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Overview:

You’re passionate about a zero-emissions future and want to build something special. You want to own your space, but work with talented, like-minded people on important projects. The pace doesn’t scare you, it excites you. Quality and integrity matter to you.


We feel exactly the same way.


Drive Forward. Introduce yourself to us and let’s start a conversation.


As the Plant Quality Functional Lead you will report to Head of Quality. You will be responsible for overseeing and ensuring the quality and reliability of our zero emissions truck manufacturing processes and products. You will lead a team of quality professionals and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement and maintain robust quality systems and standards. Your expertise will be critical in driving continuous improvement initiatives and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and customer requirements.

Responsibilities:
  • Manage the product / process quality inspections (receiving, assembly, functional testing, and release stages), metrology measurements and material quarantine operation.

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive quality management system to ensure the highest level of product quality throughout the manufacturing process.

  • Establish quality control standards, procedures, and guidelines to meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

  • Lead and manage a team (integrated by Supervisors, Engineers, and Inspectors), providing guidance, training, and support to ensure adherence to quality standards.

  • Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams to identify and address quality issues, drive root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.

  • Monitor and analyze quality metrics and performance indicators to identify trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities for cost reduction.

  • Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with quality standards, regulations, and customer specifications.

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives, such as Lean Six Sigma methodologies, to optimize manufacturing processes and enhance product quality and reliability.

  • Coordinate with external suppliers and customers to resolve quality-related issues and ensure alignment on quality standards and expectations.

  • Stay current with industry trends, advancements, and best practices in quality management, and proactively identify and implement relevant improvements.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or equivalent). Master's degree is preferred.

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in quality management, preferably in the automotive or truck manufacturing industry.

  • Strong knowledge of quality management systems, standards, and methodologies (e.g., ISO 9001, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing).

  • Proven experience in implementing and maintaining quality systems and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Must be self-motivated, with a desire to continuously improve and learn
    working knowledge of truck/automotive manufacturing processes and dimensional requirements.

  • Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve quality objectives.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions.

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers.

  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to truck manufacturing.

  • Knowledge of GD&T and dimensional tolerances.

  • Certification in quality management (e.g., Certified Quality Engineer, Six Sigma Black Belt) is a plus.

  • Attention to detail, with a focus on delivering high-quality products and processes.

  • Familiarity with measurement analysis software systems and tools to evaluate production fixtures, stamping parts, welding sub-assemblies, and supplier parts.


Candidates must have current U.S. work authorization or be TN eligible from Mexico or Canada. This position is not eligible for CPT or OPT.

EEO Statement: Nikola Corporation™ is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, age, sex, ancestry, marital status, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by state or federal law.