We are looking for an experienced Design Quality Specialist to join our Design Studio team in Gothenburg. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that all visible interior and exterior components meet Volvo’s premium quality, appearance, and craftsmanship standards throughout the development process.

You will work closely with Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Suppliers, and Quality teams to secure visual and perceived quality targets for future vehicle programs. The role requires a strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, component appearance quality, and design intent validation.

This position is ideal for a quality-focused professional with a keen eye for detail, excellent visual assessment capabilities, and extensive automotive industry experience.

Key Responsibilities

Appearance & Perceived Quality Assessment

• Perform Appearance Approval Assessments (AAA) on individual components and complete component systems.

• Evaluate visual quality and craftsmanship of components including:

  • Seats

  • Instrument Panels

  • Grilles

  • HMI Components

  • Mirrors

  • Door Panels

  • Interior Trim Components

  • Exterior Decorative Components

• Assess fit, finish, perceived quality, and overall design execution.

Supplier & Tooling Approval

• Conduct ocular inspections of First-Out-of-Tool (FOOT) components.

• Evaluate un-grained tooling samples before production release.

• Review tooling quality and manufacturing readiness.

• Approve and sign off "Go Ahead to Grain" decisions.

• Support suppliers during appearance validation activities.

Colour, Material & Finish Validation

• Verify compliance with Volvo standards regarding:

  • Colour

  • Grain

  • Gloss

  • Texture

  • Light intensity

  • Surface quality

  • Haptic characteristics

• Ensure alignment with:

  • Master samples

  • Technical Requirements (TR)

  • Design specifications

  • Appearance approval standards

Quality & Manufacturing Collaboration

• Collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, Engineering and Supplier Quality teams.

• Support issue resolution related to visual quality deviations.

• Participate in design reviews, supplier reviews, and production readiness activities.

• Identify risks related to appearance quality and propose corrective actions.

• Drive continuous improvement activities related to craftsmanship and perceived quality.

Documentation & Communication

• Prepare assessment reports and approval documentation.

• Maintain quality records and appearance approval status.

• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

• Support project teams with visual quality expertise throughout vehicle development programs.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in:

  • Engineering

  • Industrial Design

  • Manufacturing Engineering

  • Quality Engineering

  • Automotive Engineering

  • Or equivalent experience

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience within the automotive industry.

• Strong experience with:

  • Automotive manufacturing processes

  • Appearance approval activities

  • Perceived quality assessments

  • Supplier quality evaluations

  • Interior and exterior trim systems

• Experience working with:

  • Automotive OEMs

  • Design studios

  • Supplier development environments

  • Production and manufacturing organizations

Technical Competence

• Strong understanding of:

  • Colour & Material Finish (CMF)

  • Grain & texture evaluation

  • Gloss measurement

  • Surface appearance quality

  • Tooling validation processes

  • Manufacturing quality standards

• Experience performing:

  • Visual inspections

  • Appearance approvals

  • Supplier part evaluations

  • Production quality assessments

Digital & Administrative Skills

• Proficient in:

  • Microsoft Word

  • Microsoft Excel

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

  • Microsoft Teams

  • Office 365

• Strong documentation and reporting skills.

Language Requirements

• Fluent English, both written and spoken.

Mandatory Requirement

• Valid Visual Colour Assessment Certification / Passed Visual Colour Test.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within premium automotive brands.

• Knowledge of perceived quality methodologies.

• Familiarity with automotive design development processes.

• Experience working with global suppliers.

• Understanding of colour science and appearance measurement techniques.

• Experience supporting prototype, pre-series, and production approval activities.

Personal Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship.

• Strong visual judgement and aesthetic awareness.

• Quality-focused mindset.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Structured and methodical working approach.

• Ability to work independently and make objective assessments.

• Strong collaboration skills within cross-functional teams.

• Passion for automotive design, quality, and premium customer experience.

Why Join Us?

You will become part of a highly skilled multidisciplinary Design Studio team responsible for supporting all Volvo Brand business areas. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the visual and perceived quality of future vehicle programs while working closely with design, engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams in a dynamic and creative automotive environment.