Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Description

If you are an Engineering or Quality professional looking for an opportunity to grow, Copeland has an exciting opportunity for you. Based at our Copeland facility in Sidney, Ohio, the Commodity Supplier Quality Engineer will support precision machining suppliers and drive supplier quality improvement, manufacturing process capability, and risk mitigation across the supply base through technical expertise in machining processes, inspection methods, and quality systems.

In this role, you will support regional suppliers while driving key business metrics related to cost, delivery, and quality. The position requires strong capabilities in problem solving, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Design for Manufacturability (DFM), root cause analysis, and identification and resolution of non-conformances. You will work closely with suppliers and internal cross-functional teams to improve process stability, reduce variation, and ensure compliance with engineering and customer requirements.

This position also carries responsibility for coordinating with procurement counterparts on both strategic and tactical supply base decisions across the region. As part of a center-led supply chain organization, you will contribute to supplier development initiatives, continuous improvement activities, launch readiness, and long-term sourcing strategies that support operational excellence and business objectives.

AS A SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER, YOU WILL:

• Evaluate suppliers by leading/conducting quality system audits using the Copeland Supplier Audit (CSA).  Assist with source selection and development of suppliers regionally.
• Process, review and disposition of PPAPs, deviations, audit findings, and supplier corrective actions. Assure that supplier controls and processes are capable of consistently producing components meeting all requirements. Assure supplier PFMEA, Control Plans, and other process documentation is adequate.
• Monitor supplier performance using quality metrics including but not limited to; PPM, On-time delivery, & Corrective action effectiveness.
• Develop and support suppliers through visits, process audits, lean projects, providing manufacturing process technical guidance, and other means as appropriate.
• Support new product development programs and supplier transitions. Participate in design reviews and provide commodity related design improvement suggestions for global sourcing, design/manufacturing optimization, and process/tool design.
• Develop and achieve annual objectives supporting overall department and company objectives.
• Develop, qualify, and maintain machining suppliers in accordance with company and customer quality requirements.

Machining Process Expertise

• Provide technical evaluation of machining processes including: CNC turning and milling, Grinding (OD/ID/surface), Honing and boring operations, & Casting and forging machining
• Evaluate process capability (Cp/Cpk) and statistical performance.
• Review manufacturability and tolerance capability during design changes.
• Support supplier process improvement and capacity readiness.

Problem Solving & Corrective Action

• Lead root cause investigations using structured methodologies: 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone Analysis, & DMAIC
• Drive containment, corrective, and preventive actions at supplier locations.
• Validate effectiveness of corrective actions through data analysis and on-site verification.
• Support MRB activities and disposition of nonconforming material.

Inspection & Metrology

• Review supplier inspection plans and measurement systems.
• Validate use of precision inspection equipment: CMM, Bore gages, Air gages, Surface finish measurement, Thread gaging, & Optical measurement systems
• Conduct Measurement System Analysis (MSA) including GR&R studies.
• Ensure compliance with GD&T requirements.

Supplier Development

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives: Scrap reduction, Process capability improvement, Cycle time reduction, & Standard work implementation
• Provide technical coaching to suppliers on machining best practices.
• Support new supplier onboarding and sourcing decisions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with: Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Purchasing/Supply Chain, & Operations & Production
• Support engineering change requests and supplier transition activities.
• Participate in launch readiness and production ramp-ups.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:

• Bachelors Degree in (Mechanical, Materials, Industrial, ect.) Engineering / Manufacturing (or equivalent work experience)
• Quality engineering experience including formal training in: APQP; Flow Charting, Control plans, PFMEA, Statistical Process Control, Measurement System Analysis (Gage R&R)
• Written and verbal communication and leadership thru all levels of a global corporation.  Preparing slides for communication to leadership.
• Problem Solving, Corrective Action, Process Improvement Techniques, Quality Auditing; Quality Systems; ISO 9001 and/or IATF16949
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications including GD&T.
• Computers and software as relates to business and quality needs.
• Up to 30% travel to North American suppliers and Copeland operation locations.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States - Sponsorship will not be provided for this position.
• Strong knowledge of: CNC machining processes, GD&T interpretation, Blueprint reading, Statistical analysis, & Root cause analysis

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:

• Masters Degree in Engineering or MBA
• Certifications in ASQ (CQA, CQE, CSQP), Certified 6 Sigma Green Belt or Equivalent
• Balance and understand various needs of stakeholders (Operations, Procurement, Product Engineering, suppliers), adapt decision making process to the situation and collaborate towards a common goal.
• Collect and use data to make decisions and drive results.  Plan and align your work towards strategic and tactical goals.  Provide clear and concise updates to our internal Project Management Organization.
• Advanced statistics, problem solving, and process improvement techniques.
• Understanding/knowledge of Lean principles (Kaizen, Std work, Kanban, VSM, Continuous Flow, 5S+1, Poke-yoke, waste elimination)