Senior Engineer, Supplier Quality

As a Senior Engineer, Supplier Quality, your main responsibilities include managing supplier quality documents, conducting both onsite and remote audits of critical suppliers, and overseeing supplier corrective actions. You'll also support data collection for Supplier Performance Scorecards and facilitate the qualification of components by creating validation protocols and reports. Effective communication with Supplier Quality Leaders about performance and improvement areas is a key aspect of your role, along with driving improvements utilizing Lean methodologies.

To qualify for the Senior Engineer, Supplier Quality position, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, combined with at least six years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Master’s degree in a related field accompanied by four years of experience is acceptable. Preferred qualifications include certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), which enhance your candidacy for this role.

Essential skills for the Senior Engineer, Supplier Quality include proficiency in MSA principles, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and knowledge of risk management methods. Familiarity with Minitab statistical software, tolerance stack analysis, and quality concepts such as CAPA and non-conformances are also critical. Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills, as well as excellent verbal communication and technical writing abilities, will be vital for success in this role.

The Senior Engineer, Supplier Quality contributes to supplier improvement activities by managing supplier performance scorecards, driving process enhancements through Lean methodologies, and facilitating collaborations that promote quality standards. By conducting audits and assessing corrective actions, you help create a culture of continuous improvement among suppliers, ensuring that they meet or exceed the established quality benchmarks.

Physical requirements for the Senior Engineer, Supplier Quality position include the ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and operate computer and office equipment consistently. Additionally, candidates should be able to maneuver around the office to access file cabinets and other necessary equipment, ensuring they can perform their functions effectively while managing supplier quality processes.

When answering this question, focus on specific examples where you've successfully managed supplier quality documents. Discuss the types of documents you've handled, how you ensure accuracy and compliance, and your methods for conducting reviews or audits of these documents.

In your answer, explain your approach to supplier audits, including preparation steps, criteria you assess, and how you document findings. Highlight the importance of communication during and after audits to foster supplier relationships.

To respond, describe your process for addressing non-conformances, including how to communicate the issues with suppliers, the steps you take in corrective actions, and how you monitor to ensure the implementations of those actions are effective.

When answering, include your familiarity with tools like Minitab, emphasizing specific projects where statistical analysis was crucial. Explain how your analysis influenced decision-making processes concerning supplier quality.

Share a specific example of a project that led to quality improvement with a supplier. Discuss your role, the challenges faced, the steps you took, and the quantifiable results achieved as a result of your interventions.

Explain your understanding of relevant regulations regarding supply chain compliance, highlighting techniques you use to keep suppliers informed and involved in maintaining compliance standards.

Discuss your communication style and methods. Stress the importance of transparency and regular check-ins to build strong partnerships with suppliers and ensure quality alignment.

Outline the types of data you collect, the tools you use for analysis, and how you transform data into actionable insights to drive supplier quality improvements.

Provide specific examples where you've applied Lean principles. Discuss outcomes such as cost savings, improved efficiency, or enhanced quality resulting from your strategies.

Describe your prioritization process, including how you assess urgency and impact on overall quality. Offer insights into how you balance competing demands to ensure effective supplier quality management.