Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Purpose

Responsible to lead quality initiatives for pre-production builds and new product launches. This role ensures readiness through APQP methodologies, drives cross-functional corrective actions, and safeguards product conformity and process capability in a fast-paced environment.

Key Accountabilities

Oversee pre-production builds and new product launch readiness using APQP methodologies. Coordinate cross-functional corrective actions to ensure process capability and product conformity. Develop and validate inspection criteria; apply SPC and Measurement System Analysis. Troubleshoot manufacturing nonconformances and resolve operational issues with internal teams and external suppliers. Interface with suppliers and internal departments to define quality requirements, negotiate deliverables, and report performance metrics to management. Mentor associates in structured problem-solving tools (8D, DMAIC) and quality system procedures. Evaluate material specification changes and assess technical/process impacts through FMEA and control plan updates; communicate findings via detailed engineering reports. Lead investigations into field part failures, perform root cause analysis, and drive corrective actions with suppliers and cross-functional teams. Provide clear technical solutions and direction during engineering meetings, ensuring timelines and quality interests are met. Verify vendor Product Quality Planning activities and review First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation for compliance with specifications and CTQ requirements. Manage nonconformances and corrective actions within UniPoint, ensuring timely documentation and closure. Review manufacturing and design drawings for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GD&T, tolerances, and quality requirements.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience). Minimum 7–10 years of Quality Engineering experience with demonstrated leadership in cross-functional problem solving, decision-making, and supporting engineering, manufacturing, and new product development environments. Must be proficient in statistical analysis software (e.g., Minitab, JMP, or equivalent. Operates with minimal oversight, taking initiative and driving proactive problem resolution. Collaborative team contributor with advanced analytical skills, proficiency in root-cause analysis methodologies, and a data-driven approach to decision making, building and leveraging Power BI for dashboard development and performance insights. Strong project management and organizational capability, utilizing MS Project for scheduling and resource planning. Communicate investigation findings, risk assessments, and recommended actions through formal technical presentations and reports. Familiarity with Six Sigma principles, DMAIC methodology, and data-driven continuous improvement practices. Proficient in the selection, calibration, and use of test and measurement equipment required for inspection, verification, and validation activities. Knowledgeable in raw material specifications, supplier qualification, and vendor management, including incoming inspection and supplier performance monitoring. Ability to read and interpret Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5, including datum schemes and feature control frames. Proficient in MS Office for technical reporting, KPI tracking, and documentation control. Capable of using Minitab for statistical analysis (SPC, capability studies, DOE) and UniPoint for CAPA, NCR, and audit management. Skilled in developing, analyzing, and presenting technical documentation, including control plans, inspection reports, and quality metrics. Experience with 3D modeling and CMM metrology software for dimensional analysis, measurement validation, GD&T verification, and inspection.

Decisions Expected

Define and develop Critical to Quality standards that address customer wants and needs. Equipment and software upgrade and replacement in the department as needed. Drive continuous improvement activities that reduce inspection time, streamline workflows, and improve quality throughput.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands Requirements:

• Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist while working.
• Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees to work on close to the groundwork.
• Crawling.
• Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet to work underneath suspended vehicles/engines/equipment to diagnosis problems and or remove replace parts.
• Standing for sustained periods during work or events.
• Sitting. Extensive travel and long travels.
• Walking. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks (particularly walking long distances at the track to pit lane and around shop).
• Lifting. Raising objects of 25 pounds from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position.
• Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers while servicing/maintaining a race engine, vehicles and equipment.
• The worker is subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, exposure to high heat and exposure to chemicals.

Emotional Requirements:

• Make quick decisions
• Hazard awareness, aware of surroundings
• Planning and problem-solving
• Coping with change and other people