Supplier Quality Engineer

Supplier Quality Engineer

Eaton's ES AMER ARS division is currently seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer. This role will take place at our growing Hodges, SC facility. We are able to offer relocation for qualified candidates in the United States.

In this role, you will lead supplier quality management for joint venture (JV) and domestic products, ensuring compliance, performance, and continuous improvement from initial qualification through full production. You will drive quality planning and execution, including audits, inspections, and control processes, while serving as the primary escalation point for supplier-related quality issues. This position requires close collaboration with engineering, sourcing, and operations teams to maintain product integrity, manage risk, and ensure adherence to specifications, regulatory standards, and customer expectations. Regular travel to China (approximately quarterly) is required to support supplier oversight and development.

As we transition from Hodges to our expanded Greenwood site, you'll join a rapidly growing Busway operation positioned for long-term success. We're targeting ~$1B in annual sales by 2030 through increased capacity, stronger supply-chain resiliency, and continued volume growth. This move is a chance to help shape the next phase of our manufacturing footprint and contribute to the operational gains driving our growth. Simply put: it's a great time to be at Eaton - and an even better time to be in Busway.

The expected annual salary range for this role is $97000 - $143000 a year. This position is also eligible for a variable incentive program.

Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

What You'll Do:

• Own JV and domestic product quality from initial qualification through full production lifecycle.
• Lead product release activities including PPAP, first article inspection, functional verification, and audits.
• Develop and execute control plans, pFMEAs, and inspection strategies.
• Ensure compliance with specifications, drawings, labeling, testing, and documentation requirements.
• Maintain and execute the Quality Management Plan (inspection, testing, and audit processes).
• Monitor quality performance metrics (defects, escapes, warranty, DMRs, and trends).
• Lead corrective action processes, including root cause analysis, containment, and effectiveness validation.
• Manage warranty issues, DMRs, and customer complaints in coordination with JV partners.
• Conduct supplier audits and process reviews to ensure compliance and drive improvements.
• Establish and manage supplier quality metrics (e.g., Cp/Cpk, SPC implementation, reporting).
• Support disposition of nonconforming or returned materials with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure product traceability across part numbers, labeling, dates, and shipment records.
• Act as the primary escalation point for JV and domestic supplier quality issues and communicate risks to stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Required (Basic) Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Quality Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or quality engineering roles.
• Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Mandarin language skills and/or experience in China/working with Chinese companies.

Skills:

• Strong communication skills – Clearly articulate quality issues, risks, and corrective actions to suppliers, engineering, and leadership.
• Influence & stakeholder management – Effectively drive alignment with JV partners, suppliers, and internal teams without direct authority.
• Problem-solving & critical thinking – Lead root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Attention to detail – Ensure accuracy in specifications, inspections, audits, and documentation.
• Leadership & ownership – Take full responsibility for supplier quality performance and act as the primary escalation point.
• Conflict resolution – Navigate supplier disagreements and quality concerns while maintaining productive relationships.
• Decision-making under pressure – Quickly assess quality risks and make informed decisions that balance cost, quality, and delivery.
• Collaboration – Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Sourcing, Operations, and Customer teams.
• Continuous improvement mindset – Drive supplier development, process improvements, and long-term quality gains.
• Adaptability & resilience – Manage changing requirements, global supplier challenges, and travel demands.
• Cultural awareness – Effectively work with international teams, particularly suppliers in China.
• Analytical thinking – Interpret quality data (Cp/Cpk, SPC, defects, trends) to guide decisions and improvements.
• Accountability – Ensure follow-through on audits, corrective actions, and compliance requirements.
• Technologically proficient - Well versed in Microsoft Office and other systems.