Manager, Quality Engineering at Denso in Battle Creek, MI

DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. seeks a Manager, Engineering to lead a diverse team of quality engineers, PECR engineers, Mass Quality, and TQM engineers, ensuring exceptional customer quality and process improvements. The Manager, Engineering will oversee a dynamic team, managing customer quality issues, PECR approvals, and internal process enhancements. This role is pivotal in driving quality standards and continuous improvement, collaborating with various departments to achieve DMMI's quality targets.

DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. seeks a Manager, Engineering to lead a diverse team of quality engineers, PECR engineers, Mass Quality, and TQM engineers, ensuring exceptional customer quality and process improvements. The Manager, Engineering will oversee a dynamic team, managing customer quality issues, PECR approvals, and internal process enhancements. This role is pivotal in driving quality standards and continuous improvement, collaborating with various departments to achieve DMMI's quality targets.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Manages the operational and personnel activities of the assigned area within the department. Analyzes workflow and provides input for process changes. Oversees and is accountable for managing large volumes of annual repair and service revenue. • Maintains relationships and directly interacts with internal and external customers, suppliers and affiliates as needed to address and resolve issues arising from daily operations. • Makes routine decisions that may affect the area or department. Seeks advice from and provides input to senior management in addressing higher level and non-routine issues. Participates in independent committee activities to facilitate overall work efficiency improvements. • Collaborates with senior management to develop goals, objectives and measures for assigned area in light of overall department, division and organization strategy. Responsible, along with senior management, for the development of short-and long-term plans for assigned area such as developing future vision for engineering and repair groups, including expansion plans and infrastructure changes. • Maintains current understanding in industry or functional trends and disseminates throughout appropriate segments of business. • Mentors, coaches and leads subordinates by developing performance expectations, assesses individual training needs and planning for goal attainment. • Performs other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES • Bachelors degree in engineering or related field • Previous automotive experience preferred • Demonstrated leadership ability • Strong knowledge of engineering theories, processes and termsAnalytical skills to define procedures and to independently oversee the application of methods/processes; creatively applies sound judgment in choosing proper course of action in light of a broad range of multiple factors; interprets policies and assists in developing and monitoring goals and measures; ability to motivate and encourage others think creatively. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; must be a skillful presenter that can interpret information based on a general knowledge of the organization, its products and procedures, and provide an independent explanation and discussion based on the technical or complex nature of the materials being discussed • Excellent customer service skills with an ability to approach every business relationship as a partnership • Excellent negotiation skills; ability to resolve difficult or complicated situations that are often sensitive in nature; recognizes and applies subtle cues in anticipating customers’ needs and potential next steps; takes strong stand without indicating disrespect and seeks positive outcomes • Demonstrated proficiency in computer software and in order to perform word processing, data manipulation and file maintenance activities; advanced level of experience using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel • Excellent project management skills including the ability to define, prioritize and direct program, project or process objectives, identify customers/stakeholders and their interests, plan steps, and to coordinate and allocate resources in order to accomplish goals and objectives in an effective and timely manner. • In-depth knowledge and understanding of engineering principles, especially as they apply to manufacturing and Robotics • Knowledge of CAD or CAE principles and software • Strong organizational and time management skills • Kaizen mindset • Ability to effectively apply the PDCA process • Advanced level of experience using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel

Benefits Summary:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans
• 401K with 4% Company Match
• Vacation/PTO and 13 Paid Holidays
• Bonus Program
• FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs
• Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance
• Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs
• Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc.
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Development and Ongoing Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location)
• Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)
• Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location)

Candidates residing 50+ miles from the work location are eligible for relocation assistance.

Annual Salary: $123,000 - $153,000

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor a team of quality, PECR, and TQM engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
• Oversee customer quality issues, ensuring timely resolution and maintaining strong customer relationships.
• Navigate PECR processes, guiding engineers through customer approval procedures for change requests.
• Collaborate with internal production teams for Kaizen initiatives and quality improvement projects.
• Track and analyze KPI data, identifying trends and areas for process optimization.
• Prepare and present quality reports and updates at monthly meetings, providing transparent insights.
• Implement and maintain quality management systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Foster a culture of quality awareness and ownership across the organization.
• Stay updated with industry best practices and emerging trends in quality engineering.
• Provide strategic direction and support to the engineering team, driving innovation and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field, with a preference for a Master's degree.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a quality engineering role, with 2 years in a managerial capacity.
• Proven track record in managing diverse engineering teams and delivering quality outcomes.
• Strong understanding of PECR processes and customer approval procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with internal and external stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and foster a team-oriented environment.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to mentor and develop team members.
• Proficiency in MS Office and relevant engineering software.