QA Engineer (Chemical, Automotive)

Overview

Trinseo is a different kind of global materials company - at the intersection of people, technology, and customers. We are a world leader in the production of plastics and latex binders. Our culture is built on passion and innovation.

A career at Trinseo presents a unique opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment. Helping customers solve their most complex material challenges is the reason we come to work each day. We are seeking innovative thinkers - ready to tackle any challenge and passionate about delivering value.

As a global materials solutions provider focused on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers, we need people to feel respected and included so they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. We strive to create workplaces that reflect all communities and customers we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. That's why we're fully committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience to drive us forward every day.

Overview (Scope of Role)

The purpose of QA Engineer (Chemical, Automotive) is to ensure that the chemical products used in automotive applications meet the highest quality standards. This involves implementing and maintaining quality management systems, conducting thorough audits, and ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards. The role requires close interaction with both internal teams and external suppliers to resolve quality issues and drive continuous improvement.

The Quality Engineer is to provide regional support to:

• Procurement as SQE (Supplier Quality Engineer)
• Plant(s) as Quality Engineer with implementation, adherence and auditing according to certification (IATF 16949) and customer (VDA-6.3 + ..) requirements.

Initial focus will be on Automotive Readiness for the Binders Battery Business supporting Rheinmuenster, Midland and Zhangjiagang before expanding to provide more general Quality Assurance support.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance procedures and standards.
  Conduct root cause analyses and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve product and process issues.
• Perform and support internal- and external (supplier, customer, certification body) audits to ensure compliance with ISO, IATF, and customer-specific standards.
• Collect and validate supplier performance data to support tender process and internal reporting requirements. Collaborate with suppliers to improve product quality and resolve non-conformances.
• Support and implement Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis), Control Plans, PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), and process validation.
• Act as Product Safety and Conformance Representative (PSCR)
• Monitor and analyze product and process data using statistical tools (SPC - Statistical Process Control, MSA - Measurement System Analysis).
• Ensure effective documentation of all quality processes and maintain quality records.
• Work closely with R&D and manufacturing teams to support new product development from a quality perspective.
• Lead initiatives for continuous improvement in quality performance and system effectiveness.
• Train internal teams on quality standards, tools, and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Quality Management, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in a quality assurance or quality engineering role, ideally in the automotive, chemical, or manufacturing industry. Additional manufacturing and operations related experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA 6.3 standards (corresponding auditor certification is a plus).
• Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies: FMEA, APQP, PPAP, MSA, SPC.
• Proficient in problem-solving techniques (e.g., 8D, ...).
• Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Detail-oriented with a systematic approach to problem solving.
• Experience with quality management systems (QMS) and audit processes.

Equity and Inclusion

With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives, experiences and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day. Race, gender, ethnicity, country of origin, age, personal style, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, work and life experiences and many more factors contribute to this diversity. We welcome all applicants, regardless of their backgrounds, and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process.