Position Overview:The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the quality, reliability, and continuous improvement of the supplier base supporting EV battery module production. This individual will own supplier development strategy, drive resolution of complex quality issues, and serve as the primary technical interface between Proterra Powered and its manufacturing partners across busbars, castings, adhesives, stampings/forming, machined components, injection-molded housings, and related module commodities.
About the Role - You will:- Develop and execute a comprehensive supplier development strategy aligned with organizational production, quality, and cost objectives, with emphasis on module line suppliers.
- Identify capability gaps in the supplier base and implement structured improvement programs using APQP, PPAP, and 8D methodologies.
- Lead supplier segmentation and tiering efforts; establish long-term development roadmaps for strategic suppliers.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Procurement, and Operations to align supplier readiness with new product introduction and ramp timelines.
- Support IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 compliance initiatives across the supplier base.
- Establish and enforce supplier quality performance standards including PPM targets, PPAP submission timelines, and corrective action response requirements.
- Conduct regular supplier performance reviews using scorecards; track KPIs including NCR counts, audit findings, and warranty claims.
- Lead supplier quality audits (process, system, and layered) at manufacturing sites; manage findings through closure.
- Drive escalation and containment for critical supplier quality events impacting module line production.
- Manage full PPAP lifecycle inclusive of reviewing and approving control plans, FMEAs, MSAs, dimensional reports, etc.
- Lead root cause investigation and corrective action processes (8D/NCR) for supplier-attributed defects; verify effectiveness of implemented corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate supplier quality records within quality management systems.
- Apply advanced statistical methods (SPC, Cpk/Ppk, MSA) to evaluate supplier process capability and drive data-driven decision-making.
- Interpret GD&T per ASME Y14.5-2018 and assess supplier measurement system adequacy for complex geometries.
- Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes across relevant commodity technologies: busbars, die castings, structural adhesives, metal stampings and formed components, machined parts, and injection-molded housings.
- Other tasks assigned by management
Your Experience Includes:- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of progressive supplier quality engineering (or related engineering field) experience in a manufacturing environment; automotive, aerospace, medical, EV, or battery industries strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC, MSA/Gage R&R, and 8D corrective action methodologies.
- Proficiency in GD&T interpretation per ASME Y14.5-2018.
- Experience conducting supplier audits and managing corrective action systems.
- Knowledge of IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 quality management systems.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% to support supplier visits, audits, and quality investigations.
- Proficient in using CAD modeling software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, Onshape, Autodesk Inventor or others.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to influence supplier technical teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
Additional Desired Skills:- Experience with module line commodity suppliers across busbars, castings, adhesives, stampings/forming, machining, and injection molding; EV battery module manufacturing environment preferred.
- Experience with data management and visualization platforms such as Smartsheet, Tableau, PowerBI, or equivalent
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification.
- Proficiency in data analytics tools to support quality data analysis such as Minitab.
Physical and Work Environment requirements:- Ability to stand, walk, and inspect tooling and components on a production floor for extended periods.
- Valid driver's license and passport required for domestic and international supplier travel.
Location: Onsite role in Greer, SC
Travel: < 15% Travel
