Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
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Ishtiaq Ahmed

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, IL
12.2023

Master of Science - Quality Engineering and Management

Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL
12.2017

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
Ishtiaq Ahmed