What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supplier Quality Engineer position at Katalyst CRO?
Job Summary
- The Supplier Quality SME provides technical and process leadership to enhance supplier quality systems and standardize best practices across the supply base
- Focuses on identifying gaps in supplier quality processes and driving continuous improvement initiatives
- Works to improve supplier performance, reduce Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and ensure consistent compliance and efficiency
- Ensures supplier quality systems are aligned with manufacturing and business objectives
- Assess and identify gaps in supplier quality processes including PPAP, 8D corrective actions, incoming quality, and supplier performance metrics
- Define and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for supplier quality engineers and suppliers
- Improve PPAP quality and First Pass Yield (FPY) through standardized review criteria and readiness expectations
- Strengthen corrective action effectiveness through proper root cause analysis and validation of permanent solutions
- Develop and execute COPQ reduction strategies targeting high-impact suppliers and recurring issues
- Conduct supplier assessments, audits, and capability evaluations to improve compliance and maturity
- Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Quality teams to resolve systemic supplier issues
- Lead supplier development initiatives including improvement plans and follow-up actions
- Drive defect prevention, incoming quality stabilization, and long-term quality improvement initiatives
- Develop supplier scorecards covering PPM, SCAR aging, COPQ, and audit results and support supplier performance reviews
- Support HVAC-related supplier quality activities including validation, leak testing, pressure integrity, and thermal performance compliance
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Quality, or related field)
- Strong experience in supplier quality management including PPAP, APQP, 8D, and supplier performance metrics
- Experience in process assessment, gap analysis, and standardization of quality systems
- Strong understanding of quality tools such as PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and COPQ
- Preferred certifications: CQE, CQA, or equivalent
- Experience with ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 certified environments
- Exposure to complex manufacturing or electro-mechanical supply chains
- Strong data analysis and reporting skills for KPI and supplier performance tracking
- Added advantage: Experience with HVAC systems, validation methods, and industry standards (e.g., ASHRAE)