Position SummaryThe Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) - Propulsion Systems is responsible for supporting supplier quality activities for purchased propulsion components and assemblies including engines, transmissions, eMotors, turbochargers, and related sub-systems. This role works closely with suppliers, manufacturing plants, engineering, purchasing, and quality teams to ensure supplier performance, launch readiness, production quality, and effective resolution of quality issues.
The SQE plays a key role in supplier development, APQP/PPAP execution, problem resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives supporting both new product launches and ongoing production.
Key Responsibilities- Support supplier quality activities for propulsion components and assemblies, ensuring supplier compliance with quality requirements and customer expectations
- Manage supplier APQP activities, including process reviews, risk assessments, control plans, PFMEAs, and PPAP approvals to support product launches and engineering changes
- Monitor supplier quality performance through KPI tracking, data analysis, and regular supplier reviews, driving corrective actions when performance targets are not achieved
- Conduct supplier process audits and assessments to verify manufacturing process capability, quality system compliance, and continuous improvement efforts
- Lead root cause investigations and corrective action activities using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, and Ishikawa analysis
- Support containment activities and rapid response efforts for supplier quality issues impacting manufacturing plants, launches, or customer satisfaction
- Collaborate with Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Logistics, and suppliers to resolve quality concerns and prevent recurrence
- Participate in launch readiness reviews, safe launch activities, and supplier capacity assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks
- Analyze warranty, field, and production quality data to identify trends and support corrective action implementation.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, improving process capability, and enhancing supplier performance
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, Industrial, or similar).
- Minimum 3+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Quality Engineering, Product Engineering, or a related automotive quality role.
- Basic understanding of propulsion systems, including engines, transmissions, electrified powertrains, or related automotive components.
- Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies.
- Familiarity with supplier quality audits and quality management systems.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and suppliers.
- Proficient communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Willingness to travel to supplier and manufacturing locations as required.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience within the automotive industry or a high-volume manufacturing environment
- Knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and automotive core quality tools
- Experience supporting product launches, supplier development, or production quality activities
- Familiarity with warranty analysis and corrective action processes
- Certification in quality methodologies such as Six Sigma, CQE, or related disciplines is a plus
