APQP Engineer

APQP Engineer

New Product Launch | Automotive & Heavy Truck Metal Fabrication

Location: Gastonia, North Carolina (On-site)
Job Type: Full-time
Industry: Manufacturing / Metal Fabrication
Experience Level: 5+ years

Why Join IFAB Corp.?

At IFAB Corp., we are a leading manufacturing company specializing in high-precision metal fabrication, assembly, and coating services. Our state-of-the-art facility features cutting-edge technology, including advanced lasers and coil stamp machinery. We take immense pride in our culture of quality, safety, operational excellence, and continuous innovation.

About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on APQP Engineer who has personally prepared and submitted PPAPs to automotive, heavy truck, or agricultural OEM customers. You will own new product launches from quote award through customer PPAP approval for metal parts produced through stamping, laser cutting, tube bending, forming, welding, assembly, and e-coat/powder coat.

This is a launch-focused engineering role on the production floor. It is not a quality systems, auditing, or management position.

What You Will Do

• APQP Leadership: Lead APQP for new and changed parts: build timing plans, track deliverables, and run gate reviews to launch on time.
• PPAP Submission: Prepare, compile, and submit complete PPAP packages per AIAG and customer-specific requirements, and secure customer approval.
• Core Quality Tools: Create and own Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, Control Plans, and work instructions with cross-functional teams.
• Feasibility Reviews: Review customer drawings, GD&T, and specifications to catch manufacturability and tooling risks early.
• Process Validation: Plan and run MSA (Gage R&R), dimensional layouts, capability studies (Cpk/Ppk), and run-at-rate trials.
• Customer Interface: Act as the main quality contact for OEM customers during launch, including customer portals and launch reporting.
• Supplier PPAPs: Manage sub-supplier PPAPs, including coating and purchased components.
• Change Management: Manage engineering changes and keep quality documents current through the transition to production.
• Problem Solving: Support root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa) and apply lessons learned to future launches.
• Safety: Follow and promote Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards.

What You Need (Required)

• 5+ years of hands-on APQP/PPAP experience in an IATF 16949 manufacturing plant (automotive Tier 1/Tier 2, heavy truck Class 6–8, agricultural, or construction equipment).
• Direct experience preparing and submitting customer PPAPs, not only reviewing supplier PPAPs.
• Working knowledge of metal manufacturing processes: stamping, welding, laser cutting, forming, or coating.
• Strong command of AIAG core tools: APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and SPC.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and GD&T.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Quality Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Ability to work on-site in Gastonia, NC.

Nice to Have

• ASQ CQE, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or IATF 16949 Internal Auditor certification.
• Experience with Minitab, ERP systems, and OEM customer portals.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

How to Apply

In your resume or application, please tell us:

1. How many PPAPs you have prepared and submitted to customers in the last 3 years.
2. The industries you have supported (automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, etc.).
3. The metal processes you have launched (stamping, welding, laser, coating, etc.).

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package + annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) matching program.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Career growth opportunities within a fast-growing, tech-driven manufacturing leader.