Senior Quality Engineer

Job Decription:

Position Overview

• The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) – Casting is responsible for ensuring that all direct‑purchased materials consistently meet performance and quality requirements. This role provides strategic and tactical support to manufacturing through advanced quality planning, supplier development, corrective action management, and continuous improvement initiatives. The SQE works closely with the global supply base, procurement, engineering, and manufacturing teams to prevent quality issues, eliminate production disruptions, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

1. Tactical Supplier Quality

• Manage and process PPAP submissions to support timely new product launches.
• Work independently and collaboratively with global suppliers to execute all quality‑related activities.
• Maintain effective communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders regarding quality impacts on production.
• Review and validate supplier Corrective Action submissions, ensuring root cause identification and robust preventive actions.
• Respond to internal customer inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Conduct supplier performance analyses and share insights with Procurement and Category Management teams.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier PPM performance and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Prepare and present quality performance reports to support decision‑making and continuous improvement initiatives.

2. Factory Support

• Support manufacturing by conducting or coordinating inspection/sorting of suspect or discrepant materials.
• Issue corrective actions to suppliers for non‑conforming materials and follow through to resolution.
• Demonstrate integrity, trust, and alignment with organizational values in daily activities.
• Influence and support cross‑functional teams through effective collaboration and communication.
• Drive improvement activities across the value stream through motivation and leadership.

3. Process Management

• Document rejected materials and maintain accurate MRB system records.
• Verify incoming materials against shipment documentation, engineering drawings, and specifications.
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, schematics, and standards to determine product quality and reliability.
• Adhere to and uphold organizational quality standards and maintain process compliance.

4. Supplier Development

• Conduct supplier audits and provide detailed analyses, feedback, and improvement plans.
• Develop and support systems and processes to ensure long‑term supplier performance improvement.
• Address tactical supplier issues such as spills, PPAP delays, and material non‑conformances.
• Create risk‑based schedules for proactive supplier evaluations.
• Lead APQP activities for new product and part development.
• Issue and track Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs).
• Collaborate effectively with Buyers, Category Managers, R&D engineers, and Plant SQEs across all functions.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel up to 20% (day or overnight), by car or air, for supplier visits, audits, and internal meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or quality engineering.
• Strong interpretation skills for engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Knowledge of SPC and data analysis for critical features.
• Hands‑on experience with casting and forging processes.
• Experience in aluminum casting technologies (sand, investment, high‑pressure die casting, permanent mold, cores, etc.).
• Machine shop experience and understanding of machining operations.
• Strong knowledge of quality tools and problem‑solving methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in engine or engine component manufacturing or assembly.
• ASQ certifications (Quality Engineer, Quality Manager, or Auditor).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification with demonstrated project experience.