Supplier Quality Engineer

As a Supplier Quality Engineer at Zoox, you will be responsible for assessing supplier capabilities, managing product and process development with suppliers, and assisting in the manufacturability of new product designs. You will also provide support to various departments in handling suspect supplier materials, ensure the quality of submitted documents, and issue corrective action requests as needed.

To apply for the Supplier Quality Engineer position at Zoox, candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of three years of experience in quality or supplier quality roles within the automotive, aviation, or medical device industries. Familiarity with various manufacturing processes and problem-solving techniques is also essential.

Zoox emphasizes continuous improvement by using quality tools and methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and statistical process control. The Supplier Quality Engineer plays a key role in driving this initiative, working closely with suppliers to enhance their processes and systems, and refining Zoox’s own supplier quality management practices.

A Supplier Quality Engineer at Zoox should be well-versed in several manufacturing processes, including machining, stamping, extrusions, injection molding, and electromechanical assemblies, particularly as they pertain to New Product Introduction (NPI). This knowledge is crucial for assessing potential suppliers effectively.

The compensation package for the Supplier Quality Engineer role at Zoox includes a competitive salary ranging from $137,000 to $172,000, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. Additional benefits include comprehensive health insurance, paid time off, and other perks that make working at Zoox not just rewarding financially, but also personally enriching.

When answering this question, be specific about which manufacturing processes you have worked with, such as machining, stamping, or injection molding. Discuss how you have utilized these processes in assessing supplier capabilities and improving manufacturability, and provide examples of how you’ve contributed to successful product launches.

In your response, highlight your familiarity with problem-solving methodologies such as Six Sigma or the 8-Discipline process. Provide an example of a challenging supplier issue you resolved, explaining the steps you took and the tools you used to arrive at a solution.

Discuss specific quality control tools like Process Flow Diagrams, SPC, or Process Capability analysis. Mention any projects where you applied these tools to improve supplier performance or product quality and how those tools impacted the overall outcome.

Effective communication is crucial. Share your strategies for clear and concise communication, whether through regular meetings, providing detailed feedback, or using collaborative platforms. Emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with suppliers to foster openness.

Use this opportunity to outline the steps involved in issuing a corrective action request, including the data you gathered, analysis performed, and how you collaborated with the supplier to resolve the issue. Highlight the importance of follow-up and ensuring that the corrective actions led to true improvements.

Share a specific example of a challenge you faced in supplier management, detailing the context and what steps you took to address it. Discuss the learned lessons and how they informed your approach to future situations.

Explain your methods for staying current, whether through professional development courses, networking events, or reading industry publications. Highlight any specific certifications or trainings you have pursued that enhance your expertise as a Supplier Quality Engineer.

Discuss your hands-on experience in working with quality systems and how you have contributed to achieving or maintaining certification at your previous companies. Provide specifics about audits, compliance, or process improvements related to these standards.

In your answer, walk through your assessment process for new suppliers. Include aspects like site visits, document reviews, historical performance data, and alignment with Zoox's quality expectations. Share any particular criteria or tools you use during this process.

Articulate your specific interest in Zoox by talking about the company's mission in autonomous vehicles and how it aligns with your career goals. Your answer should also reflect your passion for quality engineering and the desire to make a difference in an innovative environment.