Supplier Qualification & Auditing: Conduct technical and quality system audits (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100) of potential and existing mechanical suppliers to assess their manufacturing capability and capacity.
APQP & PPAP Management: Lead the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process and drive the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) or First Article Inspection (FAI) for new or modified mechanical parts.
Component Verification: Review and approve supplier control plans, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), and inspection plans. Ensure Geometric Dimensions and Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements are fully understood and met.
Issue Resolution (SCAR): Issue Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) when defects occur. Lead rigorous root-cause investigations using methodologies like 8D, 5-Why, and Ishikawa (Fishbone) diagrams, and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.
Performance Monitoring: Track and report on supplier quality metrics (scrap rates, on-time delivery of quality documentation) and lead periodic Supplier Performance Reviews.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Supply Chain, Strategic Sourcing, and internal R&D/Design Engineering to resolve manufacturability issues (DFM/DFA) early in the product lifecycle.
Inward Inspection : Perform incoming inspection of raw materials, machined parts, and assemblies according to engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection plans.Review supplier documents including Material Test Certificates (MTC), Certificates of Conformance (CoC), First Article Inspection (FAI) reports, special process certificates, and inspection reports.
RequirementsEducation & Experience
Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Supplier Quality, with a heavy focus on mechanical & composite commodities.
Manufacturing Processes: Deep understanding of mechanical fabrication methods such as CNC machining, sheet metal, Heat treatment, casting, welding, and surface treatments.
Quality Tools: Proficiency in core quality tools: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA (Measurement Systems Analysis), and SPC.
Blueprint Reading & GD&T: Advanced ability to interpret mechanical engineering drawings and apply ASME Y14.5 / GD&T standards.
Metrology Knowledge: Familiarity with mechanical inspection equipment, including CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines),Laser Tracker, laser Scanner, optical comparators, and height gauges,bore dial, etc..,
Conflict-resolution, and interpersonal skills to manage external supplier relationships effectively.
Excellent technical writing skills for auditing reports and corrective action documentation.
Travel: Willingness to travel (typically 20% to 50% & depending on the company's Need)
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) from ASQ.
Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Experience managing suppliers in highly regulated industries (e.g., Automotive, Aerospace).
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- 5–10 years of experience in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Supplier Quality
- Experience with mechanical and composite commodities
- Deep understanding of CNC machining, sheet metal, heat treatment, casting, welding, and surface treatment processes
- Proficiency in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC
- Advanced mechanical blueprint reading and GD&T knowledge using ASME Y14.5 standards
- Familiarity with CMMs, laser trackers, laser scanners, optical comparators, height gauges, and bore dials
- Conflict-resolution and interpersonal skills for managing supplier relationships
- Excellent technical writing skills for audit reports and corrective action documentation
- Willingness to travel approximately 20%–50%
- Certified Quality Engineer or Certified Quality Auditor certification from ASQ
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
- Experience managing suppliers in automotive or aerospace industries
What We Do
We're developing India’s 1st flying electric taxi for up to 10x faster intra-city commute and cargo transport. Incubated at IIT Madras, Chennai since 2019, The ePlane Company was founded by Professor Satya Chakravarthy with a vision to make flying ubiquitous. As an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) startup, we aim to alleviate on-road traffic congestion in cities worldwide by offering safe, sustainable and affordable flying experiences through our flagship product, The ePlane e200.
