• Quality Engineer

    GKN Automotive (Newton, NC)


    About Us

     

    GKN Automotive is the global leader in conventional, all-wheel, and electrified driveline systems and solutions. With a presence in over 20 countries and partnerships with more than 90% of the world’s car manufacturers, we design, develop, and manufacture cutting-edge technologies that power the future of mobility. Our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence drives us to deliver high-performance solutions that meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry.

    Position Summary

    We are seeking a proactive and technically skilled Manufacturing Quality Engineer to join our team. This role is central to ensuring that our manufacturing processes consistently deliver high-quality products that meet both internal standards and customer expectations. You will lead cross-functional problem-solving initiatives, drive process improvements, and manage quality documentation and compliance activities. Your work will directly impact product integrity, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

     

    This is a hands-on position that requires strong analytical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to lead quality initiatives across departments. You’ll be empowered to make decisions, take ownership of challenges, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

    Preferred Qualifications

    + Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field

    + Prior experience in the automotive industry

    + Fluency in English; Spanish and/or German is a plus

    + Certification as a Shainin Apprentice or Six Sigma practitioner

    Required Qualifications

    + 3–5 years of experience in quality engineering within a manufacturing or automotive environment

    + Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards

    + Proficiency in GD&T, PFMEA, Control Plan development, and all 18 elements of PPAP

    + Experience with metrology tools and gages (e.g., calipers, micrometers, Go/No Go gages)

    Position Overview

    As a Manufacturing Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for leading problem-solving teams to analyze and resolve internal and external quality issues. You’ll identify root causes, develop and verify corrective actions, and communicate resolutions directly to customers. You will also lead SCRAP and NRFT (Not Right First Time) reduction initiatives and collaborate with other functions to implement process improvements.

     

    Your responsibilities include evaluating Process Change Requests and managing Product and Process Deviation requests in accordance with GKN standards and customer requirements. You’ll oversee PPAP and PTR submissions, participate in Design Reviews, and contribute to PFMEA and Control Plan development to reduce risk and improve process reliability.

     

    Success in this role requires strong soft skills, including clear and persuasive communication, decision-making confidence, stress management, and effective multitasking. You’ll use tools such as Minitab, SAP, and structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, Ishikawa, 5Why, QRQC) to support data-driven decisions and continuous improvement.

     

    Travel availability is limited to 2–3 short trips per year. This position offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where your expertise will directly influence product quality and customer satisfaction.

     

    GKN Driveline provides equal employment and affirmative action opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, pregnancy, or disability.