The Role
Leads supplier quality engineering activities for outsourced automotive parts and materials. Responsibilities include investigating defects, managing supplier change points, developing test plans and corrective actions, reviewing quality documentation, supporting inspections, conducting supplier-site investigations, and improving supplier processes and quality systems. The role requires cross-functional collaboration, trend analysis, documentation, and communication with global suppliers, with travel up to 10–20%.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Summary:
DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee, Inc. is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to lead and manage supplier-related quality issues, ensuring defect-free mass production. This role is crucial for maintaining high standards and supporting cross-functional teams.
- Supplier Related Quality Engineering
- Responsible for maintaining quality of outsourced parts, as well as sub-materials, per Denso quality standards
- Monitoring, Development, and Systems Management of suppliers
- Support Problem Investigation both internally and at suppliers
- Provide Engineering Support to Inspection Departments
- Support supplier and internal cross functional groups for overall quality improvement activities
- Develop detailed test plans to evaluate change-points in supplied parts
- Understand, Document, and Improve supplier processes
- Assist in judging parts against established visual/functional standards
- Learn supplier processes to troubleshoot defects/suspect parts at Denso
- Must be able to recognize quality trends and act accordingly
- Obtain and maintain open communication with suppliers worldwide to accurately/promptly communicate quality issues for quick resolution
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related degree or a combination of degree and equivalent Quality experience would be considered
- Strong communication skills (both verbal & written)
- 1-3+ years engineering experience, or co-op equivalent in manufacturing, quality, or related field. Preferred prior experience with direct work with suppliers or supplied components.
- Skilled in Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to travel as needed (up to 10-20%)
- Experience leading peer-team projects
- Experience in a multi-cultural environment
- Familiar with Automotive Industry Quality Systems & Requirements including TS16949 and IATF
- Other supplied process knowledge/experience considered: Machining, Heat Treating, Annealing, Plating, Metal Stamping, Brazing, Forging, Plastic Injection Molding, and Assembly processes
Benefits Summary:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Plans
- 401K with 4% Company Match
- Vacation/PTO and 13 Paid Holidays
- Bonus Program
- FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs
- Company provided Life, Disability, ADD, and Business Travel Insurance
- Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs
- Various Optional Insurance Programs such as Legal, Identity Theft, Critical Illness, etc.
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Career Development and Ongoing Training
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program
- Volunteer opportunities
- Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location)
- Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)
- Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location)
Candidates residing 50+ miles from the work location are eligible for relocation assistance.
Annual Salary: $73,000 - $91,000
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage supplier quality issues, including defect handling and investigations.
- Implement and oversee supplier change-point management processes.
- Develop and execute action plans to address quality concerns.
- Provide cross-functional support to various teams, ensuring quality standards are met.
- Conduct on-site (Genba) investigations to identify and resolve production issues.
- Collaborate with suppliers to improve their quality management systems.
- Review and approve supplier documentation and quality plans.
- Ensure compliance with DENSO's quality standards and industry regulations.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation of quality-related activities.
- Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in quality engineering.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a quality engineering role, preferably in manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of quality management systems and standards (e.g., ISO, IATF).
- Experience in supplier quality management and defect analysis.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
- Proficiency in using quality control tools and software.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
- Willingness to travel for on-site investigations and supplier meetings.
- Familiarity with automotive industry quality standards is preferred.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field, or equivalent quality experience
- At least 1–3+ years of engineering experience or equivalent co-op experience in manufacturing, quality, or a related field
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to travel as needed, up to 10–20%
- Experience leading peer-team projects
- Experience in a multicultural environment
- Familiarity with automotive quality systems and requirements, including TS 16949 and IATF
- Knowledge or experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, heat treating, annealing, plating, metal stamping, brazing, forging, plastic injection molding, or assembly
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a quality engineering role, preferably in manufacturing
- Experience with supplier quality management and defect analysis
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Proficiency with quality control tools and software
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
- Familiarity with automotive industry quality standards
DENSO Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about DENSO and has not been reviewed or approved by DENSO.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical coverage includes multiple plan designs through a major carrier, telemedicine, and chronic‑condition programs bundled with enrollment. On‑site family health centers at select locations add convenient primary care and pharmacy access for eligible members.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) program uses automatic enrollment with a straightforward dollar‑for‑dollar company match on initial contributions and an annual true‑up via a recognized recordkeeper. Auto‑increase and the potential for discretionary employer contributions reinforce long‑term savings support.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellness incentives can reduce medical premiums, and resources span musculoskeletal care, weight management, digestive health, and behavioral health at no additional cost when enrolled. Site‑based amenities like on‑site care, fitness options, and tuition reimbursement expand lifestyle value where available.
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The Company
What We Do
DENSO is one of the world's largest automotive suppliers with a 75-year history of providing advanced automotive systems and technology to automakers worldwide. While our products are featured on nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today, we're also looking to innovate beyond automotive so we can maximize how we support the evolving needs of society. Globally, we have 158,000 employees, including 27,000+ in North America, working together every day to pursue our Two Great Causes: Green -- which represents our goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 through our products, processes and facilities; and Peace of Mind -- which focuses on developing solutions for safer and more seamless experiences across society. Together, they help us pursue our mission of contributing to a better world.
