Commodity Supplier Quality Engineer

Req ID 89040 | Gbl Elec HQ - Farmington Hills, United States ZF Active Safety US Inc.

Job Description

About the Team 

The Senior Semiconductor Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for driving supplier quality excellence, supporting new product introduction (NPI), and ensuring robust manufacturing processes across the supply base. This role plays a critical part in supplier qualification, development, and continuous improvement, particularly within advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-related processes.

What can you look forward to as Commodity Supplier Quality Engineer:

• Evaluate and develop suppliers involved in semiconductor manufacturing processes, including: Wafer fabrication (front-end processes: lithography, etch, deposition). Assembly & packaging (back-end processes: wire bonding, die attach, encapsulation). Cleanroom manufacturing environments (ISO Class standards)
• Assess supplier capability in: Process control in high-precision environments (SPC, yield management, defect density reduction). Contamination control and ESD protection requirements. Advanced materials and microelectronics manufacturing
• Qualification of suppliers for Semiconductor-grade components, sub-systems and high-reliability applications.
• Conduct supplier assessments including initial screening audits and VDA 6.3 process audits.
• Lead supplier development activities to achieve required performance levels in alignment with ZF Global Quality Directive (DQ83).
• Drive supplier capability improvement in yield, process capability (Cp/Cpk), and defect reduction.
• Manage suppliers under escalation (including Top Management Focus) and implement structured recovery plans.
• Lead and manage APQP (Gate 1–5) activities for new and existing suppliers.

Your Profile as Commodity Supplier Quality Engineer:    

• Degree in Electronics / Mechanical / Material Engineering or its equivalent.
• Minimum 6+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing, or process engineering
• Experience in Semiconductor, electronics, automotive or high-reliability manufacturing processes (preferred)
• Strong knowledge of: APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plan, Problem-solving tools (8D, Ishikawa, 5 Why, etc.), Process audits (VDA 6.3, IATF 16949)
• Semiconductor-specific knowledge (preferred): Wafer fab or IC packaging processes, Cleanroom operations and contamination control, Yield improvement and defect analysis, Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• Experience working with global suppliers

Why you should choose ZF in Northville?

• Benefits over legal minimums.
• A supportive collaborative team environment.
• Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities.
• Innovative products and technologies.

Be part of our ZF team as Commodity Supplier Quality Engineer and apply now!

Contact

Laura Gabriela De Lira Melendez

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT: 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice. 

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility. 

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran