Supplier Quality Engineer

About the Role:

We are seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer III to support our Tier 1 automotive HVAC manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for managing supplier quality performance throughout the product lifecycle, including supplier development, APQP, PPAP approval, launch readiness, production support, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will serve as the primary quality liaison between suppliers and cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with customer requirements, IATF 16949 standards, and internal quality expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead supplier quality activities for automotive manufacturing programs.
• Manage supplier performance through KPIs, scorecards, PPM, and corrective action tracking.
• Drive supplier continuous improvement and defect reduction initiatives.
• Lead supplier APQP activities and review/approve PPAP submissions.
• Support new product launches, engineering changes, and manufacturing readiness assessments.
• Conduct supplier process and quality system audits.
• Investigate supplier quality issues and lead root cause analysis using 8D, 5 Why, and other problem-solving methodologies.
• Manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) and verify corrective action effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Program Management, and suppliers to resolve quality concerns.
• Support risk assessments, supplier qualification activities, and customer quality requirements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 4-7 years of Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Quality experience in an automotive environment.
• Experience with Tier 1 automotive suppliers and OEM customer requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949 and AIAG Core Tools.
• Hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, MSA, SPC, Control Plans, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier development programs.
• Strong analytical, communication, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with HVAC, thermal management, plastics, injection molding, electronic components, or assembly manufacturing.
• CQE, CQA, Six Sigma Green Belt, or Black Belt certification.
• Experience supporting new product launches and supplier performance management.

Work Environment:

This position operates in a manufacturing and office environment, 100% onsite. and may require occational travels to supplier locations.