Supplier Quality Specialist

About the Role

Heliene is a fast-paced entrepreneurial company growing rapidly in a highly desirable industry, with a mission to be part of the solution to climate challenges and contribute to a better planet. We are a manufacturer of high efficiency and high-quality solar modules, produced on state-of-the-art solar manufacturing lines in Ontario-Canada, Minnesota-USA, and at manufacturing partners around the world. Customer First is more than a slogan—it's the guiding principle of our business, a core value, and the cornerstone of our company culture.

We are looking for talented and motivated people that want to help us shape the solar industry. Under an experienced leadership team, we provide growth opportunities, intellectual challenge and a flexible, collaborative company culture.

Responsibilities

• Participate in supplier qualification and selection activities, including taking the lead on supplier quality assessments.
• Develop, analyze and report qualitative and quantitative data to present Quality Performance Metrics (e.g. Defect ppm) of actual supplier performance to internal & external stake holders (including potential investors).
• Establish direct working relationships with key suppliers to foster continuous improvement programs and activities and lead/facilitate implementation of such projects towards improving quality/capability/productivity and reducing variability using six sigma methodology/lean techniques for the mutual benefits of the parties while driving Corrective Actions & problem root cause analysis as necessary.
• Conducts / Participates in Supplier design and process FMEA's, Print/Process Reviews, advance Quality Planning, Control Plan development, process capability and gage studies, and other milestone events.
• Participates in initial and sustaining part qualification, including Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities as required by the level of criticality of the component.
• Collaborates with internal partners to minimize total-cost-of-ownership and price-of-non-conformance.
• Provides technical support to the receiving inspection function when appropriate.
• Defines data requirements associated with suppliers' shipment or pre-shipment and assist when the quality team reports regular noncompliance.
• Develops applicable Incoming Quality Inspection Criteria, Work Instructions, etc. for Heliene Quality and Operations Staff.
• Leads training initiatives on quality tools such as FMEA, Control Plans, Process Auditing, for supplier.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Quality Engineering Manager.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering, or quality with five years in supplier quality in a manufacturing environment, ideally in a regulated industry or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Strong experience with APQP, PPAP and ISO 9001 or automotive certification.
• Understanding of GD&T, drawing and design / process controls.
• Must understand and be able to develop inspection and test methods.
• Project management skills.
• Data collection and analysis – Must develop KPIs.
• Supplier evaluations and audits (including traceability audit).
• Strong root cause analysis, Problem-solving abilities and Corrective Action implementation with thorough understanding of 8D report process, 5 Why, SPC.
• Working knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma tools – DMAIC problem solving.
• The ability to facilitate change and positively influence others.
• The ability to manage complex communication with suppliers or customers.
• Must be a motivated and organized multi-tasker that requires minimal supervision to complete assignments and capable to deliver under stress.
• Must have a valid passport and ability to travel to US/Canada and internationally. Travel requirement is expected to be around 35%.
• Must be allowed to work in US or Canada and complete record check and drug screening prior to employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Any of these certification ASQ, CQE, CQA, UPPAP, ASQC, BB, GB, ISO, BBSS, PPM.
• Experience in the manufacturing of PV modules or other solar/renewable energy equipment.

Pay

$65,000 to $95,000 Annually

Benefits

• Employer paid employee medical & dental benefits
• Co-pay for spouse/dependents
• Performance Incentive
• Life Insurance
• 401K match
• Paid PTO
• Paid sick days
• Paid personal days