Supplier Quality Engineer (Automotive)
North Vernon, IN, USA
Job Number: 6879
We are seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to ensure the quality and performance of supplier-provided components while supporting new product launches and ongoing production. This role serves as the primary liaison between suppliers and internal teams, driving supplier quality improvements, managing supplier performance, and ensuring compliance with automotive quality standards.
The ideal candidate has experience with automotive supplier quality systems, PPAP/APQP processes, supplier audits, and continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and monitor supplier quality processes to ensure purchased components meet quality and performance requirements.
- Coordinate with suppliers to resolve quality concerns, investigate root causes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
- Lead and participate in supplier audits to evaluate quality systems, manufacturing processes, and compliance with company and industry standards.
- Review, verify, and approve supplier PPAP documentation.
- Manage supplier APQP activities and ensure compliance with project milestones and gate reviews.
- Support new product launches by working closely with suppliers during development and production readiness activities.
- Track, manage, and drive closure of supplier-related quality issues and corrective actions.
- Monitor supplier performance through scorecards and quality metrics, identifying opportunities for supplier development and continuous improvement.
- Maintain supplier-related non-conforming material processes, including management of supplier quality issues and hold areas.
- Ensure timely resolution of internal and external customer complaints related to supplier quality.
- Administer supplier quality documentation and records within quality management systems, including Plex and supplier performance tracking tools.
- Support supplier cost recovery activities related to non-conforming materials.
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, and internal quality management systems.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Supply Chain teams to improve supplier quality and support operational goals.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or another technical discipline preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and at least five (5) years of relevant supplier quality or manufacturing quality experience will be considered.
- Experience working within an automotive manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience with the automotive Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
- Knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) methodologies.
- Experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier corrective actions.
- Strong understanding of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 quality management systems.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
- Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis skills using quality tools such as 8D, 5 Why, or Fishbone.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Plex ERP and automotive customer portals (GM, Ford, Stellantis/FCA) is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- IATF 16949 Internal or Lead Auditor certification.
- Experience with GM, Ford, and Stellantis/FCA customer-specific requirements and supplier portals.
- Experience with supplier development and supplier performance improvement initiatives.
- Knowledge of automotive quality core tools, including FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, APQP, and PPAP.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid holidays and paid time off
- Career growth and professional development opportunities
- Stable, team-oriented manufacturing environment
This position is ideal for a quality professional who enjoys working directly with suppliers, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring world-class quality standards throughout the supply chain.
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