Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer

Purpose:

The Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineer is responsible for ensuring that purchased parts and supplier manufacturing processes meet the company’s quality requirements. This position supports supplier selection and development, APQP and PPAP activities, supplier process audits, incoming quality improvement, and the resolution of supplier-related quality issues. The SQA Engineer works closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to identify root causes, implement effective corrective actions, prevent recurrence, and ensure the consistent delivery of quality parts.

Key Responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned as needed):

1. Supplier Quality Management

• Issue Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) for supplier-related quality issues and lead supplier containment and corrective-action activities.
   - Lead the 8D problem-solving process and evaluate root cause analysis, permanent corrective actions, and their effectiveness.
• Review supplier manufacturing processes and quality documents to ensure compliance with company and customer requirements.
• Lead supplier quality meetings and improvement activities to prevent recurrence and improve overall quality performance.
• Manage supplier performance evaluations and quality-related cost-recovery activities.
• Implement temporary containment and segregation activities for plant inventory to prevent production disruptions

1. Regular Supplier Audits and Performance Management

• Conduct regular supplier process and quality-system audits.
• Monitor supplier performance through scorecards and quality reviews.
• Lead improvement activities for underperforming suppliers.

1. Supplier APQP and 4M/EO Change Management for New Programs

• Participate in SOR and technical reviews for new supplier sourcing.
• Review development progress at each APQP phase and coordinate with the Product Development Team.
• Conduct PPAP Run audits and lead supplier PPAP and PSW approval activities.
• Review and approve PPAP documentation for production 4M and Engineering Order (EO) changes and monitor the approval status.

1. Headquarters and Customer Support

• Respond to quality-related requests from headquarters, global business sites, and customers within the required timeline.
• Collaborate with global teams and participate in quality meetings and reviews.

1. Quality Systems and Compliance

- Manage quality data and documentation using applicable company systems.

- Comply with company standards, customer-specific requirements, and IATF 16949 requirements.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical field preferred.

• Minimum of three years of experience in supplier quality or manufacturing quality, preferably in the automotive industry.

• Experience in quality stabilization through dimensional analysis, defect reduction, and process improvement.

• Experience working directly with customers and suppliers on quality-related issues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Automotive Quality Core Tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, 6-sigma

• Knowledge of structured problem-solving methods, including Global 8D and root cause analysis.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and apply GD&T principles.
• Statistical quality analysis and tracking, 6-sigma 

• Proficiency in customer portals and internal quality management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to prepare clear and professional documents, reports, and presentations.
• Ability to apply statistical analysis and Six Sigma methodologies to monitor quality trends and support process improvement.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, with the ability to drive issues to closure.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to established procedures and deadlines.
• Strong cultural awareness and an inclusive mindset when working with diverse teams.

Legal Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age due to federal labor law requirements.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Working Conditions:

• Frequent work in office and manufacturing floor
• Frequent exposure to noise, moving machinery, and energized equipment
• Frequent requirement of wearing PPE (safety shoes, eye protection, hearing protection)

Physical Requirements:

• Constant requirement of using computer and office equipment
• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking

Remote Work: This position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work.

Compensation and Benefits: Competitive Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes health, dental & vision insurance, life insurance and other supplemental benefits, 401(k) plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: HL Mando is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability status. 

HL Mando America Corporation (HL MCA) does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from search firms, staffing agencies, or recruiters. 

Any resume or candidate information submitted to HL MCA employees via email, the internet, or any other method without a valid, written agreement authorized by HL MCA’s HR Operations for the applicable position will be considered the sole property of HL MCA. 

HL MCA will not be responsible for any fees, commissions, or other charges associated with unsolicited submissions. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited referral or through any other means.

Only search firms, staffing agencies, or recruiters that have an active, written agreement with HL MCA and have been specifically authorized by HL MCA HR Operations to support a particular position may submit candidates for consideration.