Job Description

About the Role:

The Supplier Quality Engineer (Senior Specialist, Supplier Quality Development) serves as the subject matter expert for supplied parts and processes. This role interprets supplier quality issues, engineering changes, and option or modification impacts on production processes while supporting vehicle production with troubleshooting and resolution of quality concerns.

The position manages supplier quality performance, leads supplier audits, evaluates root-cause analysis and corrective actions, and works with suppliers to implement robust countermeasures that prevent recurrence. The Supplier Quality Engineer also supports incoming-parts inspection, dimensional analysis, containment activities, and the development of special inspections designed to prevent defective parts from reaching the assembly team. Additionally, this role mentors less-experienced engineers by providing direction, coaching, and technical support.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or another technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in an automotive manufacturing quality control or inspection role.
• Experience performing quality analysis and working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, MSA, QSA, and PFMEA.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, and other structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, or GD&T.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, including the ability to design custom reports as needed.
• Ability to respond effectively to multiple work pressures while remaining tactful, mature, and flexible.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous Hino experience.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• A3 problem-solving training.
• Knowledge or experience with IATF requirements.
• American Society for Quality certification, including Certified Quality Engineer or Certified Quality Technician.

Responsibilities:

• Develop prevention-oriented incoming-parts inspection processes that identify and communicate defects promptly to avoid production delays or downtime.
• Manage supplier quality performance, including reporting quality concerns and following up on countermeasure status.
• Communicate quality concerns to suppliers in a timely manner.
• Review supplier defect data and Pareto analyses, and evaluate supplier root-cause analysis and permanent countermeasures for compliance with Supplier Quality Assurance Manual requirements.
• Work with critical suppliers to develop and implement robust countermeasures that eliminate recurrence.
• Perform dimensional analysis to verify that supplied parts meet print requirements.
• Develop special inspections and checks to prevent defective parts from reaching the assembly team.
• Examine departmental work processes and procedures and recommend appropriate improvements.
• Support the establishment and effective implementation of quality policies and objectives.
• Manage containment activities when defective supplied parts are identified.
• Apply root-cause analysis and structured problem-solving methods to develop solutions that prevent repeat failures.
• Mentor less-experienced engineers by providing technical direction, coaching, and support.
• Lead onsite supplier quality audits.
• Ensure the supplier base operates in compliance with Supplier Quality Assurance Manual requirements.
• Monitor quality-control processes to ensure they remain in control.
• Support the conversion of customer needs and expectations into defined quality requirements.

Skills:

Success in this role requires strong communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. The Supplier Quality Engineer must be able to analyze supplier quality data, perform dimensional evaluations, interpret technical requirements, and use structured quality tools to identify root causes and prevent defect recurrence.

The position also requires the ability to communicate quality concerns clearly, collaborate effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teams, manage containment and corrective-action activities, and coach less-experienced engineers. Strong organization, technical judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential. This position requires approximately 10 to 15 percent travel.