APQP Program Quality Engineer

APQP Program Quality Engineer

At Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. Our mission is to build the foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision even in the uncertainty and disruption of modern conflict. In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving threats, we design for flexibility, survivability, and operational dominance.

Forterra delivers weapons, sensors, and battlefield effects through integrated autonomous networks reaching operational areas faster, safer, and without placing human lives  systems operate with distributed control, dynamic routing, and real-time responsiveness, enabling sustained advantage across complex mission environments.

The Forterra Quality Department is seeking a dynamic individual to fill our open role of APQP Program Quality Engineer. In this exciting role the APQP Program Quality Engineer will be responsible for leading and coordinating Advanced Product Quality Planning activities across new product launches and engineering changes. Working closely with cross-functional teams including Design, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Quality, this role ensures that all customer quality requirements are identified and met prior to the start of production.

The APQP Program Quality Engineer serves as the primary liaison between the customer and internal teams throughout the product development cycle.

What You'll Do

• Lead and facilitate APQP teams through all five phases of the APQP process in accordance with AIAG standards as applicable to the program
• Develop, maintain, and track APQP timing plans to ensure all milestones and customer gate reviews are met
• Support cross-functional team activities including kickoff meetings, design reviews, and launch readiness reviews
• Support the contract review process.
• Monitor program status and escalate risks or timing concerns proactively to program leadership
• Prepare, compile, and submit Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) packages to customer level requirements (Level 1–5). This may also include internal PPAP submissions
• Develop and maintain key APQP deliverables as required:
  Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, and Measurement System Analyses (MSA)
• Ensure dimensional reports, material certifications, etc. are completed accurately and on time
• Maintain all quality records in compliance with ISO
  9001:2015 and customer-specific requirements
• Support inspections and the non-conformance management process
• Support in review and/or generation of AS9102 Documentation as required
• Participate in the PRB/MRB meeting and support documentation of customer returns
• Support DFMEA and PFMEA development and review sessions with engineering and manufacturing teams
• Identify, document, and drive closure of open issues through disciplined corrective action processes
• Manage and update risk logs throughout the product development lifecycle
• Serve as the primary customer quality contact for all APQP and launch-related activities
• Participate in customer product development meetings and respond to customer quality concerns during the pre-production phase
• Support supplier quality activities including supplier APQP reviews and sub-tier PPAP approvals where applicable
• Capture and share lessons learned across programs to improve future launch effectiveness
• Support process improvement initiatives related to the APQP and PPAP systems
• Contribute to internal audits and management review activities as needed
• Support process development and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical discipline
• 5-8 years of experience in APQP, PPAP, or product launch engineering in an automotive or manufacturing environment
• Proficiency with inspection principles and work instructions
• Proficiency with core AIAG tools: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, and SPC
• Solid understanding of ISO 9001:2015 quality management system requirements
• Experience with electronic components (Cables and PCBs)
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications
• Strong project management skills…