Jr Supplier Quality Engineer (Alajuela, Costa Rica)

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.   

Are you passionate about learning new processes and leading continuous improvement to suppliers? If you are, this is a good opportunity to join the SQE team. In this role you will work directly with component and service suppliers supporting all manufacturing operations at the Costa Rica site. The supplier quality engineering team works to ensure the implementation of data-driven decisions and proven processes using engineering techniques and tools such as six sigma/DMAIC, statistics, predictive indicators, process validation, SPC, DOE, PFMEA, PPM defective, root cause analysis, etc.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? 

This position is a P1 level 

What will you be doing? 

• Directly participation with Production, Incoming, warehouse and supplier to disposition materials affected by non-conformities. (30%) Ø

• Lead the effort in Supplier Quality Engineering by working directly with suppliers to improve product quality and to mitigate, control and resolve supplier quality issues. (20%)

• Collects NCR, supplier corrective actions, deviations/concessions and related quality data for trending, scorecard maintenance and supplier performance reports to enable risk mitigation. Includes such activities as supplier assessment, supplier/product qualification and test method alignment. Provides key supplier performance metrics to the department manager, senior management and key stakeholders. (20%)

• Perform investigations related to raw materials with defective conditions by applying engineering techniques such as problem solving methodologies, analytical analisis (equipment, tools, etc). (20%)

• Improves global and site Supplier Controls procedural requirements, e.g. as supplier qualification, supplier change notification supplier audit, supplier risk assessments, etc. as well as modifies existing drawings and specifications to improve quality and correcting errors. Initiates and approves engineering change requests if required. (5%)

• Supports customer complaints on supplier related issues by assisting in the analysis and the development of corrective action and proper documentation of complaint analysis. (5%)

What will you need to be successful?  

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree (in progress, minimum 50% completed) in a Technical Field (Engineering or Sciences) is required.

Certifications:

ISO Lead Auditor Certification (Preferred)

Lean Six Sigma Certification (Preferred)

Experience:

1+ years of Technical (Engineering or Sciences) experience is required. Medical device is preferred but not mandatory.

Languages:

English proficiency

Knowledge:

Functional / Technical Knowledge: · Project Management Skills · Problem Solving (A3, DMAIC, 5 Why's, 8D, etc.) · Process Qualification · Microsoft Applications · Statistical Tools · Limited knowledge Supplier Relationship Management (e.g., component, contract manufacturer, OEM, etc.)

Competences 

Business Expertise: · Business acumen · Ability to escalate effectively · Stakeholder management

Leadership skills: Strategic Thinker · Growth Mindset · People Leaders · Ability to Motivate Others · Ability to Influence at all Levels of Internal/External Organization · Exercising Influence · Effective Communication

Interpersonal Skills: · Decision Making · Effective Communication · Self-Motivated · Personable · Energetic · Responsive · Confident · Honest and Passionate

You. Unlimited

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve. 

Inclusion + Belonging - Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/ 

• Your future:  stock purchase program, referral bonus, subsidy in transport and food, recognition program.

• Work/Life Balance: Extra days off, birthday off, voluntary hours.

• Your Wellbeing: company doctor, medical insurance, gym, health campaigns, employee assistance program, parental leave. 

• Flexibility: Hybrid work model (for more professional roles), flexible schedules.

• Training: Training program, unlimited learning.

• Extra perks: employees association, and more…

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