Supplier Quality Engineer

Group Presentation

thyssenkrupp is an international industrial and technology company employing around 100,000 people. Across 48 countries it generated sales of €38 billion in fiscal 2022/2023. Backed by extensive technological know-how, the businesses develop cost-effective and resource-friendly solutions to the challenges of the future, mainly in the fields of climate protection, the energy transition, digital transformation in the industry and mobility of the future. Under the thyssenkrupp umbrella, brand the company creates long-term value with innovative products, technologies and services and contributes to a better life for future generations.

Company Presentation

thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc. is a world class manufacturer of suspension solutions headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio USA. thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America supplies products to a wide range of Original Equipment Automotive Manufacturers as well as Aftermarket and Motorsports customers. Our Aftermarket operations are based out of Poway, CA and our Motorsports operations are based out of Mooresville, NC.

For decades, the name BILSTEIN has been synonymous with high tech in suspension design, driving comfort, and safety. In order to expand this position BILSTEIN became a division of thyssenkrupp Technologies AG in 1988, and a wholly owned subsidiary in 2005. This partnership has enabled us to continue the BILSTEIN tradition of excellence.

Your Responsibilities

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for enhancing the processes at a supplier for a specific product that will meet the performance metrics outlined for delivery, quality, service, and value. The SQE will work in a team environment as a key resource for the component teams to develop new supply sources to improve cost competitiveness and be the conduit between the company and the supplier. Responsibilities will include cross-functional program management to qualify new components, supporting issues with current production, developing new suppliers to reduce cost, increasing capacity, and auditing suppliers to ensure process conformance. Manage the customer specific requirements and offer technical support. The SQE will work on multiple phases or sub-tasks of projects or entire projects of moderate complexity, with results affecting project completion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains a safe working environment by complying with all safety and environmental policies in the workplace.
• Interface with Global Commodity Component teams to prioritize supplier development needs by component to improve cost competitiveness or supply constraints.
• Assess new and existing supplier capabilities to meet product, cost, quality, capacity and fulfillment ensuring suppliers are able to meet requirements for performance, quality, cost and delivery of components and requirements for IATF/TS 16949, ISO 14001.
• Drive improvements utilizing Lean methodologies, supplier scorecards and own supplier audit, and ensuring supplier compliance.

• Track the supplier's performance indicators.
• Specify and develop product acceptance/test procedures that relate to a complex process (state-of-the-art), Safety Critical, or highly complex product.
• Act as consultant to communicate and coach the Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering and Procurement organizations to drive cost effective improvements to Quality and Manufacturing processes.
• Provide technical expertise and leadership to sourcing and development of suppliers.
• Provide leadership during investigations of major problems and or special projects focusing on developing working relationships with suppliers and the supply chain.
• Responsible for leading the solution for supplier component concerns, driving Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), customer interaction, supplier interaction, Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) support, supplier component development and approval and supplier cost improvements.
• Assist with new product launch.
• Interface with Global Commodity Component teams to prioritize supplier development needs by component to improve cost competitiveness or supply constraints.
• Carry out new supplier validation audits, with supplier support and supplier Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Work with Supplier Engineering (Design and Manufacturing Engineers) team to define process parameters and criteria to ensure supplier process capability is effective to meet product and process requirements.
• Provide Manufacturing, Processing and Gauging Recommendations to Suppliers, and internally to Procurement and Supplier Quality
• Conduct benchmarking studies to determine best practices/designs and future trends.
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Your Profile

Qualifications & Experience

• Five years Engineering and or Manufacturing experience
• Experience in Sourcing, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing and program management
• Experience in developing and implementing vendor qualification
• Substantial experience in a high volume manufacturing environment, preferably automotive
• Substantial experience in supplier development
• Experience of dealing with customers and suppliers
• Knowledge of quality and business systems
• Commercial and financial acumen
• Strong knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA)
• Vast experience with cross functional management
• Report and Procedure writing with excellent presentation skills
• Understanding and interpretation of engineering drawings
• Understanding manufacturing processes
• Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment
• Planning and prioritizing activities
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong negotiation and influential skills
• Ability to present data effectively
• Numerically astute with strong problem-solving skills and expertise to develop and execute objectives for self and others and the ability to effect short-term and some long-term business goals
• Extensive knowledge in reading and communicating drawings/blueprints,
• Formal training in Problem solving
• Highly organized with ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Exhibits integrity through fair and ethical behaviors in all activities; maintains accountability for performance.
• Strong attention to detail with well-developed organizational and communication skills.
• Proven experience developing work processes to improve outcomes for the team/customers
• Possesses a stable work history, preferably in a manufacturing environment, and a strong personal desire to work safely and maintain a safe working environment.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Machine tool development and design experience
• Machining Fixture development and design experience
• Formal training in negotiations, leadership, communications, manufacturing, Quality improvement methods, Lean Manufacturing
• Experience in gauging concepts, design and techniques.
• Die Casting Experience in area of Aluminum, Brass or Cast Iron

Education:

• BS Degree Mechanical, Mechatronics or Industrial Engineering