Job Overview: his position is responsible for ensuring supplier readiness and quality performance during vehicle launches, model changes, engineering changes, and new product introductions. The Supplier Quality Engineer serves as the primary quality interface between suppliers, manufacturing, logistics, engineering, and procurement to ensure flawless launch execution, stable production, and achievement of quality targets from sourcing through Start of Production (SOP) and ramp-up stabilization Responsibilities: Lead supplier quality activities during new vehicle launches and engineering change implementations Assess supplier manufacturing readiness through project milestones and launch gates. Evaluate process capability, process flow, PFMEA, control plans, and capacity studies. Classify suppliers in terms of risk (ABC) and track accordingly Develop and maintain supplier launch readiness assessments. Monitor launch-related KPIs and supplier risk status Coordinate supplier activities during prototype, trial, pre-series, and SOP phases. Lead supplier escalation activities related to quality, delivery, or capacity risks Support plant build events and ensure supplier issue resolution. Drive safe launch activities and containment strategies for critical components. Track open supplier issues and ensure timely closure prior to launch milestones Manage PPAP/PPA submissions in accordance with Mercedes-Benz and VDA requirements. Review dimensional, material, capability, and functional validation results. Approve supplier readiness for SOP through quality gate reviews Establish and monitor supplier performance. Analyze quality trends and initiate corrective actions. Drive sustainable corrective and preventive actions utilizing 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, and other problem-solving methodologies. Conduct supplier performance reviews and improvement workshops. Conduct supplier process audits utilizing VDA 6.3 methodology. Perform Run-at-Rate evaluations and manufacturing readiness assessments. Verify implementation of lessons learned and best practices from previous launches Coordinate activities with Supplier Management, Purchasing, Engineering, Parts Quality Engineering, Logistics, Manufacturing Operations, Launch Management Teams. Provide regular launch status updates to management. S upport escalation reviews and executive launch meetings Supports to improve products and/or processes with vendors and monitors effectiveness Supports analysis (e.g. noise, vibration) and collaborates on solutions with other departments and vendors May support with projects relating to key tasks and duties Will perform other duties as assigned Qualifikationen Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in one or more of the following: Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering or related Technical Field Minimum 5 years of automotive launch and supplier quality experience, including VDA-RGA Knowledge & Skills:  Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP/PPA, VDA-RGA, FMEA, Control Plans, and Process Capability  VDA 6.3 Certified Auditor  Experience with VDA 6.3 Process Audits and VDA-RGA  Ability to travel extensively to supplier locations internationally  Knowledge of launch management and supplier industrialization processes  Ability to assess manufacturing readiness and capacity risks  Good knowledge of spoken and written Spanish  Strong project management and organizational skills, excellent communication skills in cross-functional and multicultural environments Ability to lead supplier escalation meetings and task forces EXCELLENT COMPENSATION & BENEFITS PLAN WITH 401k MATCHING Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC ("MBV") is a plant in Ladson, South Carolina that assembles Sprinter vans for the U.S. and Canadian market under the brands Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner. The midsize Mercedes-Benz Metris vans are also reassembled at this location Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC has invested more than 500 million U.S. dollars in the new Sprinter plant, which officially opened in 2018. Today the MBV facility provides more than 1,600 jobs and supports at least 600 additional jobs in the region through its suppliers. More than 200,000 Sprinter and Metris vans have been assembled in North Charleston and delivered to destinations across the U.S. since 2006. Therefore, MBV celebrates a 15-year legacy of SKD production in 2021. The U.S. is the second largest market for Sprinter vans, after Germany