The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) manages supplier quality and component/service integrity through assessment of: capabilities, compliance to processes and automotive standards, performance scorecards, continuous improvement efforts, and corrective actions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Evaluate supplier viability through feasibility studies, audits, capacity (run@rate) and record of performance
- Provide recommendations and develop action plans to close gaps and improve quality/delivery performance; monitor performance and follow-up to ensure full implementation of control plan objectives
- Perform engineering studies and analyses to root cause issues and develop effective resolutions
- Facilitate/lead Relyans Max supplier quality meetings, problem solving, reject/defect investigation related to supplier products and services
- Manage supplier scorecards; initiate appropriate action based on trends and performance
- Coordinate incoming material inspection processes with Materials, Quality and Engineering
- Manage purchased part quality issues including: initial supplier contact, containment for quality issues, and the permanent corrective action cycle
- Travel to supplier locations for verification
- Participate in Relyans Max global supplier quality strategies and initiatives
- Monitor and ensure timely implementation of Engineering Change Requests (supplier or customer initiated), including PPAP approval
- Manage IATF 16949 internal and external audit process for supplier activities
- Support cross-functional problem-solving and corrective actions for quality-related material shortages
- Develop and implement statistically valid sampling plans, designed experiments, capability studies, SPC, and trend analysis in support of products and service improvements
- Identify internal improvement opportunities and coordinate corrective actions within both Relyans Max and supplier manufacturing processes
- Manage the physical and electronic quarantine of suspect or defective product, both in-process and in the warehouse
- Manage supplier RMA numbers to complete disposition on suspect material within Hold Cage or RMA area in a timely manner
- Support Purchasing with cost recovery and debits related to supplier issues
- Serve as a role model within Relyans Max and with suppliers for creating a culture of quality through general awareness, training, and education of quality policies and practices; drive a zero-defect and continuous improvement mindset
- Review supplier quality manuals and recommend / implement improvements in coordination with Purchasing based on customer specific requirements and audit feedback
- Conduct training for suppliers in quality principles, effective corrective actions, and valid statistical techniques
- Support OEM Quality Management as assigned
- Perform other duties as identified in support of business objectives
CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
- Intermediate or higher level knowledge of general statistical analysis, PFMEA, Control Plans, Containment Plans, MSA, GD&T, Gage Methodology, Gage R&R, APQP, PPAP, Run@Rate, Capacity and Feasibility analysis
- High level knowledge of product reliability and testing methods
- High level root cause and problem-solving skills
- High level presentation, facilitation and conflict resolution skills
- Able to draft effective policies, plans, and supplier communications
- Comprehensive understanding and successful application of ASTM, ISO:9001 / IATF16949, ISO:14001, ISO/IEC:17025:VDA 6.3 standards
- Comprehensive knowledge of preparing & executing audits and assessments and following up on corrective actions
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, SAP and Document Management Systems
- Team-orientation to participate in and frequently lead cross-functional teams
Requirements
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in a technical field and/or 5+ years of combined Manufacturing/Quality Engineering and/or Quality Systems experience
- 5+ years of experience working in an ISO / IATF certified environment preferred
- 1+ year of working in the fastener industry highly preferred
- ASQ certification (CQI, CQA, CQT, CQE etc...) and / or PMP certifications a plus
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the work week with little advanced notice
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES:
- Noise - heavy machinery if in plant
- Noise - vibratory bowls and air feed systems - if in plant
- Chemicals, oils, acids, sprays, coolants and solvents
- Responsible for complying with regulations and standards covered under MISOSHA
