The Supplier Quality Development Engineer is part of the Supplier Quality & Development (SQD) team, focused on maintaining and improving supplier quality within a specific commodity area. This role ensures compliance with quality standards through audits, supplier assessments, and corrective action tracking. The engineer supports reliable manufacturing and delivery by leading supplier development initiatives, managing quality documentation, and resolving critical supply chain issues in coordination with internal teams.
Responsibilities
- Ensure consistent quality performance from suppliers within the assigned commodity group.
- Conduct supplier assessment and re-assessment audits, including for special processes, and monitor timely closure of corrective actions per company standards.
- Manage the PPAP process, including initial sample validation and First Article Inspections, to enable new part introductions.
- Carry out supplier re-qualification activities to uphold quality benchmarks and support long-term supplier improvement.
- Implement supplier development programs in partnership with Engineering, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and other relevant departments.
- Take part in Top Offender reviews, Quality Business Reviews (QBR), and Quality Quarterly Reviews (QQR) with key suppliers.
- Lead resolution of urgent supplier quality issues in coordination with Product Line/Site Quality, Engineering, and Project Management teams.
- Drive thorough root-cause analysis by suppliers and identify opportunities for internal process improvements.
- Plan and oversee audits, QQRs, and action plans for underperforming suppliers within the commodity scope.
- Verify that corrective and preventive actions are properly implemented and effective.
- Support Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) recovery efforts in collaboration with Commodity Lead Buyers and Site/Product Line teams.
- Provide regular updates on critical supplier issues to the SQD Responsible.
- Travel to supplier sites and internal locations as needed, up to 30% of the time; the role supports remote or hybrid work arrangements.
Requirements
- Minimum of two years of experience in a Quality Engineer role.
- Practical experience with CNC cutting, bending, milling, brake press operations, fabrication, and testing & validation processes.
- Extensive background in manufacturing involving mechanical systems, fabrication, welding, and assembly operations.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and welding schematics accurately.
- Strong documentation and organizational abilities, with attention to record accuracy and reporting needs.
- Proficient in using MS Word, Excel, and Outlook for daily tasks and communication.
- Familiarity with design principles related to railway products, systems, and operating environments.
- Knowledge of audit methodologies and experience conducting internal or external audits under ISO 19011 and ISO 9001 standards.
- Strong organizational capabilities and ability to work independently.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% of the time to supplier and company sites.
- Legal authorization to work in the European Union is required; no visa sponsorship is available.
Nice to Have
- Hands-on experience with welding techniques such as TIG, MIG, and arc welding, along with cutting, grinding, drilling, and assembling components for prototypes, fixtures, or final products.
- Familiarity with EN 15085 standards is preferred.
Tech Stack
CNC cutting, bending, milling, brake press operations, fabrication, testing & validation, engineering drawings, welding schematics, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, ISO 19011, ISO 9001
Benefits
- Collective wage agreement pay
- Permanent employment
- Vacation pay
- Christmas bonus
- Contribution to capital-forming benefits
- Company pension plan
- 30 days of vacation per calendar year
- Company cafeteria available
- Lease a job bike
- Subsidy for the Germany Ticket
- Further education opportunities
Compensation
Collective wage agreement pay. Includes vacation pay, Christmas bonus, contribution to capital-forming benefits, and company pension plan.
Work Arrangement
hybrid — Role may be remote or hybrid; up to 30% travel required to supplier sites and company locations.
Team
Part of the Supplier Quality & Development (SQD) team, working closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Product Line Quality, and Site Quality teams. Reports to the SQD Responsible.
- People First
- Expanding the Possible
- Continuous improvement
- Inclusion and belonging
- Equal Opportunity Employer
- Lifelong learning
- Diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and identities
Additional Information
- Legal authorization to work in the European Union is required.
- No visa sponsorship is available now or in the future.
- Travel is required up to 30% of the time.
- The role may be performed remotely or in a hybrid setup.
- Agency candidate submissions without a formalized agreement are not accepted.
- 30 days of vacation are provided per calendar year.
