Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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: up to 30% Travel Domestic and International