About the Role

Key Responsibilities

NPI Quality Ownership (Gatekeeper Role)

• Own end-to-end NPI quality planning from RFQ → SOP.
• Lead APQP execution for PCBA & electronic assemblies.
• Define CTQs / CCs / SCs for product & process.
• Approve quality readiness gates: Design Freeze, Pilot Build , Pre-SOP, SOP Release
• Ensure First Time Right (FTR) launch with controlled risks.

CDMM Integration (Customer–Design–Manufacturing–Material)

• Translate customer drawings, specs, CSR, and SOW into manufacturing-ready quality controls.
• Ensure Design ↔ Process ↔ Supplier alignment before build.
• Control engineering changes (ECR/ECN) during NPI and ramp-up.
• Validate impact of design changes on process capability & suppliers.

Manufacturing Engineering Interface

• Jointly develop and approve: Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEA, Control Plans
• Validate: SMT line capability, AOI / SPI / ICT / FCT coverage, Error-proofing (Poka-Yoke)
• Ensure MSA & SPC deployment for critical processes.
• Sign-off on process validation (PV) prior to SOP.

Supplier Quality Assurance – STA (Automotive Grade)

• Qualify suppliers using automotive supplier assessment criteria.
• Drive Supplier APQP & PPAP (Level as per customer requirement).
• Review supplier: Process Flow, PFMEA, Control Plan, Capability studies (Cp/Cpk)
• Conduct supplier audits for NPI parts.
• Ensure PPAP approval before SOP – no bypass without formal deviation.

PPAP, Documentation & Customer Interface

• Prepare, review, and submit PPAP dossiers (Internal / Customer).
• Coordinate FAI, ISIR, Run@Rate activities.
• Act as primary quality interface for customers during NPI.
• Support customer audits, line walk-throughs, and launch reviews.

Problem Solving & Launch Stabilization

• Lead 8D / 5-Why / Ishikawa for NPI & supplier issues.
• Drive containment → root cause → systemic corrective actions.
• Monitor launch KPIs: PPM, FPY, Supplier escapes, Customer complaints (0-mile / 90-day window)

IATF 16949 & EMS Compliance

• Ensure compliance to: IATF 16949, ISO 9001, Customer-specific requirements (CSR)
• Participate in: Internal audits, Customer audits, Supplier audits
• Support Phase-1 plant certification readiness.

Qualifications

• BE / BTech – Electronics / Electrical / Mechanical / Industrial

Authority & Decision Rights

• Authority to block SOP release due to quality non-readiness.
• Authority to reject supplier PPAP and demand corrective actions.
• Authority to enforce process controls & inspections during NPI.

Mandatory Skill Set (Non-Negotiable)

• APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC
• PCBA manufacturing & testing processes
• Automotive customer handling
• Supplier audits & PPAP approvals
• Strong documentation discipline