The Principal Supplier Quality Engineer serves as the technical authority for supplier quality across critical, high-impact electromechanical supplier domains (e.g., heating systems, valves, switch controls, and air-moving components), influencing supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing development. This role defines and drives supplier quality strategy, including approval to the Approved Supplier List, establishment of part qualification standards, and deployment of systemic improvement initiatives across the supply base. As a key technical leader, the Principal SQE partners with Engineering, Sourcing, and Manufacturing to influence critical business decisions such as dual sourcing strategies, tariff mitigation, and supplier capability development.
The Principal SQE leads complex problem solving, establishes robust quality and change management frameworks, and ensures effective execution across programs and suppliers. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this role sets technical direction and provides expert guidance across teams, shaping long-term supplier quality strategies that directly impact business performance, risk mitigation, and customer satisfaction across a global supply chain.
PositionPrincipal Supplier Quality Engineer- EMD
LocationUSA, Louisville, KY
How You'll Create PossibilitiesKey Responsibilities:- Serve as the technical authority for Electromechanical Devices (EMD) Supplier Quality, establishing standards, best practices, and technical direction across the SQ organization
- Define and drive EMD supplier quality strategy, including NPI qualification approaches, drawing interpretation standards, and capability development across global teams
- Partner cross-functionally and with global organizations (Haier, GEA, Mabe, F&P) to align and advance EMD supplier quality strategy and performance
- Influence supplier selection, qualification, and long-term capability development through deep technical expertise in EMD design and manufacturing processes
- Lead complex, cross-functional problem solving and systemic improvement initiatives, including application of 9-step, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies for NPI and change management
- Establish and scale robust quality frameworks for supplier process control, risk assessment, and change management across the supply base
- Provide technical leadership in critical part risk reviews, supplier change evaluations, and design/process trade-off decisions
- Guide and influence supplier development, including manufacturing process optimization, technology adoption, and quality system maturity
- Identify and introduce emerging technologies, processes, and suppliers to enhance business capability and competitiveness
- Champion the use of data and quality metrics (e.g., supplier scorecards, performance trends) to drive enterprise-level improvement in quality, delivery, and cost
- Influence global sourcing strategies, including dual sourcing, supplier transitions, and "fix-or-exit" decisions for underperforming suppliers
- Provide technical oversight and guidance on PPAP, audits, and qualification processes, ensuring consistency and rigor across teams rather than direct ownership of execution
- Lead complex supplier-related initiatives (e.g., transfers, major process changes, systemic quality issues) that require cross-functional coordination and executive visibility
- Translate complex technical issues into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for senior leadership
- Mentor and develop engineers by providing technical guidance and elevating organizational capability in supplier quality practices
What You'll Bring to Our TeamMinimum Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) or equivalent experience
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, or Supply Chain within a manufacturing environment
- Deep expertise in statistical methods for process and product development, with demonstrated ability to apply, coach, and standardize tools such as Gage R&R, Process Capability, SPC, PFMEA, and DOE
- Advanced proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and tolerance analysis, with ability to guide others on proper application
- Recognized expertise in structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma, root cause analysis), including leading complex, cross-functional issue resolution
- Demonstrated experience influencing supplier selection, qualification, and long-term capability development across a global supply base
- Proven ability to influence technical decisions in a highly matrixed organization without direct authority
- Demonstrated capability to define and implement quality strategies, standards, and best practices across programs or supplier domains
- Strong project leadership skills, with experience managing complex, global initiatives
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear business recommendations
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
Preferred Qualifications:- Advanced degree in Engineering or MBA
- 10+ years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, or Supply Chain within a manufacturing environment
- Deep experience with electromechanical systems and associated manufacturing processes
- Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent, with demonstrated application in complex environments
- Experience mentoring or coaching engineers and influencing technical development across teams
- Demonstrated ability to develop executive-level communications and influence senior leadership decisions
- International supplier development experience
- Experience with Lean manufacturing, APQP, and advanced product/process development methodologies
