Senior Quality Assurance Engineer || Supplier Quality NA || 7 - 10 Yrs

The Sr. Quality Engineer is part of Supply Chain Quality and drives the activities to ensure materials delivered to project teams conform to specifications, and are purchased from approved suppliers:

Conduct remote quality assessment for potential suppliers based on supplier documents

• Onboard new suppliers so they are compliant with the expectations of the Supplier Quality Manual
• Determine quality requirements for first articles and ensure compliance (PPAP/PSW)
• Monitor the components deemed Critical to Quality (approval status, inspection requirements…)
• Develop Quality Control Plans for the key equipment that will be ordered for customer projects
• Manage review and approval of requests for concessions with input from R&D and project teams
• Handle the resolution of defective materials received from suppliers/factories (SCARs, 8D, CAPA…)

The Sr. Quality Engineer work closely with Director of Quality Assurance for North America, within the Supply Chain business unit.

Essential Functions (Job Duties and Responsibilities):

Prevention

• Track completion of corrective actions to address non-conformities, major and minor findings
• Work with suppliers to create inspection requirements and criteria where process capability lacks
• Request First Article Inspections (FAI) at the introduction of new products, process changes or for new suppliers using PPAP methodology. Drive actions needed to secure full FA approval.
• Advise R&D Engineers on drawing dimensions so the design is more manufacturable / measurable

Inspection

• Flag high risk parts for inspection (supplier, pre-delivery, incoming).
• Outsource measurements and inspections that require specialized expertise (material analysis…)

Correction

• Evaluate quality issues and set correct classification of defect and priority level
• Request Supplier Corrective Action and track until SCARs are closed for assigned suppliers
• Implement containment actions to stop the continued production and use of non-conforming products internally and externally. Report actions taken and escalate systemic issues.
• Assist in determining disposition of rejected products, and trigger field replacements as needed
• Lead 8D activities throughout the supply base; help improve supplier performance

Continuous improvement and measurement

• Develop and populate quality metrics and KPIs (actual vs. goal, performance, workload)
• Work with all departments to mitigate process deviations before they develop into quality problems.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Technical preferred) with Minimum 8-10 years related manufacturing quality experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt

Technical Skills:

• Ability to understand and explain blueprint requirements (GD&T, ASME Y14.5, weld symbols AWS & ISO standards)
• Knowledge of inspection equipment, including calibration requirements, Gage R&R, MSA,…
• Experience with dimensional and form inspection techniques, inspection limits, corrections…
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes (laser, bending, welding, coating, machining, casting…)
• Experience with Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001…) and assessment/audit techniques
• Knowledge of lean and sustainability requirements, ability to assess suppliers
• Knowledge of problem-solving techniques and root cause analysis, 8D, 5 Why, etc
• Working Knowledge of First Article approval process (PPAP, PSW, Failure Modes and Effect Analysis-FMEA, Control Plans, work instructions)
• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control concepts (Process Capability studies, Cpk, 6 sigma…)
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word and Power Point, Visio

Interpersonal and soft skills (Competencies):

• Able to work collaboratively in a Team environment, and communicate effectively with others
• Able to understand and follow instructions, and work independently with little supervision
• Able to work carefully, consistently and in a concentrated manner, with attention to details
• Display ownership and awareness of their responsibility for the product quality in the value stream
• Able to manage difficult conversations with internal colleagues and suppliers to do the right thing
• Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving mindset, with an investigative attitude identify root causes
• Able to drive the implementation of robust preventive solutions
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills, can present recommendations clearly
• Strong willingness to learn and be coached