Supplier Development & Qualification Quality Engineer

Brief Job Description:

As a Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer in Supplier Development & Qualification, you will scale and optimize Vertiv’s external supplier base in alignment with strategic procurement and quality goals. You will drive supplier excellence by assessing and supporting the implementation of Operational Management Systems, conducting Technical and Manufacturing assessments, and leading rigorous product and process audits to assure supplier capability and capacity.

The Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer (Supplier Development & Qualification) maintains strong supplier relationships to ensure the highest quality of purchased components and materials through continuous improvement. Supporting both NPDI and serial production, the role collaborates closely with Supplier Quality Engineers to achieve quality objectives, ensure timely project PPAP delivery, and drive the long-term development of the supplier base.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Qualify, evaluate, audit, and develop suppliers to assure excellence in supplier industrialization.
• Initiate and lead supplier performance improvement strategies by partnering with suppliers to identify, understand and abate issues for New Product Development Introduction (NPDI), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) as well as Mass Production in coordination with the commodity SQE team.
• Assure OEE, production cycle time, capacity utilization, throughput requirements are met in the pre-launch and post-launch phases through supplier operational system audits, technical and manufacturing feasibility assessments.
• Implement world-class manufacturing industrialization readiness at our suppliers through the support of a robust APQP process.
• Ensure supplier compliance with drawings, specifications, standards, and customer requirements.
• Monitor and address supplier nonconformance issues by developing robust quality control plans and implementing effective, sustainable corrective actions.
• Drive permanent resolution of supplier issues reported by Vertiv facilities and by Customers in coordination with the SQE commodity team.
• Support the supplier industrialization readiness PPAP requirements associated with new programs or change management.
• Lead problem definition and preventative problem solving through containment, identification of root cause and corrective action with Supplier Corrective Action Report (SCAR).
• Develop Root Cause Analysis and supplier reports on reported issues. Communicate internally and externally on outcomes of investigations. Collaborate with internal teams, including Engineering, Service, Manufacturing / Operations, Sales, Offering Management, and Plants Quality to resolve quality issues impacting Vertiv facilities and customers.
• Ability to simplify complex information and concisely prepare both verbal and written executive summaries for the Leadership Team.
• Perform supplier on-site audits to monitor supplier Quality Management System (QMS) compliance and effectiveness.
• Identify areas for quality improvements.
• Visit Suppliers to proactively see installations and document improvement needs. Visit suppliers to understand the nature of the issue and get definite corrective action initiated in the organization.
• Evaluate potential new suppliers by conducting on-site audits and scoring the Quality Management System
• Monthly reporting and status updates to management on Supplier performance and various quality initiatives for business management.
• Supports the execution and maintenance of an ISO 9001 certified Quality Management System.
• Support sourcing and procurement teams in supplier selection and onboarding processes.
• Proven experience driving suppliers' lead time improvement strategies is strongly preferred.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (Procurement, Supplier Quality, Engineering, Operations) to communicate requirements and changes.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and present findings and improvement action plans to leadership.
• Lead supplier development projects and initiatives to support business objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and training to suppliers on company standards, Lean operating system, and overall best practices.
• Other responsibilities may be assigned from time to time as needed, based on the evolution of the company and the requirements of the department/position.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Job Qualifications:
•    At least 5 years of experience in Supplier Development and Qualification, Supplier Quality Engineer role or related fields.
•    Experience in Supplier Operational Management Systems
•    Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, capacity planning, and quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, etc.).
•    Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification is highly preferred.
•    Experienced professional leader with proven expertise in the fields of Sheet metal & enclosures / Power Switching / Electronics Manufacturing Services / Transformers / Heat Exchangers, Fans & Coils / Power switching / Compressors / Cables & Wiring / Metal Plumbing and Pipping
•    Handling of high risk, critical projects of significant scope to the company
•    Leader of people, mentoring, and coaching others to improve the organization technical knowledge
•    High technical expert, supporting all initiative-taking, preventive, and reactive strategies for supplier quality on a regional and global scope.
•    Experienced with problem solving tools and techniques (i.e., 8-D, 5 Whys, SCAR, Fishbone, Pareto, Six Sigma, PPAP).
•    Can manage multiple tasks based on priority, difficulty, and severity.
•    Background in applying statistical tools for process and product development and control (i.e., Gage R&R, Process Capability, Control Plans, SPC, Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA).

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Robust evidence of experience in Supplier Development and Qualification, Supplier Quality Engineer role or related fields.
•    Strategic leadership experience in supplier management.
•    Knowledge of any of the commodities Sheet metal & enclosures / Power Switching / Electronics Manufacturing Services / Transformers / Heat Exchangers, Fans & Coils / Power switching / Compressors / Cables & Wiring / Metal Plumbing and Pipping.
•    Proficiency in quality tools and methodologies (e.g., root cause analysis, control plans, capacity, and capability studies).
•    Strong verbal and written communication skills.
•    Ability to work independently and as a team member.
•    Experience documenting/designing business processes, performing business analysis, and requirements definition.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master's Degree is a plus.
• ASQ certifications (e.g., Certified Quality Engineer – CQE) are a plus.

Time Travel Needed:

• 10%