Supply Quality Engineer

As a Supplier Quality Engineer at Brooks Automation, you will be a key driver in ensuring the highest standards of quality across our global supply chain. Brooks specializes in high-precision automation and vacuum solutions for the semiconductor and life sciences industries. In this role, you will bridge the gap between engineering and procurement, working closely with suppliers to drive continuous improvement, mitigate risks, and ensure that every component meets our rigorous specifications.

Location: Pasir Gudang, Johor.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Lifecycle & Risk Management.

• Onboarding & Auditing.  This involves performing deep-dive on-site audits of supplier facilities to evaluate their Quality Management System (QMS) and technical manufacturing capability.

• Risk Mitigation: Identifying "single-source" risks and developing contingency plans. Analyze whether a supplier’s internal processes meet Brooks’ stringent requirements.

• Supplier Scorecards: Managing data-driven monthly or quarterly performance ratings. If a supplier falls into a "Red" status, you are responsible for issuing and managing a formal Supplier Improvement Plan (SIP).

New Product Introduction

• Requirement Translation: As a translator between Brooks and the supplier. You ensure the supplier truly understands the critical-to-quality (CTQ) dimensions and tolerances.

• Process Validation: Reviewing and approving the supplier's manufacturing process flow.

• PCP Execution: Overseeing the submission of Process Control Process packages, including:

  • pFMEA: Identifying where the supplier’s process might fail.

  • Process Control Plans: Defining how they will inspect parts during mass production.

  • Gage R&R: Ensuring th measurement systems are accurate and repeatable 

Non-Conformance & Technical Problem Solving. When a part fails on the assembly line in a Brooks facility, the SQE is the "first responder."

• Material Review Board (MRB): Evaluating rejected materials to determine if the material can be reworked, used as-is (via waiver), or must be scrapped at the supplier’s expense.

• The 8D Process: Don't just ask for a replacement part but demand an 8D Report. You must verify that the supplier has identified the true root cause (using 5-Whys or Fishbone diagrams) and implemented permanent corrective actions.

• Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) Recovery: Tracking the costs associated with supplier defects (labor hours, shipping, scrap) and working with Procurement to negotiate "charge-backs" to the supplier.

Technical Change Management.  In the semiconductor industry, even a tiny change in a supplier's process can cause massive downstream failures.

• ECN/ECR Management: Managing Engineering Change Notices. When Brooks updates a design, you ensure the supplier flushes out old inventory and cuts over to the new revision without a gap in supply.

• PCN Oversight: Reviewing Process Change Notifications from the supplier. If they want to move their factory or change a sub-tier raw material provider, you must assess the impact and re-qualify the parts if necessary.

First Article Inspection (FAI) & Part Qualification.

• FAI Submission Management: Lead the review and approval of First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR) in accordance with Brook’s standards. You ensure the supplier provides a 100% dimensional layout of the part.

• Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) Verification: Verify that all "Critical-to-Quality" and "Critical-to-Function" dimensions identified by Brooks Engineering are measured using capable metrology (e.g., CMM, Vision Systems) and fall within specified tolerances.

• Physical Part Validation: Beyond the paperwork, you perform physical "Golden Block" audits—comparing the physical sample against the Gloden sample/3D CAD model/2D blueprints to ensure surface finishes, coatings, and material certifications are compliant.

• Metrology Alignment: Coordinate with the supplier to ensure their measurement methods align with Brooks’ standard. This prevents "measurement correlation" issues where a supplier passes a part that Brooks later rejects.

• FAI Discrepancy Resolution: In the event of an FAI failure, you collaborate with Engineering to determine if a design "looseness" is required or if the supplier must modify their tooling, fixtures, or CNC programming to achieve compliance.

• Sub-Tier FAI Oversight: For complex assemblies (like vacuum robots), you oversee the FAI process for critical sub-components, ensuring that the supplier is managing their own sub-tier vendors with the same level of rigor.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).

• 5+ years of experience in supplier development, quality engineering, or supply chain roles in high-tech manufacturing.

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949), and regulatory compliance.

• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, APQP, PPAP, and FMEA.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and project management skills.

• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., Oracle) and supplier management tools.

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 50%-60%).

Preferred Experience:

• Background in semiconductor, automation, or precision manufacturing industries.

• Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt).

• Experience working with global suppliers, especially in Asia.

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, electronics, plastics).

• Familiarity with quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA).

• Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

• ISO Lead Auditor

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership and project management skills.

• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.

• Ability to influence and build relationships across cultures and functions.

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