Supplier Quality Engineer

Purpose

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that all externally sourced components, including stamped steel, welded sub-assemblies, and high-tensile fasteners—meet the rigorous quality, safety, and regulatory standards of the automotive industry. Acting as the primary technical liaison between the plant and its supply base, the SQE drives defect prevention and continuous improvement to support seamless high-volume production. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
•    Supplier Quality Assurance: Continuously verifies that inspection results for all incoming raw materials and components are up to date, executed correctly, and documented within Plex. This role is vital for maintaining supply chain integrity and minimizing manufacturing defects.
•    Documentation and Communication: Manage supplier performance tracking in Plex, distribute supplier scorecards, and oversee the processing of quality-related chargebacks.
•    New Product Launch & APQP: Manage the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process for new seat structure programs. Review and approve Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions to ensure supplier readiness before Start of Production (SOP).
•    Supplier Auditing & Qualification: Conduct on-site process audits (e.g., VDA 6.3 or IATF 16949) to evaluate supplier manufacturing capabilities, specifically focusing on metal stamping, robotic welding, and coating processes.
•    Issue Resolution & Root Cause Analysis: Lead the investigation of supplier-related non-conformances using structured problem-solving methodologies like 8D, 5-Why, and Ishikawa (Fishbone) diagrams. Implement and verify permanent corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
•    Performance Monitoring: Track and report on supplier Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including PPM (Parts Per Million), cost of poor quality, and on-time delivery.
•    Technical Support & Development: Provide technical guidance to suppliers to improve their process capability (Cp / Cpk) and promote the use of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
•    Change Management: Review and disposition supplier-initiated engineering or process changes notifications (PCNs) to ensure zero impact on final assembly quality.
•    Verification of supplier clean points
•    Assists in the absence of other QA personnel
•    Instruct production personnel in the methods of checking of parts and the results of inspection
•    Audit product processed around responsibility to conformance of customer expectations.
•    Coordinate all charts and instruction sheets
•    Follow the non-conformance material procedure for all suspect product from suppliers
•    Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
•    Perform internal audits.
•    Review IATF 16969 documentation, instructions, procedures and quality manuals, and ensure operations are in compliance.
•    Provides support to IATF 16949 activities.
•    Promote initiatives to improve quality. 
•    Perform other duties as assigned.
 

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, a related technical field, or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of experience in automotive supplier quality or manufacturing engineering, ideally with exposure to metal-forming or assembly environments.
• Experience in automotive seating preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Quality Engineer (ASQ CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification Collaboration
• Knowledge of specific seat structure technologies (e.g., laser welding, fine blanking, heat treating, seat structure assembly).

Competencies

• Technical Capacity
• Thoroughness
• Collaboration
• FMA, 8D, and SPC
• Computer Proficiency
• Ability to communicate with all levels of personnel including customers & suppliers
• Strong understanding of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 quality management systems
• APQP, PPAP, MSA, SPC, FMA, FMEA/Control Plan, & 8D Problem Solving
• AIAG Methods
• Blueprint Reading
• GD&T skills
• Confidentiality

Authority:

Have the authority to stop production and correct quality problems as necessary. This shall include organization freedom to initiate corrective action; identify and record any problems or concerns affecting product, process or quality; report unsafe work situations to appropriate Supervisor; and input recommendation for disposition. Authority to represent the needs of the customer in internal functions in addressing IATF16949 requirements (e.g. selection of special characteristics, setting quality objectives, training, corrective & preventive actions, product design and development). Authority to verify the implementations of solutions. Has the authority for release of acceptable products. Authority to control further processing, delivery or installation of nonconforming product until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting and on the plant floor. Work hours as needed, especially when traveling to supplier sites. 25 - 50% Travel

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, talk and hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.