Supplier Quality Engineer - 50% Travel

We are seeking a dynamic, solutions-driven Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to join our growing automotive manufacturing team. In this role, you won't just be auditing processes from a desk — you will be the face of our company on the front lines, partnering directly with our supplier network.

With 50% travel, this role is designed for a relationship-builder who thrives on the move. You will collaborate with suppliers to resolve complex quality issues, launch new programs, and drive continuous improvement, ensuring our supply chain matches our rigorous standards for automotive excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Your time will be split between strategic oversight and hands-on, on-site supplier collaboration:

• Supplier Partnership & Development: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers. Act as the primary technical liaison between supplier manufacturing sites and our internal engineering teams.

• Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving: Lead containment, root cause investigations, and corrective actions (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) for supplier-related quality issues to minimize production downtime.

• NPI & APQP Oversight: Drive Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for new component launches, ensuring flawless execution from prototype to mass production.

• Auditing & Compliance: Conduct regular on-site supplier process audits (VDA 6.3, IATF 16949) to assess technical capability, identify risks, and mandate continuous improvement plans.

• Performance Metrics: Monitor, score, and report on supplier quality KPIs (PPM, non-conformance rates), presenting findings to executive leadership.

The Travel Reality

This position requires up to 50% travel — sometimes at short notice — to visit supplier plants. The ideal candidate views this as an exciting opportunity to drive change directly on the shop floor.

Education & Experience

• Degree: Bachelor's in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent technical experience).

• Experience: 3+ years of quality engineering experience specifically within the automotive manufacturing sector.

• Core Toolkit: Deep familiarity with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and Control Plans.

Core Competencies

• Elite Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. You can gracefully navigate tough conversations with suppliers while maintaining a partnership-first mindset.

• High-Level Problem Solving: A proven track record of diagnosing complex manufacturing defects using data-driven methodologies (Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is a major plus).

• Relationship-First Mindset: Ability to quickly build trust with cross-functional teams and external supplier leadership.