Position SummaryThe Supplier Quality Engineer ensures that components sourced from external suppliers-including battery packs, motors, inverters, high-voltage wiring harnesses, and other electric drivetrain parts-meet Orange EV's quality, safety, and reliability standards from initial sourcing through ongoing production. This role combines supplier auditing, part qualification (APQP/PPAP/FAI), and root-cause problem solving to protect vehicle quality and safety across the supply base, with particularly close attention to the unique risks of high-voltage and battery components.
Key Responsibilities- Using core tools, provides a proactive approach to building quality into the supplier process with a goal of reducing Incoming Inspection at OEV to an absolute minimum.
- Coordinate with Design & Component Engineering, Manufacturing, and others to determine critical part dimensions. Communicate these to the suppliers and ensure that they are testing or inspecting to ensure their parts consistently meet the requirements.
- Introduce and maintain the Supplier Quality Management Systems including where applicable, FAI's, PPAP's, Controls Plans and FMEA's as and where applicable,
- Assess suppliers on a periodic basis to ensure they are operating according to the Supplier Quality Management System.
- Monitor incoming supplier quality performance (PPM, defect rates, first-pass yield) and drive corrective action when nonconformances occur.
- Ensure that the quality measures are included in the supplier scorecard data.
- Lead root cause analysis and structured problem solving (8D, 5-Why, fishbone) for supplier-caused quality escapes; issue and track Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCAR) through closure and verification
- Ensure suppliers maintain compliance with International Standards (if applicable)
- Serves as a Supplier Quality consultant for purchasing, New Product Development, Engineering, Sales and Management as applicable.
- Manage engineering changes, deviations, and non-conforming material dispositions involving supplier provided parts
- Own and report supplier quality metrics and scorecard to quality an operations leadership
- Support internal and customer audits as needed, ensuring documentation and traceability for supplier related quality records
Continuous Improvement/Lean Enterprise- Manage the Supplier Portal.
- Continue to develop and implement in conjunction with Supply Chain and others, best practices leading to improvements in lean manufacturing concepts and supplier Quality.
- Establish and utilize frameworks and systems, including tools such as visual management, problem solving, standard work and kaizen.
- Ability to cooperate and commit in a team environment to achieve goals and deliverables.
- Resolve difficult or complicated challenges using the problem-solving process.
Position Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- 3+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering, preferably within automotive, heavy equipment or EV/battery manufacturing.
- Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and capability analysis (Cpk/Ppk)
- Experience with root-cause analysis and corrective action methodologies (8D, 5-Why, etc.)
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
- Speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrate group presentation skills and ability to conduct meetings.
- Foster and encourage an atmosphere of responsibility, quality, and pride in all who function in the team.
- Willingness and ability to travel to supplier sites domestically.
Ideal Candidates Will Also Have
- Experience with high-voltage components, battery systems, or electrical drivetrain parts.
- Familiarity with IATF 16949 and relevant safety standards for high-voltage/battery systems (e.g., UL, SAE).
- Six Sigma or Lean certification (Green Belt or higher)
- Experience with Measurement Systems Analysis
- Prior experience building or maturing a supplier quality program within a growing organization.
Ideal Candidates Will Also Have
- APQP/PPAP process ownership
- FMEA and SPC/capability analysis (Cpk/Ppk)
- Root cause analysis and corrective action (8D, 5-Why)
- Supplier auditing and quality systems knowledge (IATF 16949 / ISO 9001)
- High-voltage and battery component quality and safety awareness
- GD&T and engineering print reading
- Cross-functional collaboration with design, sourcing, and manufacturing
- Supplier relationship management, accountability, and development
- Data-driven quality reporting and metrics ownership
Travel required: Up to 50% (national)
Hours: Hours necessary to achieve the objectives
Location: Kansas City, KS- on-site, full time
Working conditions: Office and / or supplier plant floor setting. Required to sit, stand and frequently move about the facility. Required to use safety glasses and other PPE in specific areas, including at suppliers facilities. May occasionally be required to lift or move up to 50 lbs.
