APQP Engineer

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) Engineer, Quality

Mason, Ohio

Reports to: Quality Manager, Mason West

U.S. Work Eligibility

This role is limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Who We Are?

RH Aero Systems is setting the standard for aviation support equipment and services. Through our industry-leading businesses - Rhinestahl and HYDRO Systems - we deliver capability across custom-designed Ground Support Equipment, OEM-licensed engine and airframe tooling, 26 global service centers and innovative engineered solutions for OEMs, MROs and Operators worldwide. RH Aero Systems’ global headquarters are in Mason, Ohio, USA, and Biberach, Germany. For further details visit RHAero.com.

Why Join Us?

Join us as an NPI/APQP Quality Engineer and play a key role in bringing new products and processes to life. You will lead quality planning and risk management for new product introductions, product transfers, process changes, and strategic growth initiatives-using APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, FAI, and process validation to build quality into every stage of product realization.

In this highly collaborative role, you will partner with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Program Management, and customers to ensure product and process readiness, meet customer and regulatory requirements, and support successful launches. As the quality lead for assigned NPI programs, you will have the opportunity to influence decisions, prevent defects, manage risk proactively, and drive meaningful continuous improvement.

What You Will Do?

• Lead APQP activities for new product introductions, customer transfers, and major manufacturing process changes.
• Develop and maintain quality deliverables aligned with APQP milestones and program gate reviews.
• Facilitate cross-functional risk assessments, including Design FMEA and Process FMEA activities.
• Ensure quality requirements are integrated into product and process development activities.
• Develop and maintain Control Plans, Inspection Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, and supporting quality documentation.
• Lead First Article Inspection (FAI) activities in accordance with AS9102 requirements.
• Coordinate and submit PPAP packages to customers, ensuring timely approval of production readiness requirements.
• Support the development and validation of manufacturing processes through capability studies, measurement system analysis (MSA), and process validation activities.
• Review engineering changes and evaluate quality risks associated with design and manufacturing changes.
• Participate in design reviews and manufacturing readiness reviews.
• Coordinate customer quality requirements throughout program execution and serve as the primary quality contact during product launches.
• Support supplier qualification and readiness activities in collaboration with Supplier Quality and Supply Chain teams.
• Monitor launch performance metrics and drive corrective actions to address identified risks and issues.
• Perform root cause analysis and support corrective and preventive actions related to NPI and launch concerns.
• Support compliance with AS9100 Quality Management System and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Provide guidance on quality best practices, regulatory requirements, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Support customer, regulatory, and third-party audits as needed.
• Develop and report program quality metrics to management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect prevention, process capability, and operational excellence.
• Take on other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

What You Will Bring?

Education and Certifications

• You bring a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• An ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) credential is preferred.
• A Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent certification is preferred.

Experience

• You bring 5+ years of Quality Engineering experience in aerospace, manufacturing, defense, or another regulated industry.
• You have hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and process validation.
• You have supported new product introduction programs and production launch activities.
• You are experienced in partnering directly with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience working within an AS9100-certified organization is preferred.

Skills and Capabilities

• You bring a strong understanding of APQP methodologies and product realization processes.
• You have working knowledge of PPAP, AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements, and production readiness activities.
• You understand PFMEA, risk assessment methodologies, and defect-prevention techniques.
• You are knowledgeable in statistical process control, process capability analysis, and measurement systems analysis.
• You apply strong problem-solving skills using Root Cause Analysis, 8D, and corrective action methodologies.
• You can interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• You bring strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• You can manage multiple programs and shifting priorities at the same time.
• You can influence and align cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• You use strong analytical skills and a data-driven approach to make sound decisions.
• You are proficient in Microsoft Office applications and quality management tools.

What makes you stand out !

• You bring experience in the aerospace industry.
• You hold an ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) credential.
• You hold a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• You hold an AS9100 Internal Auditor certification.
• You have led customer PPAP submissions and launch readiness reviews.
• You have supported high-mix, low-volume aerospace manufacturing environments.

Benefits and Additional Information

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our team’s health, financial security, and overall well-being. The company offers competitive medical, dental, and vision plans, HSA and FSA plans, Mental health resources, and employee assistance programs. We offer Paid Parental Leave, Company Paid Long Term Disability, competitive 401k employer match, floating holiday, tuition reimbursement program, amongst other benefits.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. The company participates in E-Verify as required by law.