Quality Engineer- Supplier Quality

Position Purpose

Engineering-level quality position responsible for the quality of purchased materials and components. Owns supplier issues and supplier 8Ds, supplier PPAP review and annual requalification, supplier audits, supplier development and certification review, and supplier change management, and owns customer 8Ds that are purely component related when assigned. Also leads assigned scrap projects and internal QMS improvements and corrective actions, serves as program quality lead for assigned launch programs, and supports purchased-component readiness on all launches.

Primary Responsibilities (Primary Owner)

• Supplier nonconformances and supplier 8Ds / SCARs.
• Customer 8Ds that are purely purchased-component related, owned start to finish when assigned by the Quality Manager.
• Internal QMS improvements and corrective actions as assigned (e.g., audit CARs, procedure and system improvements).
• Assigned scrap reduction projects.
• Supplier PPAP review and recommendation (new parts) and yearly supplier PPAP / requalification; the Quality Manager signs the PSW.
• Supplier audits (second-party), supplier development, and supplier certification review.
• Supplier change management (supplier-initiated changes / PCNs): processing and coordination; approval by the Quality Manager.
• Program quality lead for assigned launch programs (PDT member), and purchased-component PPAP readiness for all launch programs.

Key Duties

• Issue and manage supplier corrective action requests (8D/SCAR); drive root cause and verify corrective action effectiveness; coordinate supplier containment, returns and chargebacks with Purchasing.
• Own customer 8Ds that are purely purchased-component related from start to finish when assigned; for mixed causes, run the linked supplier 8D while the Customer Quality Engineer owns the customer RCA.
• Lead or support internal QMS system improvements and corrective actions as assigned, including internal audit CARs and procedure updates.
• Lead assigned scrap reduction projects, especially where purchased material contributes to scrap.
• Define supplier PPAP requirements; review supplier PPAP submissions (layouts and document review executed with support from the Quality Technician) and recommend approval to the Quality Manager for spot audit and PSW signature.
• Plan and complete the yearly supplier PPAP / requalification program.
• Plan and conduct supplier audits; lead supplier development activities for suppliers not meeting performance or quality system expectations.
• Review and track supplier quality system certifications (e.g., IATF 16949 / ISO 9001) and follow up on expirations.
• Process supplier change requests: evaluate impact, coordinate PPAP and change control, and obtain Quality Manager approval.
• Flow down customer-specific requirements to suppliers in coordination with the Customer Quality Engineer.
• Prepare supplier quality metric data (supplier PPM, open SCARs, supplier status) for Quality Manager reporting.
• Use receiving inspection and MRB data to identify supplier problems early.

For assigned launch programs: participate as Quality member of the PDT; review PFMEAs, control plans and work instructions (owned by Engineering) for quality content; review PPAP packages before Quality Manager spot audit and PSW signature; define gauging concept with the Gage Calibration Technician; set the safe launch plan and exit criteria.

• Lead continual improvement projects that target the elimination of waste and reduce internal defects and external complaints.
• Resolve part-specific problems and system-related issues utilizing problem-solving techniques (i.e., 8D methodology, 6 sigma, DOE, 3 leg-5 why, Shainin, etc.).
• Participate in the internal audit pool; perform internal audits in accordance with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements (not auditing own work).
• Create, review and approve Work Place Instructions / procedures within area of responsibility.
• Train employees, certify and document.
• Model and promote cooperation and teamwork.
• Reinforce 5S (housekeeping) behaviors and maintain good housekeeping in the work area.
• Ensure a safe working environment; follow and enforce PPE and safety procedures.

Required Qualifications (Experience and Education)

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Proficient in the use of statistical process control software (Minitab preferred).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (Microsoft applications).

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years in a manufacturing environment (automotive-related experience preferred).
• Six sigma training (green/black belt).
• Quality Engineering Certification (CQE).
• (Recommended) Supplier auditor competency per IATF 16949 7.2.4 (required before performing supplier audits; can be completed after hire).
• (Recommended) Working knowledge of AIAG core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC) and IMDS.

Competencies – Knowledge, Skills and Characteristics/Behaviors

• Influencing others, analytical thinking, self-confidence, high-level integrity, problem solving, reliable, self-managed.

Additional Notes

• Position requires the ability to lift and manually handle components (not to exceed 35 lbs), good hand dexterity, and daily visual inspection as required.
• Travel required for supplier and customer locations (up to 25%).

Authority / Decision-Making

• Issues SCARs and places suppliers on containment; rejects nonconforming supplier material and incomplete PPAP submissions.
• Recommends supplier PPAP approval and supplier status changes; the Quality Manager signs the PSW.

Key Interfaces

• Suppliers' quality and management contacts; Purchasing / Supply Chain.
• Customer Quality Engineer (supplier-caused customer complaints; mutual backup), Quality Engineering Supervisor (supplier issues found in production and MRB), Quality Technicians (receiving inspection, supplier PPAP layouts), Senior Quality Technician (IMDS, change control).
• Engineering and Program Management for launch programs.

Backup / Support Responsibilities

• Named backup for the Customer Quality Engineer (customer 8Ds, warranty, customer audits, customer portals) during absences; must hold active customer portal access.
• Named backup for IMDS submissions (Senior Quality Technician primary).
• Supports internal 8Ds when requested by the Quality Engineering Supervisor.

Backed up by the Customer Quality Engineer for supplier 8Ds and supplier audits