Apqp Program Manager Jobs in Rockford, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Design Quality Lead (DQL) for BCIM is responsible for driving design quality excellence from early concept through launch. This role ensures alignment to quality targets, leads APQP/PPAP readiness, manages risk, and provides cross‑functional leadership to engineering, suppliers, and program teams. The DQL Project Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring robust design execution, early issue identification, and quality convergence to meet customer and business expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

Early Engagement & Quality Target Convergence:

• Begin involvement 4 weeks before PM or upon A3Q release from CX.
• Lead quality convergence toward NA BCIM targets for Months in Service and CPV.
• Conduct Gap-to-Target assessments and identify risks requiring engineering or leadership action.
• Collaborate with Engineering and TECH teams to define enablers needed to close quality gaps.
• Train engineering teams on applying Quality Targets during the RFQ process.

Design Quality Process Initiation & Governance:

Ensure all design-related checkpoints are Green or Orange with action plans , including:

• Design Assessment
• Risk Management Plan
• Lessons Learned (Check Retex) review

Project Review & Leadership Communication:

• Prepare and deliver bi‑weekly project reviews with the Director.
• Develop and present materials for senior leadership reviews.
• Attend weekly PMT meetings and other cross-functional sessions as needed.
• Participate in part readiness meetings and provide design-quality input related to APQP.

APQP / PPAP Monitoring & Execution:

• Monitor APQP and PPAP progress across assigned components and suppliers.
• Initiate APQP kickoff meetings with DRE, SQE, and suppliers.
• Support and help lead technical review meetings to ensure TECH teams and DQLs understand APQP expectations and cadence.
• Provide weekly APQP status reports to the Project CVE.
• Conduct weekly APQP grid audits and escalate issues when necessary.

Level 1 Escalation Management:

• Initiate escalation notifications to the Project Lead and Quality Project Specialist ; maintain the escalation report.
• Lead escalation meetings with Buyer, SQE, Supplier, DRE, SSTM, and SSTL as needed to resolve roadblocks.

Training & Capability Building:

• Deliver introductory APQP/PPAP training sessions for engineering and supplier teams.
• Host bi‑weekly APQP Process and AUROS/PLM Q &A workshops for DREs, SSTMs, SSTLs, SQEs, suppliers, and extended functional teams.
• Provide 1:1 AUROS/PLM training for DREs to ensure proper system usage and documentation quality.

Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind

Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage

From your very first day, you’ll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring you and your family stay healthy and protected.

Generous Paid Time Off

We believe in work-life balance. That’s why we offer: 17+ paid holidays, including shut-down from December 24 th through New Years Day every year. Vacation, float & wellbeing days, sick time and fully paid parental leave when your family needs you most.

Competitive Retirement Savings Plans

We help you plan for the future with:

• An employer match on contributions to your 401k, Roth, and Catch-Up plans
• An employer contribution, even if you don’t contribute

Income Protection & Insurance Options

Benefit from included and optional disability, life, and other insurance programs - because your peace of mind matters.

Company Vehicle Lease Program

Eligible employees and their immediate families can enjoy company vehicle lease options with included insurance, maintenance, and unlimited mileage. Plus, take advantage of exclusive discounts on Stellantis products.

Family Building Benefit

We proudly support all paths to parenthood- including fertility and infertility treatments, adoption services, and gestational surrogacy.

Support for Your Growth and Giving Back

We believe in investing in your future and your passions:

• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan refinancing programs
• 18 paid volunteer hours each year to make a difference in your community

And so much more!

When you join us, you’re not just building a career - you’re joining a company that supports you, inside and outside of work.