Principal Product and Process Quality Technician

 Req ID 73536 | OSS Mesa, United States ZF Passive Safety Systems US Inc.

ZF LIFETEC in Mesa, AZ is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Principal Quality Technician to support daily Quality functions related to Receiving Inspection, Calibration, Metrology, and Measurement Systems. This role serves as a technical lead within the Quality Systems team, providing expertise in CMM programming, measurement strategies, inspection planning, calibration systems, and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will work with minimal supervision while mentoring team members and supporting new product and process launches.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Metrology & Measurement Systems

• Establish standard work, alignment methods, probing strategies, and measurement plans.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize CMM and Vision System programs to ensure robust, efficient, and repeatable measurement results.
• Lead evaluation and implementation of measurement methods for layout inspections.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supplier Development Engineering (SDE), Production, and Quality teams to resolve measurement-related issues.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend new metrology technologies and methodologies.
• Standardize measurement approaches to reduce variation and improve quality performance.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and mentor measurement specialists and CMM programmers.
• Provide training on measurement techniques, equipment operation, and best practices.
• Assist in developing training materials and maintaining training records for assigned areas.
• Assist in setting goals and monitoring performance within the Quality Systems Group.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis, problem-solving, and process optimization.

New Product Launch & Quality Planning

• Participate in the integration and launch of new production lines.
• Review new drawings to verify sufficient dimensional information, datum structures, locator controls, and math data for layout inspections.
• Participate in the acquisition and validation of new measuring equipment, gages, fixtures, and inspection systems for new programs.
• Support development of data collection and recording methods associated with control plans for new products and processes.

Receiving Inspection & Quality Support

• Create inspection plans.
• Inspect purchased parts, assemblies, accessories, and materials for conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments and devices.
• Approve or reject materials and record inspection and disposition information.
• Create green tags and release product in SAP.
• Create red tags, generate MRRs, and process rejected material dispositions in SAP.
• Maintain PPAP retention samples for inflators.
• Coordinate sample disposition activities and maintain clean, organized retention and analysis areas.

Calibration & Equipment Management

• Calibrate electrical, mechanical, and electronic measuring instruments and equipment.
• Verify instruments consistently meet established standards and produce reliable measurement results.
• Analyze calibration and test data to determine needs for adjustment, repair, or maintenance.
• Utilize calibration management systems and software to schedule, monitor, and perform maintenance activities.
• Support repair activities for instruments, equipment, and control systems.
• Prepare calibration certificates, reports, analysis summaries, and recommendations for management.

Quality Systems

• Maintain workflow and organization within assigned areas.
• Participate in Measurement System Analysis (MSA) studies.
• Promote product quality and customer satisfaction by supporting plant quality objectives.
• Support and actively participate in Lean and continuous improvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Advanced understanding of dimensional metrology and measurement systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Strong knowledge of SI units, conversions, and derived measurements.
• Advanced CMM programming experience required.
• Experience with Vision Systems programming preferred.
• Ability to create and optimize measurement plans and inspection strategies.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to analyze data and draw logical conclusions for process and product improvement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, technical documentation, and mistake-proofing methodologies.
• Proficient with IndySoft calibration software.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and training skills.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in a technical field preferred.
• ASQ certification (CQT or related technical certification) preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, preferably automotive.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a quality-related function.
• Demonstrated experience with CMM programming and dimensional metrology.
• Prior leadership, mentoring, or training experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Must have hand dexterity at moderate speed.
• Requires steady, active effort and continuous walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and perform frequent physical effort.

ZF LIFETEC Mesa Operations screening process includes a substance abuse screening test, ATF lifetime background check, and verification of eligibility for employment.  U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident Status Required.  Relocation funds are not available for this position.

Be part of our ZF Lifetec team as Principal Product and Process Quality Technician and apply now!

Contact

Kim Perez

+1 480 944 7625

kim.perez@zf-lifetec.com 

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