Supplier Quality Engineer (QA)

· Supplier Audits: Conduct on-site and remote audits to assess capability, capacity, and quality systems.· PPAP/FAI: Manage the Production Part Approval Process for new or modified components.· Issue Resolution: Lead 8D problem-solving sessions for supplier escapes; drive effective and timely corrective actions.· Performance Metrics: Track and report on supplier KPIs (e.g., PPM, On-Time Delivery, Cost of Poor Quality).· Continuous Improvement: Partner with key suppliers to implement Lean or Six Sigma improvements to reduce waste and variation.Cross-functional Collaboration: Work with Engineering, Procurement, and Production to resolve material issues on the line.

Supplier Approval & Onboarding

· Evaluate and qualify new suppliers through rigorous capability assessments, on-site audits, and financial/operational due diligence.

· Maintain the Approved Supplier List (ASL) and conduct annual re-evaluation audits to ensure ongoing compliance.

· Lead the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) – review and approve all submission levels (Dimensional, Materials, Test Results, Control Plans, and FMEAs) for new or changed components.

Incoming Quality & Production Support

· Establish receiving inspection criteria and sampling plans (AQL) for incoming materials; work with QC inspectors to ensure proper gauging and test methods.

· Lead the MRB (Material Review Board) process – disposition non-conforming materials (Scrap, Rework, Use-As-Is, or Return to Supplier).

· Provide on-the-floor support to manufacturing to rapidly triage supplier-related line stoppages, sort issues, and minimize production downtime.

Corrective Action & Problem Solving ·

Lead 8D or DMAIC problem-solving for all supplier quality escapes; drive suppliers to identify true root causes and implement permanent corrective actions.

· Track and verify the effectiveness of all supplier corrective actions (SCARs – Supplier Corrective Action Requests) within agreed timelines.

· Escalate chronic poor performers to the procurement team for business reviews, re-sourcing, or de-sourcing decisions.

Supplier Performance Monitoring & Development ·

Develop and manage supplier scorecards tracking key metrics: PPM (defect rate), On-Time Delivery (OTD), Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and responsiveness.

· Conduct quarterly or monthly business reviews with strategic suppliers to review performance data, address gaps, and align on improvement roadmaps.

· Coach and develop suppliers on Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC (Statistical Process Control), and error-proofing (Poka-Yoke) to reduce process variation.

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Design Collaboration

· Represent Supplier Quality in cross-functional NPI teams; participate in Design and Process FMEAs to influence supplier manufacturability early in the product lifecycle.

· Lead the APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) timeline for new supplier tooling and processes – ensuring all quality milestones are met before SOP (Start of Production).

· Coordinate and approve Measurement System Analysis (MSA / Gauge R&R) for all supplier inspection equipment used on new parts.

Work Location: In person