Senior Engineer - Supplier Quality Assurance

Job description

**Job description** We are seeking a data-driven and technically proficient **Senior Supplier Quality Engineer** to lead the quality management, development, and compliance of our global supply base. In this role, you will be the primary gatekeeper for components entering our high-tech manufacturing facility, ensuring that all supplier partners deliver parts that consistently meet or exceed our strict engineering specifications. You will oversee critical validation processes for **New Product Introduction (NPI)** and production, manage supplier risk, and lead technical root-cause investigations to eliminate component defects before they reach our autonomous assembly lines. **Responsibilities** **Supplier NPI & Component Qualification:** - Execute the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process with suppliers from early design phases through to high-volume manufacturing. - Review and approve Supplier Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions, including control plans, PFMEAs, gauge R&R, and process capability studies. - Establish clear quality requirements and validation protocols for custom fabrication/welding process. **Performance Monitoring & Supplier Development:** - Develop and track supplier quality metrics using defined key performance indicators. - Conduct rigorous on-site supplier audits and quality system evaluations (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949) to assess manufacturing capability and identify operational risks. - Lead continuous improvement initiatives with key suppliers to optimize their process capabilities, reduce cycle times, and lower total cost of quality. **Root Cause Analysis & Containment:** - Own the Supplier Corrective Action Request (CAPA/SCAR) process, holding suppliers accountable. - Lead cross-functional containment activities when defective or non-conforming incoming material is identified, preventing assembly line disruptions. - Partner with internal Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to resolve complex, multi-variable component failures affecting product integrity. **Mentor and provide technical guidance:** - Receiving inspection technicians on advanced metrology tools, CMM, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). **Skills & Qualifications** - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline is required. - Minimum of 7–9 years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering or Supplier Quality Assurance within a high-tech manufacturing environment. - Expert proficiency in core quality tools: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA - Strong command of advanced problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Shainin, 5 Whys, Ishikawa diagrams). - Solid understanding of GD&T principles and the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and schematics. - Familiarity with industry compliance standards such as ISO 9001 and IATF 16949. - Exceptional negotiation and communication skills, with a proven ability to influence supplier behavior, manage conflicts, and present data to executive leadership. - Willingness to travel (up to 30–40% domestic and international) to perform supplier audits and technical interventions. - Proficiency in quality management software and data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, Excel SPC).