Job Description:
We are looking for a motivated engineer to engage and lead our suppliers in APQP and problem solving activities. This candidate should have successfully demonstrated experience using standard problem solving tools and be proficient in project and task management. The ideal candidate should be comfortable providing direction and leadership to various suppliers on quality and process improvement/development initiatives while engaging the appropriate internal and external resources as required. We are looking for a candidate with experience in metal stamping, machining or outside services. This position has the opportunity for 10-30% annual travel.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Review & approve supplier quality plans to meet new product and submission requirements using standard APQP and PPAP methods
- Determine part critical characteristics and required process controls
- Function as a liaison between Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve quality issues and to provide technical support
- Determine cause of supplier quality issues through structured problem solving methods and coordinate/implement effective and timely solutions
- Improve quality performance of suppliers by conducting workshops at supplier locations
- Provide technical expertise and assistance to develop and improve supplier quality systems
- Implement and monitor the part qualification and certification process with selected suppliers
- Provide technical support and expertise in the design of both variable and attribute gauges.
- Provide technical support and expertise to the product engineers in the manufacturability of their designs.
- Provide technical support and expertise in the optimization of supplier processes.
QUALIFICATIONS:
DEGREE: BACHELOR MAJOR: ENGINEERING (preferred)
- 5 or more years of automotive manufacturing, quality or supplier quality experience.
- Knowledge of statistical quality control and design of experiments
- High level of interpersonal skills to effectively lead, motivate and facilitate others in group situations and instruct others in new techniques
- Proficient in print reading, interpretation, and part measurement preferred
- Knowledge of geometric design and tolerance and gage design tolerance preferred
- Proficient oral and written communication skills
- Minitab proficiency preferred
- Knowledge of industry supplier quality standards, policies and procedures preferred
- Demonstrated ability to investigate quality problems and apply sound technical judgment towards developing possible solutions preferred
- High level of analytical ability to assess and identify appropriate alternative courses of action for definition and resolution of problems that are unique and diverse
- Ability and willingness to travel to Nexteer locations and supplier locations as required
- Ability to prioritize work with only limited direction from supervisor