Supplier Quality Engineer, Cabin

Job Overview 

We are looking for a Supplier Quality Engineer (Cabin Systems) with broad responsibilities, working cross-functionally with Engineering, Suppliers, Purchasing, and Manufacturing teams to define and implement supplier quality engineering processes and drive continuous improvement activities throughout the organization. The Quality Engineer will play a key role in implementing and maintaining Harbinger’s quality management system (QMS) and will establish and improve the quality of our operational processes and outputs. Responsibilities include defining quality standards for interior and cabin components, inspecting materials, equipment, processes, and products, developing quality control systems, supplier selection, PPAP, leading APQP, and determining corrective actions. A successful Quality Engineer should have excellent troubleshooting skills, an eye for aesthetic detail, and the ability to ensure that cabin systems consistently meet established functional, safety, and fit-and-finish standards.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and implement supplier quality standards, supplier quality portal, and supporting supplier quality processes tailored to cabin interior, trim, and human-interface components.

• Inspect and test materials, sub-assemblies, and finished products (e.g., seating assemblies, instrument panels, dashboards, door trim, HVAC controls, interior lighting, glass/windshields, insulation, and cabin hardware) to ensure functional, dimensional, and aesthetic specifications are met.

• Conduct supplier assessments and evaluations to ensure suppliers meet automotive interior quality, craftmanship, and flammability/safety standards.

• Plan and conduct supplier audits to assess their quality systems, production control processes, color/grain matching controls, tool longevity, and manufacturing capabilities.

• Participate in the supplier selection process by providing quality-related, craftmanship, and interior compliance input.

• Lead weekly calls with suppliers to ensure cabin components and assemblies are on track to meet quality, aesthetic, and timing requirements for various build stages of the production line.

• Monitor and report on supplier performance metrics, such as defect rates, cosmetic fallout, delivery times, and compliance with specifications.

• Identify areas for improvement and work with suppliers to implement robust root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, 5-Why).

• Investigate and resolve quality issues related to material defects, surface finish, squeak and rattle (NVH), color/gloss variation, and dimensional fit issues.

• Collaborate with suppliers to determine root causes of defects and implement robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier quality, cabin craftsmanship, and interior ergonomics.

• Work with suppliers to implement lean manufacturing practices, poke-yoke assembly fixtures, and statistical process controls for high-touch interior parts.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of supplier quality performance, appearance sign-offs (AAR), audits, and corrective actions.

• Ensure that suppliers comply with all relevant industry standards, cabin safety regulations (e.g., FMVSS 302 flammability, occupant impact standards), and company policies.

• Stay updated on changes in industry standards and regulations affecting automotive interiors, materials compliance, and supplier quality.

• Lead supplier audits, APQP, PPAP (including Appearance Approval Reports - AAR), Gauge R&R, CMM/fixture validation, and safe launch activities.

• Participate in Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA) and craftsmanship/gap-and-flush reviews with design engineering and manufacturing teams.

• Lead MRB (Material Review Board) meetings and act as a quality representative for the engineering change control board regarding cabin assemblies, interior trim, and driver interface components.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or a similar technical field required.

• 3 – 7 years of experience in manufacturing quality or supplier quality engineering in the automotive, commercial vehicle, aerospace interior, or mass transit industries.

• Hands-on experience or familiarity with vehicle cabin systems, including interior plastics, thermoforming, foam-in-place, seating mechanisms, upholstery/stitching, glass/glazing, HVAC ducting, or cabin electronics/displays.

• ASQ Certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, or higher preferred.

• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001:2018 or IATF 16949 standards strongly desired.

• Understanding of core quality tools such as Quality Management Systems, Supplier/Internal Audits, APQP, SPC, PPAP (AAR), FMEA (DFMEA/PFMEA), and MSA.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.

• High attention to visual and tactile details (fit and finish, color matching, texture, gap and flush, and NVH/squeak-and-rattle mitigation).

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex supplier projects simultaneously.

• Strong understanding of interior manufacturing processes, including plastic injection molding, blow molding, vacuum forming, leather/fabric wrapping, stamping, and electromechanical sub-assembly integration.

• Ability to travel (domestic and international) up to 30% to 50%.

• Proven experience in a quality engineering role within an automotive or commercial vehicle interior environment.

• Strong knowledge of quality assurance methodologies, dimensional checking fixtures, surface measurement tools, and root cause analysis techniques.

• Experience with supplier quality management, including auditing suppliers of interior trim, seating, and human-machine interface (HMI) modules.

• Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS) and relevant software applications.