What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supplier Quality & Development Engineer position at BITZER US?
Description
Supplier Quality & Development Engineer
Employment Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Supply Chain Manager
Position Summary
The Supplier Quality & Development Engineer is responsible for partnering closely with the Supply Chain organization, Engineering, Purchasing, and suppliers to ensure that purchased products and components consistently meet established quality requirements. This position drives supplier quality improvement through process development, auditing, data analysis, root-cause investigation, corrective action, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The position will evaluate and develop new and existing suppliers, support new product introductions and engineering changes, assess supplier process capability, and lead initiatives designed to improve quality, productivity, safety, cost, and customer satisfaction.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The following duties and responsibilities are considered essential to the position:
The successful candidate should possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
This position operates in both a professional office environment and a manufacturing environment. The employee routinely uses standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, photocopiers, filing systems, and related equipment. The position also requires regular interaction with manufacturing operations, production personnel, suppliers, and subcontractors.
Physical Demands
While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to communicate verbally and listen effectively. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, use hands and fingers to handle or manipulate materials and equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
The position may require lifting and/or carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Other Duties And Responsibilities
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties, responsibilities, activities, or requirements associated with the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice, based on business needs.
Employees are expected to follow all job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties as assigned by management. Job requirements may be modified as necessary to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.
This job description does not constitute an employment contract. BITZER Scroll is an at-will employer.
Employee Acknowledgment
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the Supplier Quality & Development Engineer position.
Supplier Quality & Development Engineer
Employment Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Supply Chain Manager
Position Summary
The Supplier Quality & Development Engineer is responsible for partnering closely with the Supply Chain organization, Engineering, Purchasing, and suppliers to ensure that purchased products and components consistently meet established quality requirements. This position drives supplier quality improvement through process development, auditing, data analysis, root-cause investigation, corrective action, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The position will evaluate and develop new and existing suppliers, support new product introductions and engineering changes, assess supplier process capability, and lead initiatives designed to improve quality, productivity, safety, cost, and customer satisfaction.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The following duties and responsibilities are considered essential to the position:
- Develop and maintain supplier quality objectives that align with corporate policies, quality standards, and business goals. Develop and implement Lean Six Sigma standards, methodologies, and improvement initiatives for subcontractors and suppliers to reduce costs and improve quality.
- Assess, develop, and monitor new and existing suppliers. Lead Kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives that result in measurable improvements in productivity, quality, safety, cost, and customer satisfaction.
- Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies to analyze supplier process data, evaluate process performance and capability, and assess the impact of process changes.
- Ensure quality records, acceptance certificates, mechanical completion certificates, and other required documentation for assigned systems, products, buildings, or areas are properly prepared, reviewed, and maintained in accordance with project requirements.
- Communicate significant supplier quality issues, risks, trends, and developments to management in a timely manner.
- Maintain current knowledge of applicable government regulations, industry standards, quality codes, and customer requirements. Plan and conduct scheduled supplier quality audits.
- Coordinate Approved Engineering Change Notifications (ECNs) associated with new product launches and product changes, ensuring proper implementation and validation within supplier processes.
- Identify, clarify, and resolve supplier deviations from specifications and requirements. Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions to eliminate recurring deviations and establish stable, capable processes.
- Evaluate supplier quality performance and quality management systems to support decisions regarding product acceptance, supplier qualification, continued business relationships, and supplier development activities.
- Plan and oversee inspection, testing, process analysis, design reviews, and integration activities to ensure the quality of assigned products and components. Evaluate supplier process capability and recommend improvements as required.
- Coordinate with Engineering and Purchasing to ensure supplier milestone dates and deliverables are clearly defined and understood for new and existing products. Review supplier Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) against applicable project scope and milestones.
- Develop and implement innovative approaches to resolve quality issues identified during supplier quality activities, supplier development initiatives, and new supplier selection.
- Review and analyze data generated through supplier quality control and quality assurance activities to ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, specifications, and applicable standards.
- Coordinate the issuance and resolution of Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) with Supply Chain and internal BITZER customers. Drive root-cause analysis, corrective action, and preventive action for assigned suppliers.
- Develop and deliver quality training programs for key supplier and subcontractor personnel in coordination with management.
- Complete required daily, weekly, and monthly quality forms, reports, records, and other documentation.
- Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.
The successful candidate should possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Advanced knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong knowledge of machining, metal fabrication, and welding processes.
- Experience with pressure vessel manufacturing or related applications.
- Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills, including experience with 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa, and CAPA methodologies.
- Hands-on approach to problem solving, with the ability and willingness to participate in and lead cross-functional production issue resolution teams.
- Experience with Minitab or comparable statistical analysis software.
- Strong knowledge of SPC data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Intermediate knowledge of engineering drawings and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Experience with data acquisition, statistical analysis, and process capability evaluation.
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent training and experience.
- Experience using SAP, including quality-related data entry and documentation.
- Knowledge and practical application of applicable AIAG quality processes and standards.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.
- Strong organizational, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to effectively collaborate with Engineering, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, suppliers, subcontractors, and other cross-functional stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and courtesy in daily interactions.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of full-time experience in Supplier Quality, Supplier Development, Manufacturing Quality, or a related function.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience conducting quality, manufacturing, or supplier audits.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with internal departments, cross-functional teams, suppliers, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, courtesy, and sound judgment.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Working knowledge of standard office equipment and technology.
This position operates in both a professional office environment and a manufacturing environment. The employee routinely uses standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, photocopiers, filing systems, and related equipment. The position also requires regular interaction with manufacturing operations, production personnel, suppliers, and subcontractors.
Physical Demands
While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to communicate verbally and listen effectively. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, use hands and fingers to handle or manipulate materials and equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
The position may require lifting and/or carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Other Duties And Responsibilities
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties, responsibilities, activities, or requirements associated with the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice, based on business needs.
Employees are expected to follow all job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties as assigned by management. Job requirements may be modified as necessary to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.
This job description does not constitute an employment contract. BITZER Scroll is an at-will employer.
Employee Acknowledgment
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the Supplier Quality & Development Engineer position.