Quality Tech Team Lead at Bharat Forge Aluminum USA, Inc. – Sanford, North Carolina

As the Automotive Manufacturing Quality Tech Team Lead, you will lead a team of quality technicians in ensuring that all automotive products meet stringent quality standards, regulatory compliance, and customer specifications. You will oversee quality assurance processes, lead root cause investigations, support continuous improvement efforts, and work cross-functionally to maintain a culture of excellence in manufacturing quality.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Team Leadership

Supervise, coach, and mentor a team of Quality Technicians and Inspectors across shifts.

Drive accountability and professional development through performance feedback, training, and team engagement.

Promote a team culture of integrity, ownership, and continuous learning.

Quality Control & Assurance

Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.

Lead inspections of incoming material, in-process production, and finished goods using appropriate measurement tools (e.g., calipers, CMM, gauges).

Monitor quality performance and track KPIs such as defect rates, first-pass yield, and scrap rates.

Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis

Lead structured problem-solving activities (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D) to resolve non-conformances.

Conduct quality incident investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

Collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Supplier Quality to drive resolution and long-term improvements.

Process & Continuous Improvement

Identify process deviations and recommend modifications for quality improvement and defect reduction.

Participate in PFMEA reviews, control plan updates, and process validation activities.

Support lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and error-proofing initiatives.

Auditing & Compliance

Coordinate and support internal and external audits, including layered process audits (LPAs) and customer audits.

Ensure audit findings are resolved, and systems are maintained to a high standard.

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain detailed quality documentation, including inspection records, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and audit results.

Generate regular reports on team performance, defect trends, and corrective action effectiveness.

Create or update : SOP, WI , Visual Aids and Review Quality Alerts

Training & Development

Identify skill gaps and deliver targeted training to ensure proficiency in inspection methods, tools, and standards.

Foster cross-training among team members to support operational flexibility.

Safety & Compliance

Ensure adherence to safety protocols in the inspection and testing environment.

Promote safe handling of tools, test equipment, and components in accordance with industry and company standards.

Qualifications

Experience: Minimum 3-5 years in automotive manufacturing or quality assurance, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team lead role.

Education: High School Diploma

Certifications (Preferred): CQI, Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher), or ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT).

Knowledge:
- Automotive core tools: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC
- Quality systems and standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001)
- GD&T and technical drawings

Skills:
- Strong leadership and conflict resolution
- Proficiency with inspection equipment and quality software (e.g., Minitab, ERP systems)
- Effective communication across cross-functional teams

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Shift work may be required depending on production schedules.
• Occasional travel to suppliers or customers may be needed.

Bharat Forge is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.