Supplier Quality Engineer

About the Role

Responsible for leading quality initiatives for pre-production builds and new product launches. This role ensures readiness through APQP methodologies, drives cross-functional corrective actions, and safeguards product conformity and process capability in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pre-production builds and new product launch readiness using APQP methodologies.
• Coordinate cross-functional corrective actions to ensure process capability and product conformity.
• Develop and validate inspection criteria; apply SPC and Measurement System Analysis.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing nonconformances and resolve operational issues with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Interface with suppliers and internal departments to define quality requirements, negotiate deliverables, and report performance metrics to management.
• Mentor associates in structured problem-solving tools (8D, DMAIC) and quality system procedures.
• Evaluate material specification changes and assess technical/process impacts through FMEA and control plan updates; communicate findings via detailed engineering reports.
• Lead investigations into field part failures, perform root cause analysis, and drive corrective actions with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Provide clear technical solutions and direction during engineering meetings, ensuring timelines and quality interests are met.
• Verify vendor Product Quality Planning activities and review First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation for compliance with specifications and CTQ requirements.
• Manage nonconformances and corrective actions within UniPoint, ensuring timely documentation and closure.
• Review manufacturing and design drawings for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GD&T, tolerances, and quality requirements.
• Define and develop Critical to Quality standards that address customer wants and needs.
• Drive equipment and software upgrades/replacements in the department as needed.
• Lead continuous improvement activities that reduce inspection time, streamline workflows, and improve quality throughput.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 7–10 years of Quality Engineering experience with demonstrated leadership in cross-functional problem solving, decision-making, and supporting engineering, manufacturing, and new product development environments.
• Proficient in statistical analysis software (e.g., Minitab, JMP, or equivalent).
• Operates with minimal oversight, taking initiative and driving proactive problem resolution.
• Collaborative team contributor with advanced analytical skills, proficiency in root-cause analysis methodologies, and a data-driven approach to decision making.
• Experience building and leveraging Power BI for dashboard development and performance insights.
• Strong project management and organizational capability, utilizing MS Project for scheduling and resource planning.
• Ability to communicate investigation findings, risk assessments, and recommended actions through formal technical presentations and reports.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma principles, DMAIC methodology, and data-driven continuous improvement practices.
• Proficient in the selection, calibration, and use of test and measurement equipment required for inspection, verification, and validation activities.
• Knowledgeable in raw material specifications, supplier qualification, and vendor management, including incoming inspection and supplier performance monitoring.
• Ability to read and interpret Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5, including datum schemes and feature control frames.
• Proficient in MS Office for technical reporting, KPI tracking, and documentation control.
• Capable of using Minitab for statistical analysis (SPC, capability studies, DOE) and UniPoint for CAPA, NCR, and audit management.
• Skilled in developing, analyzing, and presenting technical documentation, including control plans, inspection reports, and quality metrics.
• Experience with 3D modeling and CMM metrology software for dimensional analysis, measurement validation, GD&T verification, and inspection.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

• Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist while working.
• Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees to work on close to the ground.
• Crawling.
• Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet to work underneath suspended vehicles/engines/equipment to diagnose problems and/or remove/replace parts.
• Standing for sustained periods during work or events.
• Sitting.
• Extensive travel and long-distance travel.
• Walking, particularly long distances at the track to pit lane and around the shop.
• Lifting: raising objects of 25 pounds from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position.
• Repetitive motion: substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers while servicing/maintaining race engines, vehicles, and equipment.
• Exposure to hazards, including proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, high heat, and chemicals.

Emotional Requirements

• Make quick decisions.
• Hazard awareness and awareness of surroundings.
• Planning and problem-solving.
• Coping with change and other people.