Supplier Quality Engineer

The Supplier Quality Engineer creates value by supporting supplier quality initiatives that enable the business or function to achieve its operational and strategic supplier quality goals. This role ensures supplier processes, products, and quality systems consistently meet Cummins and customer requirements by driving supplier quality improvements, managing product approvals, supporting audits, and resolving quality issues across the supply base.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with critical partners, including external suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders such as Purchasing, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Sourcing, to improve quality and business outcomes.
• Apply industry-standard Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) processes, Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) tools, and Cummins-specific quality tools to develop or improve supplier manufacturing processes.
• Participate in supplier audits to assess manufacturing process capability, quality risks, and compliance with quality standards; support or lead low-complexity supplier audits after certification.
• Support the resolution of supplier-related quality issues by conducting root cause analysis, driving corrective actions, and verifying effectiveness to prevent recurrence.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the external supply base using proven methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving tools.
• Participate in supplier quality performance planning and improvement initiatives for specific product categories or supplier segments.
• Manage Global PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) Level 1–4, including VPI PPAP submissions.
• Audit global PPAP submissions as per established guidelines and standards.
• Coordinate with suppliers and Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs) to ensure all required PPAP documentation is uploaded in CQMS/EQMS.
• Review PPAP documentation and provide disposition decisions such as Approval, Interim Approval, or Rejection.
• Work with suppliers and sourcing managers to obtain missing or corrected documents for rejected PPAP submissions.
• Monitor and follow up on expired interim PPAP approvals to ensure timely closure.
• Maintain PPAP disposition turnaround time (TAT) within defined targets.
• Collaborate with change managers to understand and track engineering or process changes related to PPAP submissions.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to build cross-functional relationships and influence quality-focused decisions.
• Customer-centric mindset with strong internal and external stakeholder management.

• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and engineering standards.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, process design, and zero-defect methodologies.
• Expertise in core automotive quality tools:
  • DFMEA
  • PFMEA
  • Control Plan
  • SPC
  • MSA
  • Source Release
  • PPAP

• Knowledge of quality management systems and auditing methodologies.
• Familiarity with quality standards such as:
  • ISO 9001:2015
  • IATF 16949

• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Ability to use statistical tools and data analysis techniques to drive decision-making and process improvements.
• Ability to identify systemic issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.

• Ability to assess supplier product reliability and manufacturing capability.
• Experience in supplier performance improvement and quality strategy execution.
• Knowledge of supplier quality project planning and execution using APQP methodologies.

• Strong ownership and accountability.
• Ability to manage priorities and work within deadlines.
• Values diverse perspectives and promotes inclusive collaboration.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on operational excellence.

• Minimal to moderate relevant experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Quality Assurance, or Supplier Development.
• Experience in supplier audits, PPAP management, quality systems, or manufacturing process validation preferred.
• Experience working in automotive, heavy equipment, industrial manufacturing, or related industries is advantageous.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical/scientific discipline required.
• Additional certifications in quality systems, auditing, Lean, or Six Sigma are preferred.