Job TitleSenior Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) Engineer - Interior Manufacturing
Overview / Summary The STA Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring supplier manufacturing readiness and sustained performance. This position is responsible for implementing commodity-specific business plans, ensuring supplier compliance with quality, delivery, capacity, and warranty standards, and serving as the primary technical interface between the company and suppliers. The role supports product launches, drives issue resolution, and ensures zero disruption to vehicle production.
Key Responsibilities - Implement commodity-specific business plans to ensure suppliers meet expectations for launch readiness, quality, capacity, warranty, and on-time delivery.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and supplier leadership to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.
- Serve as the primary on-site technical lead for troubleshooting, emergency containment, and corrective action implementation during critical supplier events.
- Ensure zero vehicle losses or production disruptions related to supplier issues.
- Monitor and enforce compliance with quality and operational standards, including Q1 requirements.
- Conduct early manufacturing feasibility assessments at supplier sites to support launch and production readiness.
- Lead and support execution of APQP and PPAP deliverables in alignment with program timelines.
- Analyze supplier performance using data-driven metrics to support sourcing decisions and quality improvements.
- Participate in supplier development initiatives to support long-term capability and operational alignment.
- Travel frequently to supplier sites as required.
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
- 8+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing, advanced quality, process planning, implementation, or launch of interior commodity manufacturing systems including seats, IPs, consoles, headliners, door panels, restraints, and seat structures.
- 8+ years of experience in one or more interior manufacturing processes including stamping, welding, plastic welding, plastic/rubber molding, blow molding, automated/manual assembly processes, controls automation programming, paint, or chroming.
- Experience with automotive interior commodities or similar manufacturing processes.
- Proven experience with PPAP, APQP, and quality systems.
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
- Ability to travel up to 70% to supplier sites.
Preferred Qualifications - Automotive industry experience.
- Working knowledge of client systems and standards, including Q1.
- Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills.
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