About the role
About us LAEPPLE Automotive is a leading supplier in the automotive industry, specializing in high-quality components and systems for body components manufacturing. Our innovative technologies and efficient production processes set benchmarks in the industry. We are seeking a dependable and results-oriented Quality Technician responsible for ensuring all automotive components (incoming, in process, and finished) meet customer specifications, internal quality standards, and regulatory requirements. This role performs inspections throughout the manufacturing process, verifying product conformity using visual specifications and precision measuring equipment, supports containment activities, and helps drive continuous improvement initiatives. The Quality Technician plays a critical role in delivering defect-free products to our in-process suppliers and customers. Key Responsibilities: * Perform incoming, in-process, first-piece, last-piece and final inspections of automotive components. * Verify dimensional, cosmetic, and functional requirements according to engineering drawings, GD&T specifications, control plans, and customer requirements. * Conduct visual inspections of Class A surfaces for defects including scratches, dents, sink marks, contamination, and surface, fitment, weld and adhesion imperfections. * Utilize precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, dial indicators, vision inspection systems, surface finish measurement tools, and go/no-go gauges. * Review and interpret blueprints, engineering specifications, PPAP documentation, and quality standards. * Ensure compliance with ISO9001, IATF16949, customer specific requirements, and internal quality procedures. * Verify product conformity against control plans, work instructions, inspection standards, and appearance criteria. * Identify, document, and report nonconforming material and products. * Support containment activities for quality concerns affecting production or customer shipments. * Accurately record inspection results and quality data within company quality management systems. * Complete inspection reports, nonconformance reports, defect logs, and related documentation. * Maintain traceability records in accordance with customer and company requirements. * Participate in layered process audits and manufacturing quality audits. * Assist with root cause investigations using tools such as 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone Diagrams, PFMEA. * Support corrective and preventive action activities. * Provide feedback to production personnel regarding quality issues and opportunities for improvement. * Participate in continuous improvement and scrap reduction initiatives. * Support customer audits and quality inspections when required. * Assist production teams in determining product acceptability and disposition of suspect material. * Coordinate with Quality Engineers, Production Supervisors, Metal Finishers, and Operators to resolve quality concerns. * Support launch activities and quality verification during new product introductions. * Desire to work in a team-based, lean manufacturing environment. * Adhere to all procedures, regulatory requirements, and department/company policies. * Other duties and tasks as assigned. Education and Experience: * High school diploma or GED required. * Associate degree in Quality, Manufacturing Technology, or related field a plus. * 2+ years of quality inspection experience in an automotive manufacturing environment. * Experience inspecting Class A molded, stamped, and welded parts. * Working experience with SPC, control plans, PFMEA, PPAP and MSA preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T * Proficiency using precision measurement and inspection equipment. * Understanding of automotive quality systems and standards. * Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office, quality management software, and ERP systems (SAP preferred). * Strong attention to detail and visual inspection ability. * Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. * Effective verbal and written communication skills. * Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams. * Strong organizational and documentation skills. * Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. * Ability and willingness to travel and work any shift as may be required to meet business objectives. Work Environment: * Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. * Frequent bending, reaching, and lifting up to 30 pounds. * Visual acuity sufficient to identify Class A surface defects and evaluate cosmetic appearance standards. * Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, noise levels, and production schedules. * Requires flexibility to support multi-shift operations and customer demands typical of an automotive OEM supplier.