Nicholas Gruber

Retired Senior Quality Assurance Automotive Engineer at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States

About

*Engineer with 36 years’ experience working in the automotive industry (Mercedes-Benz and Honda) specializing in Manufacturing and Quality Control: Plant Quality, Audit Inspection and Test Systems, Supplier Quality Assurance, Quality Certification, Calibration, and Lab Testing. *Instrumental in OEM plant start-up and all Mercedes-Benz US. Intl. vehicle launches 1995-2023. *Highly skilled in auditing, trouble-shooting and problem solving, PPAP, 5 Why’s, 8D’s. *Skilled at identifying and eliminating risks and creating solutions. *Have vast experience as problem solver on a wide variety of electrical, interior and exterior automotive components, production processes and quality systems. *Promotes team cooperation and strong working relationships. AREAS OF EXPERTISE: • ASQ Certified Quality Engineer. • Process Auditor VDA 6.3 (expired) • Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP Audit) • IRCA registered Lead Auditor Training. • Maintaining successful and productive working relationships. • Metrology Training (Japan) • "Honda Way" philosophy management training program.

Experience

  • Retired at Free to explore possibilities
    Jan 2023 - Jul 2023 · 7 mos

  • Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (27 yrs 11 mos)
    • RETIRED Quality Assurance Automotive Engineer
      Jan 2023 - Jan 2023 · 1 mo

      Retired - but looking for Consulting opportunities.

    • EV Exterior Supplier Quality Group 2 (Panoramic Sunroof)
      Mar 2017 - Jan 2023 · 5 yrs 11 mos

      • Performed line-side Quality Engineering activities, • Managed domestic Suppliers Quality Performance, • Performed Supplier Quality Audits at North American sunroof suppliers. • Performed extensive line-side trouble shooting activities at MBUSI to verify part design manufacturability and correct when necessary.

    • Interior Supply Quality Group: (lift gate & hood struts, sunroofs)
      Mar 2012 - Mar 2017 · 5 yrs 1 mo

      • Performed line-side Quality Engineering activities, • Managed domestic Suppliers Quality Performance, • Performed Supplier Quality Audits at North American locations. • Performed extensive line-side trouble shooting activities at MBUSI to verify part design manufacturability and correct when necessary

  • Quality Assurance Engineer at Honda of America Mfg., Inc.
    Jul 1987 - Mar 1995 · 7 yrs 9 mos

    Engineering Coordinator Quality Control Department • Electrical Component Quality Specialist (individual parts and completed vehicle). • Tested and evaluated new domestically produced parts to Honda's engineering standards. • Performed diagnostic troubleshooting on individual components and on the completed vehicle. Supplier Controller (All Electrical Component Suppliers) • Assured parts maintained the required quality level during mass production. • Evaluated domestic supplier’s quality potential for possible future parts procurement based on: - Use of SPC and FMEA - Process Capability Studies - Quality Standards Quality Project Leader for first Honda vehicle designed in the US: TRX 200 ATV. • Managed and supervised the test and evaluation of domestically produced parts. • Pinpointed problems and determined effectiveness of supplier countermeasures. • Effectively presented technical data to upper management.