Continuous Improvement: Lead structured problem-solving (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) on launch and early-production issues. Analyze scrap, rework, warranty, and first-pass-yield data to target improvement projects. Apply SPC and error-proofing techniques.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Serve as the quality voice on program teams. Coach engineers and technicians on core quality tools. Develop and deploy metrics that make QMS effectiveness and program risk visible. Champion a culture of quality and excellence.
Design Reviews and Risk Management: Participate in design reviews, special-characteristics reviews, and engineering-change assessments. Identify risks and drive mitigation actions across program phases.
Travel: 5–15% as needed.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or related); Master's degree preferred
- 5+ years of advanced product quality, new product introduction, or quality management system experience in the automotive or heavy-vehicle industry (Tier 1 or OEM preferred)
- Demonstrated ownership of APQP and PPAP submissions through customer approval
- Hands-on expertise facilitating DFMEA/PFMEA and building Control Plans, MSA/Gage R&R, SPC, and process capability studies
- Experience maintaining a QMS and leading internal audits, corrective action, and document control
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and customer-specific requirements; IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, or ISO 14001 experience a plus
- Structured problem-solving depth (8D, 5-Why); Certified Lead Auditor (ISO/IATF) strongly preferred, Six Sigma Green Belt or higher a plus
- Battery, high-voltage, or electrified powertrain product experience preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, QMS/PLM tools, and statistical analysis software (Minitab, Power BI, Tableau)
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Proactive problem-solver with growth mindset and hands-on approach
- Highly organized and detail-oriented under pressure
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; no immigration sponsorship available
