Supplier Quality Engineer

Aspen is a technology leader in sustainability and electrification solutions. The Company's aerogel technology enables its customers and partners to achieve their own objectives around the global megatrends of resource efficiency, e-mobility, and clean energy. Aspen's PyroThin products enable solutions to thermal runaway challenges within the electric vehicle ("EV") market. Aspen Battery Materials, the Company's carbon aerogel initiative, seeks to increase the performance of lithium-ion battery cells to enable EV manufacturers to extend the driving range and reduce the cost of EVs. The Company's Cryogel and Pyrogel products are valued by the world's largest energy infrastructure companies. Aspen's strategy is to partner with world-class industry leaders to leverage its Aerogel Technology Platform into additional high-value markets. Aspen is headquartered in Northborough, Mass.Aspen is looking for an engaging, motivated, and inspirational Supplier Quality Engineer to drive Aspen’s quality culture forward in the aerogel manufacturing business as well as its supply base. The Supplier Quality Engineer will report to the Quality Manager. The Supplier Quality Engineer will lead/support activities related to ensuring supplier conformance to product requirements, internal business practices, regulatory requirements, and existing or desired certifications. The right individual will be an on-the-go leader who establishes efficient, frequent, and collaborative communication with Operations, Process Engineering, Supply Chain, R&D, and EHS to facilitate collaboration on cross-functional supplier initiatives that improve supplier product quality or maintain product quality while reducing cost through work process, unit operation, operating condition or process technology improvements. In addition, the SQE will support a culture of continuous improvement throughout the company in alignment with Aspen’s vision.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Coordinate 2nd party audits of all kinds as well as the follow-up to the action plans resulting from these audits.Perform analysis of reports and production data to identify trends and recommend updates or changes to quality standards and procedures when necessary.Support validation efforts of approved testing to assure product compliance.Provide validation support by applying manufacturing quality tools including, but not limited to: FMEA, DFMEA, PFMEA, IQ, OQ, PQ, control plans, process verification/validation plans, Cpk, Cp, SPC, DOE, process data analysis, and DMAIC.In conjunction with Supply Chain, develop suppliers and implement supplier improvements to drive increased performance in quality, cost, and delivery with the supply base.Audit and track supplier quality performance and support the release of supplier scorecards.Overall implementation, sustainability of ISO9001 / IATF16949 Certification including any applicable supplier specific requirements.Prepare and provide written and oral reports, communications and/or presentations to management around the development/status of Audits.Lead or support root cause investigation of nonconformities and develop, initiate, or implement corrective actions with suppliers for improved product quality, using standard root cause tools such as 8D, 5 Why’s, Fishbone Diagrams, and others.QUALIFICATIONS:Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related engineering discipline (System, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Mechatronics, etc.) and/or Supplier Quality/Purchasing/Supply Chain Management.Deep experience in Chemical or automotive supplier quality is a strong asset.5+ years of experience with OEM (Automotive) or Tier 1 Supplier Quality or Commodity Management positions preferred.Electric (EV) and Hybrid-Electric vehicle (HEV, PHEV) systems development experience a strong asset.Lead the Supplier development process.Conduct on-site Supplier assessments and follow up. Plan to spend significant time at supplier facilities.Familiarity with Automotive Core Tools.Comfortable with engaging with a supplier in problem solving, including 8D.Lead the Supplier APQP, PPAP, Run at Rate activities and ensure Supplier compliance to all quality requirements.Drive Supplier Problem Resolution.Develop and work to improve internal Aspen’s Supplier Quality systems.Lead quality requirements development for RFQs; Actively support the full RFQ development process (lead by engineering and purchasing).Provide input into supplier bid list for each component/subsystem and qualify suppliers ahead of RFP availability. This may include activities such as onsite supplier assessments and gathering of supplier performance and cost data.Actively support Aspen’s commercial team through the prototype and production sourcing process (PDP timing and program discipline requires prototype and production sourcing to be coordinated/same supplier and this sourcing activity will take place during the prototype phase of the program).Work in collaboration with Aspen Engineering in decision criteria ratings and supplier selection.Actively support and participate in Supplier Technical reviews.Other skills required:Excellent written and oral communicator.Team player who is easy to work with.Combination of big picture understanding and vision with outstanding attention to detail.Problem solver with strong analytical skills – comfortable with both theoretical and practical issues.Able to work independently and within a team.Strong ability to document work.Able to prioritize tasks effectively and to communicate roadblocks promptly to management within a fast-paced environment where project/team priorities may shift.A curious person who stays abreast of the latest techniques and technologies.High degree of discretion dealing with confidential information.Able and willing to travel within US and Internationally as required.PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:Regularly required to sit or stand and move about the facility of equipment/parts for testing and/or fabrication activities.The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.PERKS OF JOINING OUR TEAM!Aspen is committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package, a positive and productive work environment, encouraged work/life and family balance, and opportunities for growth and development, in a culture that is focused on inclusion, sustainability, and working together to solve the world’s toughest challenges.Aspen is proud to offer a competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Holidays, Sick Time, and PTO. In addition, we also offer Fitness Reimbursement, a 401k Employer Match, Life and Disability Insurance, and other benefits.Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO is the Law poster is available here:

http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf .Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to abuttitta@aerogel.com or call and leave a voice message at (508) 466-3111 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information and we will return your message.

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