Supplier Quality Engineer

Proterra offers a dynamic and supportive workplace where our employees can thrive personally and professionally. With cutting-edge facilities and groundbreaking projects Proterra offers unique opportunities to grow collaborate and lead transformative change in the electrification of heavy-duty transportation and equipment.

Our commitment to innovation extends beyond our battery solutions to our people where we create an environment where everyone feels valued supported and empowered to drive change for the earth. Here at Proterra we strive to foster a culture of inclusivity valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging bold ideas allowing our employees to bring their full selves to work. Our employees benefit from competitive total rewards packages and opportunities to develop professionally.

Position Overview:

As a Supplier Quality Engineer at Proterra you will own the quality of purchased components for our battery packs with a focus on aluminum enclosures fasteners and hardware and parts sourced through distributors. You will work with an established supply base primarily in North America to keep parts conforming resolve issues quickly and drive continuous improvement. This is a hands-on plant-facing role: you will spend real time on the production floor getting to the source of problems and partnering with Sustaining Engineering and Plant Quality to solve them. It is an ideal opportunity for an early-career engineer who wants to build a strong foundation in automotive supplier quality.

About the Role You will:

• Serve as the supplier quality point of contact for an assigned group of aluminum enclosure hardware and distributor suppliers.
• Support APQP and PPAP activities for new parts and engineering changes.
  • Review PPAP submissions (process flows PFMEAs control plans dimensional and material results) against AIAG requirements and Proterra drawings.
  • Coordinate supplier implementation of engineering changes (ECNs and ECOs) with Sustaining Engineering.
• Lead resolution of supplier nonconformances: initiate NCRs drive containment and work with suppliers on root cause analysis and corrective action using 8D and other structured problem-solving tools.
• Spend time on the production floor with Plant Quality and Manufacturing to see problems firsthand sort and disposition suspect material and represent Supplier Quality in MRB.
• Work with distributors to set clear quality and traceability expectations for the manufacturers behind them recognizing that alternate sources are limited.
• Make sure suppliers understand Proterra drawings GD&T and specifications and resolve their questions promptly.
• Track and report supplier performance (PPM NCRs on-time delivery corrective action status) using Excel Smartsheet and Power BI.
• Support supplier audits and process reviews including on-site visits to supplier facilities.
• Collect and review regulatory compliance and product carbon footprint data submitted with PPAP.
• Contribute to process improvement and automation projects that make supplier quality work faster and more consistent including building tools and dashboards.
• Support cross-functional investigations of production and field issues tied to purchased parts.

About Our Group:

• We are a close-knit Supplier Quality team that partners with Sourcing Sustaining Engineering and Plant Quality to deliver a quality battery pack.
• We aim to provide the highest level of service and support to our internal customers and suppliers every day.
• We work collaboratively to build strong relationships with our partners and with each other.
• We treat each other with respect and try to have a little fun every day.
• This position is based in Greer SC and reports to the Manager Supplier Quality Regulatory Compliance and Sustainability. You will work alongside a team of Supplier Quality Engineers supporting suppliers across the U.S. Mexico and Asia.

About You:

• Hands-on doer who would rather be on the floor than behind a desk and is comfortable walking out to the line to understand a problem firsthand.
• Eager to learn and grow with the curiosity to dig into root causes and the initiative to see actions through to closure.
• Detail-oriented and organized able to manage multiple open issues and projects at the same time.
• Clear communicator who can explain technical issues to suppliers and internal teams both in writing and in person.
• Comfortable building reports and presentations with strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Acts with integrity professionalism and discretion when handling supplier and company information.

Your Experience Includes:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Industrial Manufacturing or Materials Engineering or a related technical field.
• 0 to 3 years of experience in supplier quality manufacturing or plant quality industrial engineering or a related role (co-op and internship experience counts).
• Working knowledge of GD&T and the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with core quality tools such as APQP PPAP FMEA control plans SPC and structured problem solving (8D 5 Why fishbone).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% to supplier sites in North America.

Additional Desired Skills:

• Exposure to IATF 16949 and automotive manufacturing.
• Experience with aluminum machining extrusions castings spot welding adhesive bonding or fasteners and hardware.
• Experience working with distributors or managing quality through a distribution channel.
• Experience with Smartsheet Power BI or Minitab.
• Familiarity with measurement tools and methods (calipers CMM gage R&R calibration).
• Exposure to Lean manufacturing or battery and EV components.
• ASQ CQE or CQT certification or Six Sigma Green Belt (or working toward one).

Designed in the U.S. and assembled in Greer South Carolina Proterra batteries deliver industry-leading energy density durability performance and safety making them the premier choice to electrify commercial vehicles and industrial equipment from buses and trucks to construction equipment and more. Proterra is building innovative battery technology to power a better more sustainable world.

Location: Greer SC On Site (Not Remote Eligible)

Travel: 30% as needed (ability to travel at short notice)

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. There is no immigration sponsorship available for this role (ex: H1-B OPT CPT TN or any other employment sponsorship).

Proterra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunities to all Employees and applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability age genetic information veteran status pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law or ordinance. Proterra participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program (E-Verify).

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Required Experience:

IC