Supplier Quality Engineer

Aftermarket Parts Release & Supplier Quality Engineer

SCOPE OF POSITION

The Aftermarket Parts Release & Supplier Quality Engineer serves as the technical authority for the Aftermarket product engineering and supplier quality execution. This role owns the end to end release, specification definition, supplier validation, and quality assurance for (OEM) aftermarket portfolio.

This position establishes specific performance specifications and a risk based validation strategy enabling 3–6-month time to market—significantly faster than traditional OEM cycles—while maintaining standards for safety, reliability, and brand protection. The role integrates engineering, supplier quality, sourcing, warranty, and global supply partners to ensure compliant, validated, and commercially ready aftermarket parts.

Aftermarket Product Specification & Release (Primary Accountability)
• Define and maintain aftermarket technical specifications for fit, form, function, and durability.
• Establish tiered Good / Better / Best performance levels (Treten = Good/Better; Best = OEM/Reman equivalent).
• Own the technical release process in SAP including approvals, data package completeness, and engineering change control.
• Manage deviations, updates, and continuous improvement based on warranty/field insights.
• Ensure specifications include material, coating, packaging, labeling, regulatory, and traceability requirements.

Supplier Quality, Validation & Qualification
• Define and lead supplier qualification and validation process, including risk adjusted APQP/PPAP or equivalent.
• Lead activities such as PFMEA, control plans, run at rate, capability checks, and first article approvals.
• Oversee supplier run or funded validation testing aligned with product tier and risk.
• Partner closely with Quality Assurance on supplier scorecards, performance reviews, corrective actions (8D), and development.
• Conduct supplier audits, plant reviews, and technical assessments

Cross Functional Program Leadership
• Work directly with Procurement/Sourcing Manager for part launch alignment.
• Collaborate with Engineering (dotted line), Parts, Supply Chain, and Warranty teams.
• Ensure parts meet safety, brand protection, and warranty risk standards.
• Serve as the technical integrator across functions to eliminate bottlenecks and meet 3–6 month launch timelines.

Field & Warranty Feedback Loop

• Monitor warranty trends, returns, and field performance for all aftermarket parts.
• Implement corrective actions, supplier containment, and specification updates based on field data.
• Drive validation improvements and root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, AND TRAINING:
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Quality Engineering (or related discipline or experience).
• APQP/PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA training strongly preferred.

SKILLS AND BACKGROUND:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Aftermarket/Product Engineering, Commodity Engineering, or APQP/Product Release.
• Hands on experience leading APQP/PPAP, capability studies, supplier audits, and corrective action management.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, testable engineering specifications.
• Strong understanding of wear components, castings, forgings, rubber materials, and mechanical assemblies (preferred experience with rubber tracks, undercarriage components, bucket teeth, and seats).
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems for part release.
• Ability to balance speed, cost, and risk in a fast paced aftermarket environment.
• Strong cross functional communication, leadership without authority, and technical documentation skills.
• Data driven decision making with strong analytical and root cause problem solving capabilities.