Quality Engineer

Position: Supplier Quality Engineer / Vendor Quality Engineer

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Supplier/Vendor Quality Engineer responsible for managing vendor quality, conducting inspections and audits, driving corrective actions, and ensuring compliance with defined quality standards. The role will involve supplier development, NPD/PPAP activities, process and product audits, customer complaint resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute inspections as per the CGCEL Quality Inspection Plan and defined quality standards.
• Conduct Pre-Dispatch Inspection (PDI) as per sampling plans and inspection requirements and take appropriate quality decisions.
• Analyze quality data and apply statistical techniques to identify improvement opportunities in vendor product and process quality.
• Review and monitor vendor PPR, PDI, TBR, PQC and IQC KPIs and proactively drive improvement projects.
• Manage and track customer complaints and ensure effective resolution using 8D, 5 Why, Why-Why analysis, 7 QC tools and other problem-solving techniques.
• Conduct 100% inspection and joint analysis of GOC goods received at vendor locations, wherever applicable.
• Conduct daily/periodic critical process audits as per defined Process Audit Guidelines.
• Perform NPD and PPAP verification for pilot and production lots to ensure smooth product development and launch.
• Ensure vendor quality control processes and systems comply with applicable legal, regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Monitor and ensure effective closure of IMS, Corporate, GT and other audit non-conformities (NCs) at vendor locations.
• Verify the effectiveness and sustenance of corrective actions implemented at vendor end for customer complaints and quality issues.
• Review and update Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEA and Control Plans based on PDI findings, internal rejection, customer complaints, PPR and COPQ.
• Periodically review measurement and testing equipment and ensure appropriate measurement systems are available for critical product and process characteristics.
• Identify opportunities for technology upgrades and improvement in measurement and testing systems.
• Conduct supplier/vendor audits, process audits and product audits as required.
• Support incoming inspection, in-process inspection and final product inspection activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, productivity, cost and process performance.
• Travel to different vendor locations based on business requirements and priority.
• Visit warehouses, field locations and dealer locations for customer complaints, rework, quality investigations and market visits.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Supplier Quality / Vendor Quality Management.

• Good understanding of Quality Control and Quality Assurance principles.

• Hands-on knowledge of PPAP, APQP, PFMEA, Control Plan and Process Flow Diagram.

• Knowledge of PDI, Process Audit, Product Audit, Incoming Inspection and In-Process Inspection.

• Strong understanding of problem-solving methodologies such as:

• 8D

• 5 Why / Why-Why Analysis

• 5W1H

• 4M1D

• 7 QC Tools

• Root Cause Analysis

• Poka-Yoke

• Kaizen

• Knowledge of SPC, SQC and MSA.

• Understanding of FMEA and risk-based quality management.

• Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and quality management systems.

• Knowledge of Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Experience in supplier/vendor audits and corrective action management.

• Proficiency in quality data analysis and statistical techniques.

• Good working knowledge of MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.

• Understanding of applicable laws, regulations and industry standards.

• Ability to maintain and achieve PQCDSM deliverables.

Behavioral / Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good stakeholder and vendor management skills.
• Strong team management and coordination skills.
• Customer-focused approach.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and take quality-related decisions.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing business requirements.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel frequently to supplier/vendor locations.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Experience in Supplier Quality / Vendor Quality / Quality Assurance within a manufacturing or automotive/auto-component environment.
• Hands-on experience in PPAP, APQP, PFMEA, Control Plan, PDI, Process Audits and Supplier Audits.
• Strong experience in quality problem-solving and customer complaint resolution.
• Exposure to NPD and new product quality assurance will be an advantage.
• Candidates should be comfortable with vendor visits and frequent travel.