Supplier Quality Engineer

Duration: Long Term Job Description We are hiring a Senior Supplier Engineer, Structural Components to support the transfer of structural assemblies, including stamped, laser-cut, welded, plated, and bent parts to suppliers. This role reports to the Global Supply Management team. As part of the Supplier Industrialization Engineering team, the engineer will support new product introduction from concept through production at supplier facilities, focusing on cost-effectiveness and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) analysis to identify and mitigate potential manufacturing issues in collaboration with Program Managers, Cell/Module Engineering, and Advanced Manufacturing teams. Relocation assistance is available. Key Responsibilities Collaborate with Design and Advanced Manufacturing teams to co-develop pack-level structural designs, including bases, roofs, towers, and cabinets, optimizing structural integrity, heavy-gauge fabrication, and modular system integration. Lead Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) reviews with structural suppliers, focusing on welding feasibility, tube/C-channel bending constraints, and large-scale assembly tolerances. Own the Quality Maturation Level (QML) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) roadmap, systematically qualifying supplier Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQ). Partner with suppliers to establish weld verification programs, defining requirements for weld characterization, destructive testing, including macro-etch and tensile testing, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), such as ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and liquid penetrant testing. Identify and mitigate program schedule risks related to long-lead raw steel mill runs, supplier crane and handling limitations, and large-component shipping and validation constraints. Manage non-conformance issues by issuing Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), leading formal Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for structural or weld defects, and verifying process control plans through on-site audits of welding, fixturing, and coating processes. Required Qualifications 5+ years of experience in supplier quality, industrialization, or manufacturing engineering specializing in heavy-gauge structural steel and large welded assemblies. Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Metallurgical, Welding, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field. Demonstrated expertise in structural fabrication processes, including heavy plate/structural steel forming, laser/plasma cutting, and multi-pass welding. Strong working knowledge of welding standards, including AWS D1.1 and ASME Section IX. Experience with weld inspection methods, including non-destructive and destructive testing, and qualification of WPS/PQR documents. Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles as applied to large, multi-part structural weldments. Proven ability to manage technical supplier relationships, lead on-site process control audits, and conduct root cause investigations using 8D and 5-Why methodologies. Additional Information Relocation assistance is available. Candidates must be able to support supplier industrialization and manufacturing activities at supplier facilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr