Fluence

Senior Engineer, Supplier Quality Assurance - Batteries

Fluence • $100K — $130K *
Arlington, VA 22204In-Person
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
1 month ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality or Quality Engineering within electrical equipment or energy storage.
  • Familiarity with battery technologies and equipment manufacturing processes.
  • Strong knowledge of quality methodologies like APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and CAPA.
  • Experience engaging with suppliers during New Product Introductions (NPI).
  • Knowledge of grid compliance standards such as UL and IEEE.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent certification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

  • Lead audits and risk assessments according to VDA 6.3 and ISO standards.
  • Review and approve key supplier quality documentation like DFMEA and Control Plans.
  • Collaborate on design and reliability evaluations during NPI activities.
  • Ensure supplier readiness for production phases and compliance with safety standards.
  • Drive corrective actions for supplier non-conformance and track key performance indicators.
  • Validate reliability testing for components in line with operational conditions.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers, utilizing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to engage in global supplier quality processes across regions.
  • Chance to drive significant quality improvements in energy storage equipment.
  • Collaborative environment with multidisciplinary teams including engineering and procurement.
  • Potential for career growth and development in an innovative field.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Role Overview

As part of the Global Supplier Quality team, the Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is tasked with managing the quality and reliability of Battery and BESS equipment and fostering ongoing improvement to meet Fluence's standards. This role will conduct supplier qualification audits, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to new product development and launch activities. The SQE collaborates closely with engineering, procurement, and operations teams to make sure that supplier quality performance satisfies Fluence's requirements.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead supplier qualification, audit processes, and risk assessments in accordance with VDA 6.3, ISO 9001, and IATF 16949 frameworks.
  • Review and approve PPAP documentation for BESS components, including DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, Dimensional Results, Process Studies, Laboratory Certifications, and Part Submission Warrants (PSW).
  • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by collaborating with Engineering on DFMEA and design reviews for inverters, transformers, and battery systems.
  • Ensure supplier readiness for pilot builds, production ramp-up, and site deployments.
  • Validate First Article Inspections (FAI) and monitor the resolution of outstanding issues prior to Start of Production (SOP).
  • Drive corrective actions (8D, RCCA) for supplier Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), particularly those involving safety-critical failures; monitor supplier KPIs such as DPPM, NCR aging, CAPA effectiveness, and On-Time Delivery using Salesforce dashboards.
  • Ensure suppliers comply with grid standards and regulatory requirements, including UL, IEC, CE, IEEE, NFPA, REACH, and RoHS.
  • Verify reliability and environmental testing (vibration, thermal cycling, humidity, salt spray) is conducted in alignment with BESS operating conditions.
  • Support suppliers in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) to enhance yield and reduce field-related issues.
  • Collaborate with Service teams to facilitate effective feedback loops from field failures to supplier process improvements.
  • Manage documentation and change control, ensuring timely submission of PPAPs, PCNs, and audit evidence.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 40%.


Required Qualifications & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of Supplier Quality or Quality Engineering experience in electrical equipment, power electronics, or energy storage.
  • Experience with Batteries and BESS equipment, with knowledge of battery cell and module manufacturing and operational performance.
  • Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, 8D, CAPA.
  • Demonstrated experience in NPI supplier engagement (prototype to ramp-up).
  • Knowledge of grid compliance standards (UL 9540A, IEEE 1547).
  • Strong background in reliability and environmental validation testing.
  • Experience with VDA 6.3 auditing and/or IATF 16949 preferred.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent is a plus.
  • Excellent communication and ability to influence global suppliers across Americas, EMEA, APAC.


Additional Skills
  • Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP) or a similar certification.
  • Expertise in supplier risk management and capability assessments within the energy storage or electrical industry.
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949 quality management systems, especially within battery or energy storage manufacturing.
  • Experience with global supplier performance in regions like Asia and Europe, ensuring consistent quality across various locations.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple suppliers and projects across global regions.

About Fluence

Fluence Corporation Limited is a global leader in decentralized water and wastewater treatment solutions. The company provides a range of products and services, including containerized treatment plants, membrane bioreactors, and desalination systems. Fluence's solutions are designed to be energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable. The company serves a variety of industries, including municipal, industrial, and commercial clients. Fluence has operations in North America, South America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Learn more about Fluence
Size
500 employees
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
-$20 million
Founded
2017
5 Year Trend
-10%
Revenue
$100 million
NASDAQ
FLC
* Ladders Estimates

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