The Principal Site Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) serves as the plant authority for supplier quality performance for the Decatur Plant Operation (DPO), supporting safe and efficient refrigeration manufacturing operations through supplier oversight, containment leadership, and continuous improvement initiatives. This SQE will develop and execute supplier quality strategies and processes, mentor/train hourly quality analysts to those processes, and hold suppliers accountable. The role includes daily support and response to issues encountered in the factory, including containment, corrective actions, and oversight of long-term supplier quality improvements. This role holds a voting position on the site-level Change Implementation Board.
Position
Principal Site Supplier Quality Engineer
Location
USA, Decatur, AL

How You'll Create Possibilities

Supplier Performance Management
• Establish processes and procedures needed
• Drive measurable improvements in supplier quality performance, including reduction of line disruptions, supplier defects, and customer quality escapes.
• Develop and communicate assembly-line-specific supplier failure analysis reporting to drive operational awareness, prioritization, and corrective action activities.
• Lead the supplier billback process and communicate billback status to the plant leadership team.

Production & Containment Support
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team and suppliers to identify quality issues, implement containment actions, perform failure analysis, determine root causes, and validate long-term corrective actions.
• Collaborate, develop, and mentor Quality Analyst team to drive incoming material quality performance and containment effectiveness.

Root Cause & Corrective Actions
• Lead supplier containment, root cause analysis, corrective action validation, and long-term performance improvement initiatives for non-conforming materials across metal, plastic, electronic, and electromechanical components.
• Own the supplier part failure analysis process in the plant and leverage findings to drive supplier containment activities and permanent corrective actions. Develop and implement supplier quality plans.

Change Management & Supplier Qualification
• Serve as a voting member of the site-level Change Implementation Board to ensure engineering and supplier changes are implemented safely, compliantly, and through robust quality validation processes.
• Support supplier quality initiatives through collaboration with SQE and Sourcing teams to implement corrective action plans and qualify alternate sources for underperforming suppliers.

Quality Systems & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Drive cross-functional collaboration between Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Sourcing, and Operations teams to resolve supplier-related issues, support production continuity, and implement sustainable quality improvements.
• Support adherence to plant quality system requirements and supplier audit readiness activities.
• Conduct supplier audits as required.

What You'll Bring to Our Team

Requirements:
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related technical field
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, quality, or product engineering in a high-volume environment.
• Proven problem-solving and analytical skills utilizing RCCA, 8D, A3, or CAPA methodologies.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Knowledge of GD&T principles and interpretation.
• Experience utilizing SPC and MSA methodologies.
• Effective communication and leadership abilities.

Preferred:
• Experience with QMS tools (Windchill, Agile) and ERP systems (Oracle, SAP).
• Knowledge of Proficy, FIS, or manufacturing execution systems.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience.
• Experience supporting supplier launch readiness and production qualification activities.

Working Conditions:
• Office environment with daily interaction on factory floor.
• Frequent walking in a manufacturing plant environment.
• Use of required PPE in designated areas.
• Less than 10% of domestic travel.
• Occasional off-shift or weekend support may be required.