Sarah Mitchell
42 Riverbend Lane, Hamilton, Waikato 3204
+64 27 456 8921 | sarah.mitchell@email.co.nz | linkedin.com/in/sarahmitchell

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Resident Quality Engineer
FCA - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles | Hamilton, Waikato
March 2019 – Present

Lead quality assurance initiatives for automotive component manufacturing, ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer specifications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, and supply chain to implement robust quality systems and drive continuous improvement across production lines.

• Manage Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) processes for new product launches, coordinating Phase Gate reviews and ensuring timely completion of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation
• Conduct Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Process FMEA studies to identify and mitigate potential quality risks before production implementation
• Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies to monitor critical manufacturing processes, reducing defect rates by establishing control limits and capability indices
• Lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects utilizing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Green Belt methodologies to eliminate waste and enhance operational efficiency
• Investigate warranty claims and customer complaints, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Maintain ISO 9001 quality management system compliance through internal audits, process documentation, and management review activities
• Train production personnel on quality standards, inspection techniques, and process control requirements to ensure consistent product quality


Quality Engineer
Precision Automotive Solutions | Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
June 2016 – February 2019

Supported quality operations for Tier 1 automotive supplier specializing in transmission and steering components. Developed and maintained quality control plans, conducted supplier audits, and managed non-conformance resolution processes.

• Executed process capability studies and measurement system analysis to validate manufacturing processes and inspection equipment
• Coordinated PPAP submissions for multiple component families, ensuring compliance with customer-specific requirements
• Implemented process control strategies including control plans, work instructions, and visual management systems
• Participated in change management activities, assessing quality impact of engineering changes and process modifications
• Conducted ergonomics assessments of workstations to reduce operator fatigue and improve quality consistency


Manufacturing Engineer
Integrated Manufacturing Systems Ltd | Christchurch, Canterbury
August 2013 – May 2016

Focused on process optimization and production efficiency for automotive assembly operations. Collaborated with maintenance, quality, and production teams to resolve manufacturing issues and implement process improvements.

• Designed and optimized manufacturing processes using AutoCAD for layout planning and equipment integration
• Developed maintenance management procedures to minimize equipment downtime and maintain process capability
• Created technical training materials and conducted operator training sessions on new processes and equipment
• Utilized Microsoft Office suite for data analysis, reporting, and project planning activities
• Supported production planning activities by analyzing capacity constraints and recommending process enhancements


EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
University of Auckland | Auckland, Auckland
Graduated: May 2013


CERTIFICATIONS

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
Lean Manufacturing Certification


TECHNICAL SKILLS

Quality Systems: APQP, PPAP, FMEA (Design & Process), ISO 9001, ISO 9000, Statistical Process Control, Process Control
Methodologies: Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Continuous Improvement, Change Management
Technical: AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, Process Engineering, Ergonomics
Automotive: Transmission Systems, Steering Systems, Warranty Analysis, Manufacturing Processes
Additional: Technical Training Development, Maintenance Management, Investigation & Root Cause Analysis