Development Quality Engineer - Hardware

Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Automotive

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive, we give you the keys to fast-track your career.

• Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience
• Combine ingenuity, in-depth research, and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence
• Advance in-vehicle infotainment, safety, efficiency, and enjoyment

What You’ll Be Part Of

We are seeking a quality-focused professional to lead and drive Development Quality Activities for local OEMs. This role also involves overseeing sample builds, conducting process audits, and ensuring adherence to high-quality standards throughout hardware product development. The ideal candidate will support DFMEA reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and enforce quality standards. Additionally, the role includes managing customer audits, resolving quality issues, and ensuring release readiness in the pilot factory.

How You’ll Make An Impact

• Lead customer audits during development, ensuring full compliance with quality criteria, documentation, and customer requirements.
• Oversee and ensure high-quality sample builds during development phases in the pilot factory, ensuring all builds meet required specifications and customer expectations.
• Serve as the primary quality contact during the development stage for local OEMs, managing product quality status, customer milestones (ML reviews), and resolving any quality concerns.
• Lead and drive Development Quality Activities for local OEMs, ensuring the highest quality standards are maintained throughout the entire product development lifecycle.
• Apply core automotive quality tools (APQP, PPAP, ASPICE, FMEA) to ensure consistent quality throughout hardware product development, leading DFMEA reviews and FBA sessions.
• Conduct comprehensive process audits during design sample builds, identifying potential risks early and implementing corrective actions to maintain top-tier quality.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the overall quality and reliability of hardware products, integrating DFMEA and PLM best practices.
• Investigate and resolve hardware-related issues reported by customers or internal teams using structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 8D, A3).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design, AME, manufacturing, supply chain) to define, implement, and enforce robust quality standards for hardware products.
• Maintain a lessons-learned database, transferring valuable insights from past projects to new initiatives, and ensuring continuous improvement across projects.
• Partner with hardware designers to proactively identify and resolve potential quality issues early in the design phase, offering actionable quality feedback during design reviews.
• Ensure release readiness in the pilot factory, track project development KPIs, and implement risk assessments and preventative quality measures throughout the design process.
• Provide guidance and training to team members on HARMAN BMS Process (IATF 16949, ISO9001, ASPICE, etc.), EU customer quality requirements, automotive core tools, PLM gate processes, DFMEA, and problem-solving methodologies.

What Makes You A Strong Fit

• Degree in Electronics & Communications, electrical engineering, Mechanical/Automotive Engineering preferred.
• 5-8 years of experience in hardware development and quality assurance, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Strong knowledge of automotive core tools including APQP, PPAP, and FMEA, ASPICE, VDA6.3
• Experience with PLM gate processes and product lifecycle management systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, A3, or similar.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the overall quality and reliability of hardware products, integrating DFMEA and PLM best practices.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience with automotive industry standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ASPICE, and VDA 6.3.
• Thorough understanding of the hardware product development lifecycle, gate reviews, etc.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively across teams and with customers.
• Experience in managing customer audits and addressing complex quality-related issues.
• Proficiency in advanced problem-solving tools like 8D, A3, and Fishbone Diagrams.

What Makes You Eligible

• Strong knowledge of automotive core tools including APQP, PPAP, and FMEA
• Be willing to collaborate with global cross-functional teams.
• Be willing to travel up to 15%, including international travel

What You Can Expect

• A hybrid work environment that balances flexibility with in-person collaboration, with most office-based roles onsite three days a week.
• Access to employee discounts on HARMAN and Samsung products (including JBL, Harman / Kardon, AKG, and others)
• Learning and development opportunities through our award-winning HARMAN University programs
• Wellness benefits designed to support your overall well-being
• Tuition reimbursement support
• Access to the HARMAN campus fitness center and cafeteria, where available
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that supports both your professional and personal development

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