Supplier Quality Engineer

The best chapters in Alabama's automotive success story are yet to come and we're seeking to add a new team member to our Supplier Quality team.

The vehicles our client manufactures are the finished results of our skilled workforce, and we're hiring even more. Our client's Tuscaloosa County site is home to the production of their luxury SUV models, including electric vehicles. Just down the road in Bibb County, they've launched the production of high-performance lithium-ion batteries. The two campuses are among the most advanced automotive manufacturing facilities in the world, with over 6 million square feet combined.

Our client offers an excellent total rewards package including competitive compensation, health and life insurance, 401(k) matching program and defined contribution retirement plan, annual bonuses, tuition assistance, and paid holidays. Further on-site resources such as childcare, medical center and fitness center are available for all to utilize. Team Members share a common goal to be the best luxury auto manufacturer in North America. They are committed to excellence and actively promotes positive team culture, teamwork, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Purpose of the Position:
Under general supervision, this position is responsible for process capability and product quality of the supplier locations from the development phase to start of production (SOP) through the end of the life cycle by collaborating cross-functional partnerships within the company (worldwide) and with suppliers within the North America region.

Essential Functions:
Participate in the supplier evaluation and qualification of suppliers before awarding (i.e. VDA Potential Analysis)
Facilitate and help lead the supplier in the advanced product quality planning (APQP) of new product project following the maturity level assurance process (VDA-RGA)
Use quality tools/system necessary for New Product Project (NPP) (i.e. ABC Classification, Q-Planning, Husky, START, SQMS, PIA)
Perform VDA 6.3 process audit at the supplier and maintain follow-up audits and schedule accordingly
Production process and product approval (PPA) according to VDA 2
Perform and monitor supplier performance to company targets and standards
Annual check of the suppliers' process and product of safety and certification relevant parts (i.e. Requalification)
Establish and monitor supplier key process indicator (KPI) to ensure supplier performance is achieved
Work with supplier to Investigate, analyze and correct supplier problems and countermeasure activities according to 8D methodology
Provide lessons learned from current running series to improve future projects
Facilitate improvement phase using problem solving and continuous improvement techniques
Manage international production part supplier (in North America region) in regards to quality concerns and change implementation.
Ensure process planning and cross-functional activities to achieve the quality, safety and production goals
Travel frequently to suppliers within North America region

Perform other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Experience and Necessary Skills all must be met in order to qualify for position

Education:
This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering Or related area or the equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience:
Relevant professional experience in the following area(s):Engineering within Automotive, Original Equipment Manufacturing or a Tier 1 Supplier

Requirements for Job Levels:
Entry Level: Co-op/internship and/or up to 2 years of relevant professional experience
Experienced Level: A minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience
Senior Level/Technical Expert: A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience

Necessary Skills, Certifications, etc.:
Strong planning and problem skills required using established methodologies including 8-D, 5-Why, etc
Strong communication skills are required, as well the ability to communicate complex topics into a cross-functional and cross -cultural environment
Capable of using hand measurement tools (i.e. calipers, micro-meters)
PPAP and audit experience
Working knowledge in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Maturity Level Assurance (VDA-RGA), Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)
Expertise in requested commodity
Experience in leading task forces

Additional Skills:

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Knowledge of VDA 6.3 and tooling
• Proficiency in a foreign language (German or Spanish, conversational) is a plus, but not required

If you believe you're a strong fit for the role, we'd love to hear from you!