The posting
TITLE
Plant Metallurgist/Supplier Quality
COMPANY
JTEKT Bearings North America
DEPARTMENT
Quality
LOCATION
Sylvania Georgia
CLASSIFICATION
Exempt
REPORTS TO
Quality Manager
REVISION DATE
09/02/2026
Summary/Purpose
The plant metallurgist is responsible for analyzing the strength and performance of metals and alloys throughout the facility. Utilizing this analysis, the Plant Metallurgist assists in selecting metals and alloys that will be useful in the production of products that meet customer specification. In addition to the duties of the Metallurgist, they will also support the quality department and product lines by addressing supplier issues, internal issues, and perform customer warranty analysis. This position will also assist with planning, supporting and coordinating quality assurance programs. This positon will also oversee the incoming materials from suppliers to ensure they meet the company needs and expectations.
Essential Duties and Accountabilities:
Directs the implementation and maintenance of the quality management system including the quality policy, quality procedures and instructions to meet the requirements of the business. Managing and maintain all health, safety, environmental standards, ensuring associates are working safely, and following all safety rules and procedures. Assures completion of appropriate quality planning and implementation of established control plans. Initiates investigation of customer complaints regarding quality and insures appropriate action and customer satisfaction. Complete detailed customer issue reports within required timeframes. Build customer rapport on responsiveness and support. Track and communicate customer quality requirements. Continually increase “quality awareness” in all associates and suppliers. Assist with analysis of organizations overall performance against goals set for KPI’s. Assist with maintaining corporate and plant level procedures. Assist with data analysis and risk assessment as pertaining to quality, customer audits, and new product launches. Plans, promotes and organizes training activities related to product quality and reliability. Leads reviews and assists with the internal quality audits. Manage aspects of the selection of process line gauging, training of setters, operators, and inspectors on proper gauging techniques. Conducts product return analysis. Develop and Manage Metallurgical lab testing and procedures. Provide feedback and analysis for troubleshooting Heat treat related issues. Review and approve quarterly TUS and SAT reports in addition to annual capability studies. Participate in all annual Heat Treat specific audits and provide reports to GML. Disposition any Heat treat related quality abnormal events. Support any material changes with technical comparison data and results. Provide technical support on any Customer quality issues and complete 8D analysis. Ensure lab equipment is calibrated and serviced regularly. Complete monthly and annual tests required by customers or GML. Train technicians on any new product requirements, equipment, or procedure changes. Ensures corrective and preventative actions are carried out to eliminate any nonconformance in the system. Support company policies and administer fairly and consistently. Manage performance reviews for hourly associates. Recommend coaching actions if required. Address supplier quality issues to ensure products and meet JTEKT regulatory and quality standards. Reviewing and signing supplier PPAP’s, PCN’s, and Deviations. Work with suppliers to manage DMR and supplier development activities. Monitor supplier performance metrics monthly. Ensure poor quality performance is addressed in a timely manner. Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has supervisory responsibilities.
Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
3+ years of quality and/or engineering related experience in a manufacturing environment Demonstrate understanding of applicable quality management system (e.g. ISO 9001, VDA and IATF 16949, CQI9, etc.) requirements related to the scope of the assessment. Understanding of internal auditing and ability to perform internal audits to ISO/IATF 16949 requirements Knowledge of and be familiar with the application of automotive quality core tools including statistical process control, measurement systems analysis, part approval, failure mode and effects analysis, and advanced quality planning Understanding or the ability to learn and utilize TPS initiatives of QA Network, Change Point Control, QC level of evaluation, QC Circles Lead quality deployment of new launches – Quality Gate 20 Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to work with all levels of the organization Ability to work effectively with customers and suppliers Basis computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) Strong statistical and analytical skills Self-motivated and able to work without close supervision Ability to travel, as required, to customers and suppliers
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Management, Chemistry, or related field. Minimum 5 years’ experience in heat treating or a combination of formal metallurgical education and heat treating experience totaling a minimum of 5 years.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is mostly performed in a normal office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards, and with substantial time spent working on a computer. Requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment. The performance of this position will require exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection and slip resistant shoes as a minimum. Additional protective equipment may be required to comply with the standard of certain work areas. Travel by automobile and plane will be required.
