Purpose/Summary

Support all aspects of the Supplier Quality Assurance function. Work in a team environment with suppliers to develop and implement best practices that emphasize defect prevention, reduce variation and waste, and provide continuous improvement in meeting all customer requirements. Collect root cause analysis and provide corrective feedback to prevent line stops due to supply issues. Manage customer-specific requirements and offer technical support to suppliers. Responsible for ensuring that the products produced meet quality standards required to minimize quality costs and maximize customer satisfaction while ensuring that procedures and processes adhere.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Work with Engineering (Corporate SQE, Design, and Manufacturing Engineers) team to define process parameters and criteria to ensure supplier process capability effectively meets product and process requirements.
• Supports manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, R&D, purchasing, and other related resources in quality improvements.
• Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective actions of supplier quality issues.
• Evaluate supplier quality data to identify process improvement opportunities.
• Work with the supplier directly and create corrective action plans to address process failures.
• Collaborate with suppliers on process improvement and value enhancement opportunities.
• Promote the use of customer-preferred techniques for continuous improvement such as Lean, Six-Sigma, Poke-Yoke (Error Proofing), Measurement System Analysis, and Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA)
• Facilitate the escalation of unresolved supplier quality issues.
• Report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to adhere to process and prevent the occurrence of any non-conformity relating to product, process, or system.
• Participate in cross-functional teams in the development of new products or changes related to current products in meeting customer requirements.
• Manage supplier problem solving on time, cost recovery, and supplier warranty indicators.
• Support quality audits
• Undertake special projects as required.
• Improve receiving inspection process for supplier components.
• Develop, implement, and maintain inspection standards for auditing raw materials and products at different stages in the receiving/manufacturing shipping process.
• Lead projects to improve the quality of processes, products, and components due to internal/external findings or customer complaints.
• Perform joint analysis of complex problems with suppliers monitoring 8D submission and review, design, manufacturing, and other departments to determine root cause and support the development of countermeasures.
• Leads or participates in Kaizen activities to analyze and review countermeasures by supplier concerns associated with processes, equipment, and completed parts.
• Issue supplier concern report (SCR) for all quality and delivery non-conformances.
• Oversee and monitor activities of the product sorting function and return of defective parts, including problem analysis, training, and assignment.
• Develop, implement and maintain complete layout inspections from suppliers for all raw materials and CpK for all special characteristics, identify vital points and communicate to suppliers to conform to Customer Specific Requirements.

Education and/or Experience (minimum required for the position)

• College degree in engineering or technical field preferred.
• Substantial experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, preferably automotive
• Experience in working in Quality Assurance
• Experience in Supplier quality development
• Lean skills
• Experience in dealing with customers and suppliers.
• Familiarity with Automotive customers’ quality requirements and industry standards is preferred.
• Materials, Stamping, Brake product knowledge/experience preferred.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Communication (written/verbal) skills.
• Use of office-related software for office use
• Blueprint reading, GD&T, a basic understanding of metrology.
• Knowledge of quality and business systems
• Strong knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA)
• Lean Manufacturing knowledge
• Knowledge of IATF 16949
• Knowledge of measurement techniques
• Metrology, Inspection Methods, and Equipment
• Understanding and interpretation of engineering drawings
• Understanding manufacturing processes
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Listening skills
• Negotiation skills
• Ability to present data effectively.
• Problem-solving skills
• Understanding of cost and financial impacts