Position Title: Supplier Quality Engineer

Location: Chatanooga, TN

Basic Purpose and Objective

Ensure the highest standards of quality for our interior trim products, specializing in premium components for automotive applications. This role will involve close collaboration with suppliers to maintain compliance, resolve quality issues, and support production processes.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to verify adherence to quality standards, including material specifications for interior trim products.
• Investigate and resolve quality deviations, non-conformances, and customer complaints related to supplied components, utilizing root cause analysis tools such as 8D and Fishbone diagrams.
• Develop and implement supplier quality improvement plans, focusing on process optimization and defect prevention in leather manufacturing and assembly.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, procurement, and production, to ensure seamless integration of interior trim parts into automotive assembly lines.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics, such as PPM (parts per million) defect rates, on-time delivery, and sustainability compliance, in alignment with our global standards.
• Support new product launches by reviewing supplier capabilities and validating first-article inspections for leather-based interior components.
• Ensure compliance with industry certifications and regulations, including IATF 16949, emphasizing our commitment to environmental sustainability and high-quality craftsmanship.
• Travel to supplier sites as needed to provide on-site support and training.

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality Management, or a related field; advanced degree or certifications (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Engineer) preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering within the automotive industry, ideally with exposure to interior trim or leather products.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems, APQP, PPAP, and statistical process control.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with experience in automotive manufacturing environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a global, multicultural setting, reflecting our international production and logistics network.
• Proficiency in quality tools and software; familiarity with sustainability practices in material sourcing is a plus.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Details