Principal Quality Engineer I

We are seeking an experienced and technically strong Principal Quality Engineer to support the launch of our new lithiumion cell manufacturing facility. This role will play a key part in establishing initial manufacturing quality processes, defining APQP elements and control plans, and creating early documentation and controls that will enable a successful facility start-up. The ideal candidate has a strong background in high-volume highreliability manufacturing and experience contributing to quality system elements in early-stage environments in highly regulated environments.This is a unique opportunity to influence the foundation of a new production site and help ensure that manufacturing quality processes, controls, and procedures are implemented effectively and sustainably.

• Develop, implement, and mature manufacturing quality processes, inspection methods and standards, sampling strategies, acceptance criteria, and control documentation for lithiumion cell production.
• Development and execution of APQP deliverables, including PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, MSA, and PPAP documentation.
• Develop and deliver training programs for future employees on APQP fundamentals, quality tools, defect prevention, and process controls.
• Lead and coordinate APQP and manufacturing quality activities across Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D, and Supply Chain for new product introductions and new process deployments and act as liaison with customer representatives as required.
• Lead or support equipment and process qualification/validation activities including IQ/OQ/PQ development, data evaluation, and risk reviews.
• Collaborate across departments to implement and sustain robust process controls and manufacturing quality standards.
• Provide manufacturing quality input to Engineering DFMEA activities to ensure product design risks are aligned with process capabilities and quality controls.
• Establish baseline quality metrics and process controls during equipment commissioning, pilot builds, and production rampup.\
• Perform statistical analysis, process capability assessments, and SPC implementation for critical manufacturing processes and identify improvement opportunities.
• Conduct manufacturing process audits to ensure compliance with documented processes and control plans.
• Provide technical guidance and training to engineers and technicians during facility launch, initial production runs, and quality system implementation.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Materials, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field). Master's or PhD preferred.
• 10+ years of quality engineering experience in highvolume highly regulated manufacturing environment, with a minimum of 8+ years in lithium-related manufacturing.
• Experience launching new manufacturing lines or processes, with direct involvement in developing manufacturing quality controls and documentation.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis tools (Minitab, JMP, Python, etc.).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with ERP, PLM, MES systems (SAP, Oracle, PTC Windchill, etc.) is a plus

Preferred Qualifications
*Direct experience in cylindrical lithiumion cell manufacturing processes (mixing, coating, calendering, slitting, winding, welding, filling, formation, etc.).
*Background in electrochemistry or battery quality engineering.
*Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or higher.
*ASQ Certified Quality Engineer or equivalent.
*Certified ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or VDA 6.3 auditor preferred.