APU / Customer Quality Engineer

Valeo is seeking an APU / Customer Quality Engineer to serve as the primary customer contact for all quality issues. This role involves managing customer complaints using structured problem-solving methodologies like 8D, leading root cause analysis with cross-functional teams, and implementing corrective and preventive actions. The engineer will communicate findings to customers, monitor key quality metrics, and support New Product Introduction to ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements. The position emphasizes continuous improvement and fostering strong customer relationships.

Must Have

• Serve as main point of contact for customer quality issues
• Manage end-to-end customer complaint process using structured problem-solving (8D, 5-Why, PDCA-FTA, Ishikawa)
• Lead cross-functional teams for root cause analysis of defects and field failures
• Develop, implement, and validate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Communicate investigation findings and actions to customers
• Track and report on key customer quality metrics (PPM, response time, warranty)
• Participate in customer visits, audits, and quality review meetings
• Collaborate on NPI to integrate customer-specific quality requirements (CSRs)
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field
• 3-5 years of experience in a quality engineering role within a manufacturing environment
• Proven customer-facing experience on technical and quality-related issues
• Proficiency in structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, PDCA-FTA)
• Strong knowledge of core quality tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills

Good to Have

• Experience working within an IATF 16949 certified environment
• Certified IATF and VDA Auditor
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Experience using statistical analysis software (e.g., Minitab)
• Familiarity with customer-specific quality portals and systems (e.g., BMW, Mercedes)

Perks & Benefits

• Join one of the largest global innovative companies, with more than 20,000 engineers working in Research & Development
• A multi-cultural environment that values diversity and international collaboration
• More than 100,000 colleagues in 31 countries, offering many opportunities for career growth
• A business highly committed to limiting the environmental impact of its activities
• Ranked by Corporate Knights as the number one company in the automotive sector in terms of sustainable development
• Grow and thrive, setting the trend through advanced technologies, for greener, safer, and smarter mobility
• Employees are gathered around our common culture and have everyday the opportunity to #Dare.Care.Share

Responsibilities:

• Customer Advocate: Serve as the main point of contact for customers on all quality issues, building strong relationships based on trust and responsiveness.
• Complaint Management: Manage the end-to-end customer complaint process using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5-Why, PDCA-FTA, Ishikawa diagrams).
• Root Cause Analysis: Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams (including Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain) to investigate the root causes of customer-reported defects and field failures.
• Corrective & Preventive Actions (CAPA): Develop, implement, and validate the effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions to address root causes and prevent issue recurrence.
• Customer Communication: Professionally communicate investigation findings, containment plans, and long-term corrective actions to customers through formal reports and presentations.
• Performance Monitoring: Track and report on key customer quality metrics, such as Parts Per Million (PPM), complaint response time, and warranty claim rates. Analyze data to identify emerging trends.
• On-Site Support: Participate in and lead customer visits, on-site audits, and regular quality review meetings to ensure alignment and foster a collaborative partnership.
• NPI Support: Collaborate with project teams during New Product Introduction (NPI) to ensure all customer-specific quality requirements (CSRs) are understood and integrated into the manufacturing process.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion a culture of continuous improvement and customer focus throughout the organization, using customer feedback and data to drive internal process enhancements.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in a quality engineering role within a manufacturing environment (e.g., automotive, electronics, aerospace, medical devices).
• Customer-Facing Experience: Proven experience acting as a direct point of contact for external customers on technical and quality-related issues.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, PDCA-FTA etc.).
• Core Quality Tools: Strong knowledge of core quality tools such as APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to lead, influence, and collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Analytical Skills: Proficient in data analysis and data-driven decision-making.
• Experience working within an IATF 16949 certified environment is desirable.
• Certified IATF and VDA Auditor (desirable).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience using statistical analysis software (e.g., Minitab).
• Familiarity with customer-specific quality portals and systems (e.g. BMW, Mercedes).