Quality Engineer (Entry Level)
Job Description
This role focuses on leading, supporting, and continuously improving quality systems that comply with ISO 9001 industry standards within a Japanese automotive OEM manufacturing environment. The Quality Assurance Specialist supports the Quality Department by developing, reviewing, and auditing the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring robust procedures, effective corrective actions, and alignment with North American quality requirements and standards.
Responsibilities
Support the maintenance and enhancement of the ISO 9001-compliant Quality Management System, ensuring all processes remain current, effective, and aligned with industry standards.
Review applicable North American quality requirements and quality standards and assist in creating, updating, and enhancing quality policies and procedure documents.
Lead and participate in internal audits, ensuring thorough preparation, execution, documentation, and follow-up of audit activities.
Confirm the effectiveness of countermeasures for all audit findings by verifying implementation, evaluating results, and driving further improvements when needed.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in the manufacturing environment to ensure quality requirements are clearly understood and consistently applied.
Use structured problem-solving methodologies such as PDCA, root cause and countermeasure (RC/CM), and TBP to investigate issues, identify root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Prepare clear, concise, and accurate technical reports and documentation to support quality initiatives, audits, and continuous improvement activities.
Utilize Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to analyze data, prepare presentations, and document quality processes and audit results.
Create and maintain SharePoint sites to organize, store, and share quality documentation and support effective communication within the Quality Department.
Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to strengthen quality systems and promoting best practices across the organization.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in engineering field.
Previous experience in deployment, execution, or sustainment of ISO 9001, IATF, or NAMQSR quality systems.
Demonstrated technical problem-solving ability using methodologies such as PDCA, root cause and countermeasure (RC/CM), and TBP.
Strong communication and reporting skills, including the ability to produce clear technical writing and documentation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for data analysis, reporting, and presentations.
Experience creating and editing SharePoint sites to support documentation management and collaboration.
Quality assurance and quality control experience in a manufacturing environment.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work systematically and analytically.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Manufacturing industry experience, particularly within automotive, is highly desirable.
Experience working with ISO standards in a production or plant environment.
Familiarity with technical documentation and quality-related procedures.
Automotive manufacturing experience is a significant plus.
Ability to present findings and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Comfort using digital tools and platforms to support quality systems and continuous improvement initiatives.
Work Environment
This position operates within a Japanese automotive OEM manufacturing facility that produces vehicles. The environment is highly structured and process-driven, with a strong focus on quality, continuous improvement, and adherence to ISO 9001 and related standards. Work involves regular interaction with production and cross-functional teams on the plant floor as well as office-based activities such as documentation, analysis, and meetings. The schedule includes standard working hours with potential travel to support quality activities; travel time is paid when necessary. The organization offers a benefits package that includes 10 days of paid time off, 2 paid plant shutdown periods, and 9 paid holidays, supporting a balanced and stable work experience in a professional manufacturing setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Tupelo, MS.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $64000.00 - $80000.00/yr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Tupelo,MS.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
