Based in Frankfort, IN, NTK Precision Axle Corporation is seeking a hands-on Quality Engineer who is passionate about solving problems, improving manufacturing processes, protecting the customer, and strengthening our IATF 16949 quality management system in a fast-paced production environment.
This role works closely with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality Inspectors, Suppliers, and Customers. The successful candidate will bring strong technical problem-solving skills, urgency, sound judgment, and professional communication to resolve quality issues and drive lasting improvement across turning, heat treat, final inspection, shipping, and supporting processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Investigate internal, customer, and supplier quality issues and coordinate timely resolution.
- Lead and facilitate structured problem-solving activities, including 8D, 5 Why, root-cause analysis, corrective action, and effectiveness verification.
- Coordinate containment, sorting, clean-point activities, and suspect-material control internally and at customer locations when required.
- Track corrective-action status, assigned ownership, due dates, implementation evidence, and validation of effectiveness before closure.
- Support timely, accurate customer complaint responses and quality documentation.
- Conduct and support risk-based manufacturing process, product, and quality-system audits; document findings, track actions, and verify completion.
- Support IATF 16949 compliance, customer-specific requirements, audit readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead or support APQP and PPAP activities for new product launches and engineering changes.
- Develop and maintain PFMEAs, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, inspection standards, work instructions, visual aids, SOPs, and Quality Alerts as needed.
- Use statistical analysis, process data, and quality trends to identify risk and drive improvement.
- Support gage control, calibration and verification activities, MSA studies, and responses to measurement-equipment issues.
- Maintain working knowledge of quality equipment including CMMs, Form Tracers, Magnaflux equipment, Vickers hardness testers, Microscopes, and Hand Gages.
- Provide technical guidance, training, and cross-training to Quality Inspectors and Production personnel.
- Partner constructively with all departments, customers, suppliers, auditors, and leadership to communicate risks early and drive solution-focused decisions.
- Limited travel to customer and supplier sites as needed (less than 10%).
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of three years of Quality experience.
- Minimum of three years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience in automotive manufacturing or an IATF 16949 environment strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge and practical application of IATF Core Tools, including APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and SPC.
- Demonstrated experience leading root-cause analysis, containment, corrective actions, and effectiveness verification.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, inspection standards, and statistical data.
- Experience with manufacturing inspection methods, measurement systems, and quality equipment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear customer and internal quality documentation.
- Strong organization, follow-through, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to provide technical leadership and work effectively across departments and shifts.
- Reliable, punctual, and professional attendance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Internal auditor training or experience with IATF 16949, manufacturing process audits, and product audits.
- Experience in precision machining, turning, heat treat, or automotive component manufacturing.
- Experience programming Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) inspection programs, including setup, result interpretation, and support of process improvement.
- Hands-on heat treat inspection experience, including hardness testing, metallographic evaluation, and interpretation of applicable customer and engineering specifications.
- Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous-improvement tools.
Why This Role Matters
The Quality Engineer has a direct impact on customer satisfaction, product conformity, plant performance, and prevention of recurring quality concerns. This is a high-visibility role for someone who takes ownership, communicates professionally, works well with others, and drives issues to sustainable closure.
What We Offer
Excellent career growth opportunities, a stable and team-oriented work environment, and a comprehensive benefits package featuring industry-leading low employee contributions, a 401(k)-retirement plan, customizable benefits, PTO, holiday pay, tuition assistance, and more.
About
NTK Precision Axle Corporation is an industry-recognized automotive wheel hub manufacturer located in Frankfort, Indiana. As a global supplier of wheel hubs for four-wheel-drive vehicles, NTK provides components to 15 automakers, supporting approximately one-third of the cars and light trucks on the road.
Location: Frankfort, IN 46041
Job Type: Full-time, On-site
Department: Quality
Reports To: Quality Manager
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
