Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Overview

We are looking for a Supplier Quality Engineer (Castings/Forgings/Plastics/Sheet Metal/Assembly) with broad responsibilities, working cross-functionally with Engineering, Suppliers, Purchasing, and Manufacturing teams to define and implement supplier quality engineering processes and drive continuous improvement activities throughout the organization. The Quality Engineer will play a key role in implementing and maintaining Harbinger’s quality management system (QMS) and will establish and improve the quality of our operational processes and outputs. Responsibilities include defining quality standards, inspecting materials, equipment, processes, and products, developing quality control systems, supplier selection, PPAP, leading APQP, and determining corrective actions. A successful Quality Engineer should have excellent troubleshooting skills and be able to ensure that processes and products consistently meet established quality standards.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and implement supplier quality standards, supplier quality portal, and supporting supplier quality processes.
• Inspect and test materials, equipment, processes, and products to ensure quality specifications are met.
• Conduct supplier assessments and evaluations to ensure they meet the company's quality standards.
• Plan and conduct supplier audits to assess their quality systems, processes, and capabilities.
• Participate in the supplier selection process by providing quality-related input.
• Lead weekly calls with suppliers to ensure parts are on track to meet quality and timing requirements for various build stages of the production line.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance metrics, such as defect rates, delivery times, and compliance with specifications.
• Identify areas for improvement and work with suppliers to implement corrective actions.
• Investigate and resolve quality issues related to supplier materials and components.
• Collaborate with suppliers to determine root causes of defects and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier quality and performance.
• Work with suppliers to implement lean manufacturing practices and other quality improvement methodologies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of supplier quality performance, audits, and corrective actions.
• Ensure that suppliers comply with all relevant industry standards, regulations, and company policies.
• Stay updated on changes in industry standards and regulations affecting supplier quality.
• Lead supplier audits, APQP, PPAP, Gauge R&R, and safe launch activities.
• Participate in design reviews with the design engineering and manufacturing team to mitigate risk for manufacturing and assembly.
• Lead MRB meetings and act as a quality representative for the engineering change control board.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing) or a similar technical field required.
• 3 - 7 years of experience in manufacturing quality or supplier quality engineering in the automotive or aerospace industry or equivalent manufacturing environment.
• ASQ Certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Quality Auditor, Certified Quality Manager, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, or higher preferred.
• Knowledge of ISO-9001:2018 or IATF 16949 standard strongly desired.
• Understanding of basic quality core tools such as Quality Management Systems, Supplier and Internal Audits, APQP, SPC, PPAP, FMEA, and MSA.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Strong understanding of mechanical components (forgings, castings, sheet metal, plastic injection molding) and assembly processes.
• Ability to travel (domestic and international) up to 30 to 50%.
• Proven experience in a quality engineering role, preferably within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong knowledge of quality assurance methodologies, tools, and techniques.
• Experience with supplier quality management, including auditing and performance evaluation.
• Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS) and relevant software applications.
• Certification in quality management (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Engineer) is a plus.