Quality Engineer / Problem-Solving Technician in Clinton, Tennessee at SL Tennessee

Provide hands-on technical support for containment, investigation, root-cause analysis, corrective action, testing, and verification of manufacturing, supplier, and customer quality concerns. This role works directly with production areas, parts, data, and cross-functional teams to move issues from initial detection through verified resolution.

• Respond to quality concerns and assist with immediate containment of suspect product and process conditions.
• Collect defect samples, process information, measurements, photographs, traceability data, and other evidence needed for investigation.
• Perform hands-on troubleshooting and structured problem solving using 5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto, 8D, and other applicable methods.
• Support dimensional, functional, visual, and process-related evaluation of parts and assemblies.
• Assist in identifying root cause and developing corrective and preventive actions with Quality, Engineering, Production, Maintenance, suppliers, and other teams.
• Track corrective actions to completion and verify effectiveness before closure.
• Support customer complaints, supplier issues, production disruptions, repeat defects, launch concerns, and special investigations.
• Prepare clear problem-solving records, investigation summaries, 8D inputs, action logs, and supporting evidence.
• Support controlled trials, sorting/containment activity, process verification, and follow-up inspections as required.
• Assist with APQP/PPAP activities, process changes, PFMEA/Control Plan updates, and lessons-learned documentation.
• Identify recurring defect trends and escalate unresolved or high-risk concerns to the Quality Center Manager.
• Follow all safety, quality, confidentiality, and document-control requirements while performing investigations.

• Associate degree or technical certification in Engineering Technology, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred; relevant experience may substitute.
• Typically 3+ years of hands-on manufacturing quality, process, engineering technician, or problem-solving experience; automotive experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of root-cause analysis and corrective-action methods.
• Ability to use common measurement and inspection equipment and interpret basic drawings/specifications.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, organization, and communication skills.
• Comfort working on the manufacturing floor and responding to time-sensitive quality issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with quality databases or statistical tools is a plus.

Problem Solving • Accountability • Urgency • Cross-Functional Collaboration • Data Analysis • Communication • Continuous Improvement • Customer Focus

Work is performed in office and automotive manufacturing environments. The role may require extended periods on the production floor, use of required PPE, walking/standing, and occasional travel to supplier, customer, or other SL locations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.