Supplier Quality Engineer

The Supplier Quality Engineer at Tekna is pivotal in ensuring that our suppliers provide high-quality components and services. Responsibilities include auditing suppliers to assess their capabilities, documenting nonconformities, assisting in corrective actions, defining PPAP requirements, and collaborating on successful process validations. You'll be taking the lead in improving production yields and overall quality by working directly with suppliers to resolve issues and enhance their quality systems.

To apply for the Supplier Quality Engineer position at Tekna, candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in Product Development or Manufacturing or equivalent job experience. Additionally, having 5 to 10 years of experience in a similar role is preferred, along with strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills necessary for effectively navigating supplier relationships and addressing quality challenges.

While experience in a regulated industry can be beneficial for the Supplier Quality Engineer position at Tekna, it is not a strict requirement. We value a wide range of experiences and believe that even candidates without this background can excel in the role through their skills and a mindset focused on problem-solving and quality improvement.

The work atmosphere for a Supplier Quality Engineer at Tekna is collaborative and supportive, featuring cross-functional teams that encourage open communication and teamwork. As part of Tekna, you will enjoy a diverse range of projects and challenges, allowing you to grow both personally and professionally while contributing significantly to our manufacturing goals.

Tekna is committed to enabling its employees to realize their fullest potential. As a Supplier Quality Engineer, you’ll receive experienced-based coaching and support from highly competent team members. Our focus on personal and professional growth encourages you to take on responsibilities that enhance your skill set while contributing to the revitalization of the U.S. manufacturing sector.

In answering this question, highlight specific instances where you successfully conducted supplier audits. Speak to the criteria you assessed, any nonconformities you discovered, and how you followed up with the suppliers to address those issues effectively. Showing your problem-solving approach here is key.

For this question, share a real-life example, detailing the steps you took to address the quality issue. Discuss the importance of communication, effective corrective actions, and any ongoing relationship management with the supplier to prevent future problems and ensure continual improvement.

Discuss key performance indicators such as defect rates, on-time delivery, compliance with specifications, and responsiveness to quality concerns. Elaborate on why these KPIs are important for ensuring supplier quality and how they reflect your expectations for quality engineering.

Explain your understanding of the Production Part Approval Process and its significance. Discuss your methodical approach to collaborating with the supplier, assessing their documentation, and ensuring that they meet the established PPAP criteria to confirm parts are manufactured according to Tekna’s quality standards.

Talk about the specific quality management tools you’re familiar with such as Six Sigma, FMEA, or root cause analysis. Detail how you use these tools to document nonconformances and how they assist in implementing effective corrective actions.

Mention your strategies for staying informed about changes in industry regulations or standards, such as attending workshops, engaging with professional organizations, or following relevant publications. This shows your commitment to continuous learning and compliance in your field.

Share a specific case where you led a process validation, detailing your approach, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved. Emphasize collaboration with suppliers or cross-functional teams to highlight your teamwork skills.

Explain your approach to prioritization based on supplier performance metrics, project deadlines, and the potential impact on production. Discuss any tools or frameworks you use for effective time and task management.

Discuss the importance of clear and effective communication in maintaining strong supplier relationships. Share examples of how proactive communication has helped resolve issues quickly and contributed to quality improvements.

Describe your problem-solving process using a structured approach like PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) or similar methodologies. Offering concrete examples of when you implemented these strategies will demonstrate your capability in real-world applications.