Supplier Quality Development

About the role

The Supplier Quality Development (SQD) Engineer – Die Casting is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and developing die-casting suppliers to strengthen MANN+HUMMEL's North American supply base. This role requires extensive hands-on die-casting expertise to provide technical guidance on component design, manufacturing processes, and supplier capabilities. The position will lead supplier qualification and development activities, troubleshoot quality and production issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to ensure reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality die-cast components.

Responsibilities

• Review regularly (at least one time per month) performance from the assigned suppliers based on Vendor Rating System results and supplier KPI performance
• By applying the pareto-rule, understand, prioritize and take action on the highest complaints in terms of rejected parts / ppm with the SQE-employees from the affected M+H plants
• Responsible for continuous improvement of the assigned suppliers, initiates and manages improvement programs
• In case of escalations, ensures immediate and sustainable elimination of the supplier caused failures
• Plans and executes potential analysis according to the VDA 6.3 standard to evaluate new suppliers, locations and technologies, including monitoring of the defined actions
• Plans and executes process audits at external suppliers according to the VDA 6.3 standard, including monitoring of the defined actions (serial production phase)
• Has the authority and the responsibility to stop any process or product delivery in case of a non-conformance of customer expectations, safety or environmental risks, etc. in alignment with responsible Material Group Manager and the concerned M+H sites
• Organizes Top Focus Supplier Meetings together with Purchasing and ensures that the defined actions will be implemented as agreed with the supplier
• Supports Technical Change Management in case of supplier relocation activities
• Supports Advance Supplier Quality Engineers with the supplier APQP-process
• Supports the Material Group Managers with regard to the Material Group Strategy
• Identifies potential cost savings projects within serial production phase and initiate implementation
• Ensures exchange of experience and professional training of Supplier Quality Assurance employees in M+H sites
• Communicates Lessons Learned to relevant functions within the M+H group
• Drives continuous improvement of Supplier Development related processes, methods and tools including training within M+H and suppliers
• Assess supplier capability for melting, alloy handling, shot control, vacuum systems, die thermal management, trimming, machining, impregnation and leak testing
• Lead technical reviews of dies, gates, runners, cooling circuits and venting systems, die filling and solidification simulations
• Drive root cause investigations and corrective actions for casting defects and dimensional issues

Requirements

• Education: Technical education (Bachelor, Master, Dipl.Ing.) – in Mechanical, Process, Industrial Engineering, or Material Sciences or equivalent education
• Experience: Extensive practical experience in supplier development and die casting manufacturing within the automotive industry, with a minimum of 15 years of direct experience in die casting manufacturing, supplier quality, process engineering, operations leadership, and/or supplier development
• Certified process auditor according to VDA 6.3 standard (A, BII, C)

Skills

• Deep knowledge of problem solving tools, as well as quality and statistical methods, like 8D, PDCA, 5W2H, Ishikawa, FTA, APQP, PPAP, FMEA
• Professional knowledge of IATF 16949
• Knowledge about ISO 14001
• Deep understanding of Customer Specific Requirements, as well as ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Fluent business fluent English skills
• Mastery of MS-Office tools and good knowledge about SAP (QM/MM)
• Practical experience in moderation, presentation and executing of training activities
• Good communication skills, conflict ability, strong cost awareness, assertiveness, analytical approach
• Flexibility for strong portion of national and international business trips