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Principal Quality Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Quality Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Quality Coordinator/Engineer will be the focal point of contact for quality issues and ... Dental and Principal vision insurance Employee contribution is based on tier level coverage ...

Quality Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Quality Coordinator/Engineer will be the focal point of contact for quality issues and ... Dental and Principal vision insurance Employee contribution is based on tier level coverage ...

Quality Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Quality Coordinator/Engineer will be the focal point of contact for quality issues and ... Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental and Principal vision insurance Employee contribution is based ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Novi, MI · On-site

$131K - $160K/yr

Principal Electrical EngineerShape the Future of Hardware Engineering. At GHSP, we develop the ... Partner with Systems, Software, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management teams to ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$129K - $158K/yr

Principal Electrical EngineerShape the Future of Hardware Engineering. At GHSP, we develop the ... Partner with Systems, Software, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management teams to ...

Principal Software Engineer -CoCounsel CoCounselis our most advanced AI offering to date ... design, code quality, and security across the org.Be the expert in new model capabilities ...

... Quality, Project Engineering, and Maintenance (PME). * Cross-functional leadership capability is ... Principal Engineer * Manages capital and expense projects ensuring sustainable growth of site ...

Principal Project Engineer The Principal Project Engineer will be a project manager for the larger ... quality, security and environmental standards. * Member of the Engineering Leadership team, focused ...

ASRC Federal Advanced Research is currently seeking a Systems/Principal Engineer to support ... Assure product quality by designing electrical testing methods; testing finished products and ...

ASRC Federal Advanced Research is currently seeking a Systems/Principal Engineer to support ... Assure product quality by designing electrical testing methods; testing finished products and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Quality Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$56.2K

$109.4K

$149K

How much do principal quality engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal quality engineer in Michigan is $109,366.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,300.00 and $130,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal quality engineer?

A Principal Quality Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing quality assurance and quality control processes within an organization. They develop and implement quality standards, conduct audits, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product and process compliance. Their role often includes mentoring junior engineers, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring products meet regulatory and customer requirements.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a principal quality engineer?

As a Principal Quality Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include leading quality improvement initiatives, analyzing production or service processes, and conducting root cause investigations to address quality issues. You’ll collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to develop and implement quality standards, review product designs, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. The role may also involve mentoring junior quality engineers, facilitating audits, and compiling reports for senior management. This dynamic position requires a balance of hands-on problem-solving and strategic oversight to drive excellence throughout the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal quality engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Quality Engineer, you need deep expertise in quality assurance, process improvement, and engineering principles, usually backed by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with quality management systems such as ISO 9001, Six Sigma, root cause analysis tools, and proficiency in statistical analysis software are typically required, along with certifications like ASQ CQE or Lean Six Sigma. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for driving continuous improvement, ensuring product reliability, and leading cross-functional teams towards quality objectives.

Are principal quality engineers paid well?

Principal quality engineers typically earn high salaries due to their advanced expertise, leadership responsibilities, and experience in quality assurance and process improvement. Compensation varies by industry and location but generally includes competitive base pay, bonuses, and benefits reflecting their senior role.

What does a principal quality engineer do?

A principal quality engineer leads quality assurance efforts within an organization, developing and implementing testing strategies, ensuring product compliance with standards, and mentoring QA teams. They often utilize tools like test automation software and require strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills to improve product quality and process efficiency.

What job categories do people searching Principal Quality Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Quality Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Quality Engineer jobs in MI?

For Principal Quality Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Quality Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,366 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Principal Engineer-Development Quality

Northville, MI • On-site, Remote


ZF
10K+ employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

421st of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Paid breaks


Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Req ID 90573  |  Northville, Michigan (US-MI), United States ZF Active Safety US Inc.

Job Description

*DNP* *CBD*

ZF North America Inc. has job openings (multiple) for the position of Principal Engineer-Development Quality based out of its location in Northville, MI.

Job Duties:  Provide technical direction to project team on product, technology, and methods in planning and execution of development quality activities for Electrified Powertrain R&D; Serve as primary technical expert in the Engineering Quality Team, both internally within the team as well as towards overall ZF development teams; Apply advanced engineering techniques, principles, and procedures to ensure professional execution of engineering quality activities for the Electrified Powertrain R&D Organization; Exercise discretion to define and implement latest development quality methods and tools; Liaise between the North American Development Quality Team and the Corporate, Divisional, and Product Line Quality Responsible for Development Quality tasks, methods, and processes; Plan, execute and control preventive engineering quality activities for development projects and serial production support in accordance with corporate guidelines (e.g. according to Automotive SPICE requirements); Moderate and ensure execution of preventive quality methods (e.g. FMEA) and reactive quality methods (e.g. fault tree analysis); Plan, implement, control, and improve the Electrified Powertrain R&D Organization's quality management system according to IATF 16949 and corporate guidelines; Plan, execute, and follow up on internal quality management system audits; Provide solutions for internal departments to eliminate weaknesses and non-conformities within the quality management system; Prepare, execute and follow up of external audits (by customers, certification companies); Plan, execute, and control of quality improvement projects (incl. lessons learned) and problem solving; Create training plans for other departments regarding quality management system and engineering quality activities; Drive cooperation, communication, and alignment of quality activities with internal departments, production plants, suppliers and customers; Provide input to management for continuous improvement programs and business unit directives; Comply with all ZF policies and procedures. A hybrid (in-office and telecommute) work schedule is available. 5% travel required to domestic and international locations.

Requirements:  Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or closely related field, plus 5 years of quality or development experience in the automotive industry, and demonstrated experience with: Project management for quality improvement projects, including lessons learned and problem solving; Measurement systems, including execution of Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA); Structured Problem-Solving with at least three of the following methods 5 Why, IS-IS NOT, DoE, Multi-Vari or Shainin RedX; Automotive quality assurance systems, with at least two of the following: AIAG, IATF16949 or A-SPICE; Automotive Tier I Supplier Quality Assurance, including procedure development, 8D Problem Resolution or Lessons Learned; Powertrain systems and electrification products; Performing risk analysis using FMEA methods; and IATF audit preparation including conducting mock audits.

Send Resume To: Recruitment@zf.com, reference Position ID No. ZF-398 in the email.

Be part of our ZF team as Principal Engineer-Development Quality and apply now!

Contact

Hannah Cline

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT: 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice. 

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility. 

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran



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