Ishtiaq Ahmed
Platteville,WI
Summary
Analytical and solutions-driven Quality Engineer with strong expertise in ISO 9001:2015 systems, APQP, PPAP, and root cause analysis (8D). Skilled in resolving customer quality issues, leading containment activities, and supporting change management initiatives. Proven track record of applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement and enhance customer satisfaction. Adept at collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and customer support teams to maintain high product and process quality standards.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Quality Engineering Specialist
Best Buy Auto Sales, Inc.
04.2025 - Current
- Led containment and root cause analysis for customer-reported quality issues, ensuring timely resolution and preventing recurrence.
- Acted as a quality liaison across manufacturing and engineering teams to support corrective action initiatives and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Managed and improved ISO 9001:2015 compliance through internal audits, document control, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) management.
- Conducted process gap analysis and initiated 5S Lean Manufacturing improvements, increasing operational efficiency by 20%.
- Utilized statistical tools (SPC, Control Charts) to monitor process performance and drive continuous quality improvements.
- Supported new process changes and safe launch initiatives by verifying key quality metrics and leading first-piece inspections.
Track Team Member – Paint Quality West
Toyota Motors Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI)
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Performed over 50+ quality inspections daily and conducted defect analysis on finished automotive parts, ensuring 100% compliance with Toyota Production System (TPS) standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional production teams to lead containment actions, manage rework processes for up to 200 units weekly, and resolve customer complaints promptly.
- Contributed to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying systemic paint quality defects and implementing corrective measures, resulting in a 15% reduction in rework rates.
Quality Engineer
AISIN Electronics
10.2020 - 02.2021
- Led cross-functional teams for root cause analysis (8D methodology) of internal and external quality non-conformances.
- Conducted APQP activities, prepared PPAP submissions, and developed PFMEA and control plans for new and existing products.
- Supported change management processes, ensuring smooth transitions during product and process modifications.
- Performed internal quality audits and assisted in external customer audits, ensuring sustained compliance with ISO 9001 standards.
- Applied Lean Six Sigma methods to improve defect detection rates and reduce process variability.
Quality Control Inspector
AISIN Electronics
04.2019 - 10.2020
- Conducted inspections and testing of electronic assemblies and mechanical components using GD&T standards.
- Supported layered process audits (LPA) and quality system audits to ensure product and process conformity.
- Documented non-conformances and collaborated with manufacturing teams to develop immediate corrective actions.
- Implemented lean manufacturing techniques and quality control practices, earning the Continuous Improvement Award in February 2020.
Product Quality Engineering Specialist
Best Buy Auto Sales, Inc.
01.2018 - 04.2019
- Implemented 5S to optimize the auto service center
- Tracked annual sales performance
- Utilized lean manufacturing to improve the layout of business operations
- Enhanced operational efficiency through value stream mapping
Education
Associate of Science - Electronics and Electrical Engineering Technology
Taylor Business Institute Technical College
Chicago, IL12.2023
Master of Science - Quality Engineering and Management
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL12.2017
Skills
- ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, CAPA, Internal Audits
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (DMAIC), 5S, 7-Step Problem Solving, Kaizen
- FMEA, PFMEA, SPC, MSA, GD&T Interpretation, Root Cause Analysis (8D, RCA)
- Customer Complaint Management, Containment Leadership, Quality Liaison (Customer & Vendor)
- Minitab (Statistical Analysis), Microsoft Excel (Advanced), PowerPoint
- Cross-Functional Collaboration (Engineering, Manufacturing, Customer Support)
Certification
- Workforce Competency Credential – NOCTI (21st Century Skills for Workplace Success), Awarded: Nov 14, 2023| Expires: Nov 14, 2026
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt – Value Enablers’ Academy, Certified: Jan 26, 2024| Cert No.: LSSGB171
- Certified in Lean Foundation – Value Enablers’ Academy, Certified: Jan 25, 2024| Cert No.: CLFP219
Affiliations
- American Society for Quality (ASQ) – Member since January 2016
Timeline
Project Quality Engineering Specialist
Best Buy Auto Sales, Inc.
04.2025 - Current
Track Team Member – Paint Quality West
Toyota Motors Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI)
06.2021 - 08.2021
Quality Engineer
AISIN Electronics
10.2020 - 02.2021
Quality Control Inspector
AISIN Electronics
04.2019 - 10.2020
Product Quality Engineering Specialist
Best Buy Auto Sales, Inc.
01.2018 - 04.2019
Associate of Science - Electronics and Electrical Engineering Technology
Taylor Business Institute Technical College
Master of Science - Quality Engineering and Management
Southern Illinois University
Similar Profiles
Paige Leading FoxPaige Leading Fox
Auto Mechanic at Best Buy Auto SalesAuto Mechanic at Best Buy Auto Sales
Isaac MatthewsIsaac Matthews
Owner/General Manager at Buy It Right Auto Sales #1,IncOwner/General Manager at Buy It Right Auto Sales #1,Inc
Alex MartinezAlex Martinez
Administrative Assistant at Auto Mercado, Best Buy Auto, Inc.Administrative Assistant at Auto Mercado, Best Buy Auto, Inc.
Cody McCannCody McCann
Sanitation Technician at Emmi RothSanitation Technician at Emmi Roth
Nathan ShackelfordNathan Shackelford
Environmental Management Crew Member at Merjent Inc.Environmental Management Crew Member at Merjent Inc.