Supplier Quality Engineer

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Description

Summary/Objective

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that purchased materials, components, and services meet all quality, regulatory, and performance requirements for transformer manufacturing. This role works closely with suppliers, procurement, engineering, and manufacturing to drive defect prevention, continuous improvement, and compliance with applicable standards.

Essential functions & Key Responsibilities

• Supplier Quality Management
• Qualify, audit, and approve suppliers of transformer components and raw materials
• Develop and maintain supplier quality requirements, specifications, and control plans
• Evaluate supplier PPAP / FAI submissions and ensure process capability
• Monitor supplier performance metrics (PPM, on-time delivery, responsiveness)
• Incoming & Product Quality
• Support incoming inspection strategies for critical transformer components
• Analyze nonconforming material and lead root cause and corrective actions (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone)
• Ensure compliance with design, electrical, mechanical, and insulation requirements
• Support containment actions to protect production and customers
• Supplier Development & Improvement
• Lead supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) and verify effectiveness
• Conduct on-site supplier audits and process reviews
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to reduce defects and COPQ
• Collaborate with sourcing on supplier selection and risk mitigation
• Engineering & Manufacturing Support
• Work with engineering on new product introductions (NPI), design changes, and supplier transitions
• Review drawings, specifications, and BOMs for supplier-related quality risks
• Support manufacturing with quality issues impacting transformer assembly and testing
• Participate in MRB and deviation approvals when required
• Compliance & Documentation
• Ensure supplier compliance with ISO 9001 and applicable standards (IEC, IEEE, ANSI, UL, CSA, RoHS where applicable)
• Maintain supplier quality records, audit reports, and corrective action documentation
• Support customer, regulatory, and certification audits

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and supplier engagement skills
• Ability to manage multiple suppliers and priorities
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to risk prevention
• Willingness to travel to supplier locations as required

Supervisory Responsibility

Supervisory responsibilities for quality auditors and technicians; this position does oversee solutions to supplier quality issues across all departments within the Business.

Environment/Physical Requirements

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department in the Office and Factory Floor.
• Office and manufacturing environment
• Regular interaction with production areas

Travel

• Domestic and international travel (approximately ˜20%)

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 5:00pm. However, depending on workload there may be occasionally longer days, and occasional weekends as needed. Employees are expected to work the hours necessary to timely and satisfactorily complete all necessary work tasks.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field)
• 3 - 7 years of experience in supplier quality or manufacturing quality
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as metal fabrication, machining, winding, insulation systems, welding, and assembly
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Knowledge about operation and implementation of quality management systems for Supplier Quality function

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in transformer manufacturing, power equipment, or heavy electrical products preferred
• Experience with electrical steel, copper conductors, insulation materials, bushings, tap changers, oil-filled equipment
• Knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA
• Auditor certification (ISO 9001 or equivalent)
• Familiarity with ERP, MRP, or any supply management system