Manufacturing Quality Engineer – NPI/APQP

ARi is a fast-growing global engineering firm headquartered in East Peoria, IL, USA. Our power of “i” represents the innovation, intelligence, ingenuity, and insight that differentiates us from our competition. With 1,500+ engineering talent worldwide, representing multiple nationalities and countries, we are well-positioned to deliver sophisticated and custom solutions to our clients.Engineers at ARi are the backbone of our strategic initiatives to build industry-leading solutions. The work will empower ARi and its clients globally, collaborating, integrating, and validating embedded and control software systems. ARi provides access to the latest training, tools, and technology, and a limitless career path as the technology leader. Come to ARi and make a global impact!Duties / ResponsibilitiesLead APQP execution for NPI and NCI programs, ensuring readiness reviews, validation planning, and audit strategies are in placeDrive proactive quality planning from concept through production launch using Caterpillar APQP and NPI frameworksDevelop and support PFMEA, ensuring early risk identification and mitigationCreate and maintain Control Plans aligned with PFMEA, process capability, and customer requirementsServe as quality lead for new product and capital programs, ensuring design readiness, manufacturability, and error-proofingLead process validation activities including capability studies, production trials, and run-at-rate evaluationsCollaborate with manufacturing, operations, and engineering teams to ensure process readinessSupport early production launches, monitor quality metrics, and drive preventive actionsLead structured problem-solving and ensure lessons learned are fed back into APQP documentationDefine and track quality metrics focused on risk prevention and launch robustnessRequired SkillsTechnical Skills (Required)Strong experience with APQP, PFMEA, and Control PlansProven analytical and structured problem-solving skillsExperience with process validation, capability analysis, and quality metricsAbility to drive risk identification and preventive quality actionsTechnical Skills (Desired)Experience supporting NPI and/or NCI programsKnowledge of error-proofing (Poka-Yoke) and process capability methodsFamiliarity with Caterpillar quality systems (AQE, MESA, deviation management)Certifications such as ASQ-CQE or Six Sigma Green/Black BeltSoft Skills (Required)Strong cross-functional leadership and collaboration skillsExcellent communication and influencing ability across all organizational levelsEducation / ExperienceMinimum 7+ years of progressive experience in Quality, Manufacturing, or Product EngineeringBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical fieldInternship experience will not be consideredThe Benefits Of Working At ARiIf you work for ARi, we ensure the benefits extend beyond the workplace. From day one, we offer our full-time employee’s group health, dental, and life insurance coverage. Vision coverage is available on the first of the following month.We also understand the importance of recharging your batteries, and that is why we offer paid time off, sick days, company holidays, maternity/paternity leave, and bereavement to full-time employees. We also maintain a 401(k) program for all employees that meet specific eligibility requirements.We hire talented people from all walks of life because we believe it strengthens our company. If you want to join a team with a diverse culture that strictly upholds and fulfills employee needs, please apply today!