Quality Control Engineer

The Quality Engineer is a key contributor to HSM's Transportation Specialty Manufacturing (TSM) division, focused on driving quality performance and supporting compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and VDA 6.3 standards. This role is instrumental in elevating the quality culture and aligning sites with automotive industry expectations.

With strong technical knowledge and a hands-on approach, the Quality Engineer supports problem solving, corrective action implementation, and continuous improvement activities that drive customer satisfaction and process consistency. The role reflects HSM’s core GRIT values—Grow technical and process knowledge, Respect collaborative work environments, Innovate quality systems thinking, and pursue excellence with Tenacity.

HSM Transportation is an ISO Certified exclusive complete line manufacturer of C.E. White School Bus Seats, portable child restraints, seat covers, and foam aftermarket parts. We are also a premier commercial seat manufacturer specializing in luxury full-size, luxury shuttle, commuter transit, commuter van, salon, foldaway and sofa seating.

HSM Transportation Solutions is a business unit of HSM, headquartered in Hickory, NC since 1944. Our commitment to excellence goes far beyond our products and processes; it is centered on the people who make it all possible. If you're interested in learning more about our company culture, as well as the benefits we offer our employees, please visit our website or social media pages.

Production Quality Systems

• Assist in maintaining and improving compliance to IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and VDA 6.3 standards
• Support creation and updates to PFMEA, control plans, work instructions, and layered process audits
• Monitor and assist with scrap reduction activities and related quality projects
• Contribute to MRB process and support resolution of nonconforming material

Supplier Quality & Audits

• Help track and analyze supplier performance metrics and trends
• Assist in managing supplier corrective actions and supporting DMR process
• Implement receiving inspection protocols and contribute to cost-of-poor-quality reduction efforts
• Participate in internal audits and provide support for customer or certification audits

Project & Team Support

• Participate in Gemba walks, plant meetings, and cross-functional improvement teams
• Support document control, QMS training, and standardized metrics reporting
• Provide assistance to quality technicians and serve as a resource in process improvements

Customer & Certification Alignment

• Support efforts related to certification readiness and customer-specific requirements
• Assist with PPAPs, FAIs, and capability studies for new and existing products
• Ensure process documentation aligns with customer and audit expectations

Data-Driven Improvement

• Analyze quality data using SPC tools and report KPIs regularly
• Assist in root cause analysis and implementation of corrective/preventative actions
• Utilize tools such as Minitab and Excel to support decision-making and issue tracking

Education, Certifications, & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field required
• ASQ certification (CQE, CQA, CSSBB) preferred but not required
• 3 - 5+ years of experience in a Quality Engineer role, preferably in automotive or transportation manufacturing
• Familiarity with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and/or VDA 6.3 compliance and auditing
• Experience supporting quality systems within a high-volume production environment

Technical Skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Office; advanced Excel preferred;
• ERP/MRP system experience helpful
• Proficiency in Ignition and or Python desired
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, SPC, and MSA
• Comfortable reviewing drawings, CAD prints, and inspection techniques
• Experience with SPC software (Minitab, InfinityQS, etc.) is a plus

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Clear verbal and written communication skills
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Demonstrates GRIT through curiosity, accountability, and a drive for quality improvement

Travel Requirements

• Up to 30% travel expected to support various plants and projects

Note: HSM facilities are IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certified. This position supports the ongoing compliance and improvement of these systems in alignment with operational and customer expectations.

As a Quality Control Engineer at HSM, you’ll enjoy: 

• 401k Contribution Match up to 4% (100% Vested from Day 1), 9 paid holidays, 3 weeks of vacation (Eligible after 60 days), Affordable Total Package Benefits offerings for you and your family, On-Site No-Cost Medical Clinics for you and Covered Dependents, Teladoc 24/7 ($0 copay), Global Healthcare and Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development Assistance.  

At HSM Solutions our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, innovation, and celebrating our successes together as a team. We provide our employees with the tools and resources they need to achieve their goals and to make a meaningful impact on our customers, our company, and our communities. If you're looking for a place that's not just a job, but a spot where you can grow and make a real impact, then HSM Solutions is the place for you. 

If you would like to apply for a position, please visit our career site at www.hsmsolutions.com/careers for a prompt response from our recruitment team. If you have any questions or would like to follow up on your application, please don't hesitate to contact us at jobs@hsmsolutions.com.

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HSM prohibits discrimination based on any protected status, workplace harassment/bullying, and retaliation for filing a complaint or providing information related to a complaint. HSM provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to an individual's protected status: race/ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital/parental status, pregnancy/childbirth or related conditions, religion, creed, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status.