Sr Supplier Quality Engineer - PV Module Frames

Job Description:

Sr Supplier Quality Engineer - PV Module Frames

Location: Nashville, TN

Nextpower is seeking an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer to lead supplier quality performance and manufacturing process excellence across our growing product portfolio.

This role is responsible for auditing and qualifying new suppliers, driving robust quality systems implementation, and ensuring ongoing compliance through data-driven process control and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will partner closely with suppliers to implement PPAP requirements, inspection strategies, gage validation, SPC analysis, and corrective actions while owning supplier scorecards and performance metrics such as DPPM and early life failures.

This position plays a critical role in supporting manufacturing expansion, including recently acquired product lines, by strengthening supplier capability, mitigating risk, and ensuring our products consistently meet Nextpower’s quality and customer expectations.

NX Supplier Management:

• Audit new suppliers and make recommendations of whether we do business with them, based on the level of risk

• Document audit results via a professional report that can be shared with financing partners

•  Provide guidance and support to suppliers to implement robust quality processes into their factory 

• Complete Quality requirements input into PPAPs, Critical Dimensions or aspects on prints, Inspection check sheet preparation, Measuring system plans, FAI process instructions and completion, MSA, Pre-production plan, production ramp up plan and sample inspections, Inline critical dimension/aspect checks, self-certification of suppliers 

•   Be responsible for the specification and validation of inspection tools and gages for suppliers

• Take ownership of and develop technical process improvement strategies at supplier facilities backed up by SPC data (Cp, CpK, P Chart, Xbar, etc.) to ensure compliance  

• Monitor key performance indicators for supplier quality, such as early life failures, DPPMs, and RMA rate

• Own supplier performance results by monitoring, driving, and optimizing Inspection frequency based on DPPM outcome to ensure supplier quality compliance 

•  Lead solving critical supplier quality issues.  For example, when a supplier produces a product that does not meet Nextpower standards, it deploys to a project site and leads root cause/corrective action activity

• Manage timely resolution of supplier failure, corrective actions and preventive actions and drive their resolution through regularly set meetings with suppliers

•  Guide and mentor suppliers on how to improve their quality over time

•  Implement the supplier scorecard to measure ongoing supplier performance

• Own and drive the relationship between NX and suppliers relating to quality performance, trends, and all corrective actions 

 Requirements:

• Experience with in-line rolled steel manufacturing (ideally solar, automotive, or other similar industrial process background)

• Bachelor’s degree in quality/manufacturing engineering in a related industry experience required

• 5+ years of experience in quality engineering in a related industry required

• A self-starter and a passion for making a real difference in a fast-growing company and industry

• Ability to multi-task and support requests from multiple internal and external requestors

• An intimate understanding of Supplier Quality best practices

• Analytical skills using Excel and SPC tools (Minitab, etc)

• Versed in problem solving techniques 

• Experience in auditing manufacturing facilities, or processes in accordance with ISO 9001 QMS

•  Knowledge about GD&T tolerancing, AQL inspection, Zero defects philosophy 

• Open to travel up to 50-75%

Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills 

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously 

• Able to work under pressure, tight deadlines, and resourcefulness in solving problems 

• Strong project management, organizational skills, and keen attention to detail 

• The ability to generate new ideas and follow through to completion 

• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentations skills 

• Excellent people skills, an upbeat and enthusiastic attitude 

• Self-Driven, self-motivated and making responsible decisions 

• Ability to effectively interface with senior management and staff  

• Superior professionalism, judgment, and strong work ethic.

• Great team players and able to adapt to work in multi-cultural environment with different departments 

Nextpower offers a comprehensive benefits package. We provide health care coverage, dental and vision, 401(K) participation including company matching, company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off, generous discretionary company bonuses, life and disability protection and more. Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation. All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents. For more information on Nextpower 's benefits please view our company website at www.nextpower.com.

At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.