Senior Quality Engineer
Location:
Irvine, CA (100% onsite)
Duration:
4-month contract
Schedule:
Standard business hours
Pay range:$60-$66
Position Overview
The Senior Quality Engineer will serve as an onsite Appearance Quality & Tooling Liaison
at external tool shops and texture houses. This role is responsible for ensuring that all appearance-critical interior and exterior components meet the required engineering, craftsmanship, and design specifications. The position requires deep technical expertise in injection molding, surface finishes, and texture application, along with strong vendor-facing leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Onsite Execution & Vendor Liaison
- Serve as the primary onsite technical representative at tooling and texture suppliers.
- Oversee application and verification of all appearance-critical surfaces, including A-surfaces, texture, gloss, and color transitions.
Quality Gate Ownership
- Lead the Appearance Approval Process (AAP) and Craftsmanship buy-offs at supplier locations.
- Ensure timely completion of program milestones and quality gates.
Risk Identification & Resolution
- Apply expert knowledge of injection molding and texture processes to identify risks early.
- Resolve tooling-related appearance issues directly on the shop floor to prevent downstream impact.
Technical Communication & Alignment
- Act as the communication bridge between internal Design Quality/Studio/CMF teams and external vendors.
- Translate complex design and texture requirements into actionable specifications for tooling partners.
Standards & Compliance Validation
- Verify supplier adherence to “Critical to Styling” (CTS) requirements and Bill of Design standards.
- Document compliance and deviations with precision and clarity.
Reporting & Escalation
- Deliver timely, high-accuracy reports on emerging appearance or texture execution issues.
- Provide objective situational awareness to internal Craftsmanship and Design Quality leadership.
Required Qualifications
Experience
- 10+ years in Craftsmanship, Perceived Quality, Design Quality, Tooling Engineering, or related roles within an automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier.
- Strong history of driving supplier performance and managing production execution.
Technical Expertise
- Advanced understanding of plastic part development and injection molding.
- Mastery of texture and surface treatment methods (laser etching, chemical graining, etc.).
Appearance Quality Skills
- Superior visual discrimination; ability to pass a Munsell Hue Test or equivalent standard.
Leadership & Autonomy
- Proven ability to work independently as an onsite representative without direct oversight.
- Strong influence skills when working with external partners.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical field.
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