About YouAs a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) at STIHL, you are a key contributor to the procurement team, responsible for assessing, developing, and evaluating the production and quality capabilities of the supplier base. You ensure these capabilities meet STIHL's standards by applying globally and locally established quality methods, understanding customer and business requirements, driving problem-solving initiatives, and supporting the continuous development of supplier processes and capabilities. As the primary liaison between STIHL and suppliers, you serve as the main point of contact for quality, production, and process capability matters, fostering strong relationships and driving continuous improvement throughout the supply chain.
Job Duties & Responsibilities- Analyze data and develop value-added reporting graphics on supplier performance, trends, and improvement opportunities
- Apply systematic techniques to investigate and evaluate quality challenges (e.g., DOE, FMEA, GR&R)
- Participate as a team member to support and build diversity, expertise, and organizational stability
- Facilitate implementation of APQP elements with new and existing suppliers
- Drive quality and process improvements (e.g., quality agreements, specifications) in collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Conduct supplier audits at production locations and sub-tier suppliers to ensure compliance with requirements and expectations
- Participate in internal initiatives such as project management, APQP, supplier evaluation, and monthly reporting
- Create, maintain, and document Quality Notifications with clear actions and valuable insights
- Support the assessment, release, and development of new and existing suppliers
- Notify suppliers and negotiate sorting and rework actions to achieve fair solutions
- Contribute to the development and execution of inspection plans, testing methods, and inspection techniques
- Lead the development of supplier quality improvement plans within the assigned supply chain
- Assist internal customers in identifying and resolving quality and design issues related to purchased goods or services
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent application of specifications, testing, and inspection requirements
- Determine disposition of rejected goods or services, including defining sorting and rework criteria
- Lead supplier actions to ensure timely completion and sustainability of quality objectives
- Champion initiatives to monitor and reduce the cost of quality both internally and externally
- Support the creation, development, and implementation of local systems and controls
- Escalate more complex issues to senior SQEs or supervisors as needed
- Take on additional responsibilities as assigned or required
Specifications- Bachelors of Science Degree required; emphasis in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Quality Engineering preferred
- ASQ CQA certification: preferred 4+ years demonstrated experience in supplier quality engineering required; with emphasis on quality principles and methods
- 4+ years of experience working with international suppliers and quality standards.
- Intermediate level in auditing and assessing production, corporate social responsibility, environmental, and quality capabilities according to international standards such as ISO 9001, ISO/TS16959, VDA, and ISO 14001.
- Intermediate level in using systematic techniques, quality tools, and methodologies. E.g. 5 WHY, 8D, APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, Process flow, etc.
- Intermediate level in process control, APQP, PPAP, SPC, control plans, PFMEA, Cp & Cpk and GR&R studies
- Intermediate level analytical skills (problem solver) with ability to diagnose root causes and influence sustainable actions
- Intermediate level verbal, written and presentation skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with domestic and international suppliers while assuming a lead role in activities.
- Ability to act as a team player and work on most tasks independently or with some supervision.
- Ability to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally is required.
