Associate Quality Engineer

Company Overview:

DESTACO, a Stabilus Company, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance automation, workholding, and remote handling solutions. The company serves customers in variety of end-markets, including the automotive, life sciences, consumer goods, packaging, aerospace, and nuclear sectors.

Built on a legacy of over 100 years, DESTACO offers a comprehensive portfolio of products to engineer precise movement, placement and control solutions that drive productivity and uptime for manufacturers around the world. The DESTACO family of products consists of industry-leading brands such as DESTACO Manual and Power Clamps, Camco and Ferguson Indexers, Robohand Grippers and CRL Manipulators and Transfer Ports.

DESTACO is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and operates globally through ~700 employees across 11 locations.

With nearly 90 years of demonstrated expertise, The Stabilus Group is one of the world's leading providers of motion control solutions for customers across a broad spectrum of industries.

Stabilus, approaching 1.5B EUR in revenue, is headquartered in Koblenz, Germany and employs more than 7,000 team members across 34 locations in 18 countries.

Stabilus SE is listed in the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and included in the MDAX index.www.stabilus.com

Position Summary

The Associate Quality Engineer supports the Quality Department in maintaining and improving the Quality Management System (QMS). This role contributes to the development and implementation of internal quality controls, including control plans and inspection reports, and is responsible for analyzing quality data to drive long-term performance improvements.

Key responsibilities include managing the RMA process, leading cross-functional teams in root cause analysis and corrective actions, and applying structured problem-solving methodologies.

The Associate Quality Engineer could also supports supplier development through APQP processes and collaborates across functions to resolve recurring non-conformance issues within the plant.

This position has a key role in interacting effectively with the Engineering, Manufacturing, Customer Service, and Materials departments.

Key Job Responsibilities included but not limited to:

• Manage the RMA process to ensure timely customer response, including replacement of parts and completion of corrective actions by leading cross-functional problem-solving efforts.
• Support supplier development through APQP to ensure successful product launches and drive ongoing improvements to eliminate and sustain correction of supplier non-conformances.
• Assist in maintaining and improving the ISO Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring standardized processes, methods, and tools support high-performing quality practices.
• Lead and/or support the development of internal quality controls, including control plans and inspection reports, and analyze data to identify long-term quality trends and improvement opportunities.
• Assist in developing Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and machine capability programs to ensure robust gaging methods and capable processes, supporting implementation of Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Apply lean manufacturing principles within the Quality function, including gage control, workplace organization, and data visualization; actively participate in Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement.
• Perform inspection and testing of raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods in accordance with established procedures and specifications.
• Investigate product defects using structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 5 Whys, 8D) and implement corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence.
• Monitor and maintain calibration systems, ensuring measuring equipment is properly controlled, scheduled, and compliant with standards.
• Assist in planning and execution of internal quality audits and support follow-up on findings.
• Support Quality Engineers with projects, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate maintenance and organization of the quality lab and inspection equipment.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of precision measuring instruments (e.g., micrometers, calipers, gage pins, thread gages, height gages).
• Support the development of standardized work and continuous process improvements across operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Safety: Understands safe operation of equipment, tools, and PPE; identifies potential hazards and applies safe work practices.
• Ethics and Work Standards: Maintains high ethical and professional standards while promoting the same in others.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing; actively listens and responds appropriately.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively across functions; supports company initiatives and fosters a cooperative work environment.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifies improvement opportunities, applies problem-solving techniques, and drives value-added solutions.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities; communicates progress, risks, and issues in a timely manner.

Education and Certification Qualifications

Physical Requirements: (To be met with or without accommodations)

EEO Statement - must be part of every job description and posting for Destaco US as a requirement of government contractor compliance

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.