Lead Supplier Quality Engineer (Lead SQE)

Trane Technologies • Kentwood, MI

18h • $95,000 - $125,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

At Trane TechnologiesTM and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King®, we create innovative climate solutions for buildings, homes, and transportation that challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world. We're a team that dares to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities. We believe in a better future when we uplift others and enable our people to thrive at work and at home. We boldly go.

What’s in it for you:
Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient environments, it’s our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business. Do you dare to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities? Do you want to contribute to making a better future? If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what’s possible for a sustainable world.
Join Trane Technologies as a Lead Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)! In this lead role, you will play a strategic role in shaping supplier capability, ensuring product excellence, and driving continuous improvement across our operations. This is a high‑visibility position where you’ll serve as the “Voice of Quality,” influencing sourcing decisions and partnering with cross‑functional teams to bring innovative, reliable solutions to market. As a Lead SQE, you’ll travel to supplier sites to conduct technical and quality assessments, lead Advanced Quality Planning (AQP) activities, and implement Lean, SPC, and Six Sigma methodologies to strengthen supplier processes. You will manage critical quality programs, including PPAP and Root Cause Corrective Actions, while supporting optimal inventory flow from raw materials to finished goods.
If you’re energized by solving complex challenges, collaborating across engineering and supply chain, and elevating supplier performance to new levels, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact and grow your career with a company that values innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
This role has been designated by the Company as Safety Sensitive.
Thrive at work and at home:
Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives – WE DARE TO CARE!
Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
401K match up to 6%, plus an additional 2% core contribution = up to 8% company contribution.
Paid time off, including in support of volunteer and parental leave needs.
Educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.
Learn more about our benefits here!
Where is the work:
From Monday to Thursday, work onsite with your colleagues. On Fridays, choose your work location, balancing what your work requires. Travel is required, estimating 75%.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree preferred; Equivalent years of experience required in lieu of degree.
• 7-10+ years of plant manufacturing experience.
• 7-10+ years working experience in the Quality / Supplier Quality
• Experience in auditing – 5+ years
• Experience using quality tools/methodologies (PPAP, APQP, RCCA, SPC, GD&T, & Lean Principles).
• Practical knowledge of industry specific quality registration (ISO9001:2015 & IATF16949).

Nice To Haves

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or ASQ Certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Scope of work is primarily supportive of data center suppliers and related functions.
• Conducts Quality, Technical and QMS assessments, in support of new sourcing, to determine if a supplier’s quality systems, technical competency and environmental policies meet Trane Technologies’ expectations.
• Leads initial Supplier orientation provides on-boarding training as required.
• Oversees supplier inventories, supplier tooling, capacity, and the effects on Trane Technologies SBU inventory levels.
• Assists in the selection and implementation of IT supplier sourcing strategies to ensure high quality, on-time delivery, and cost competitiveness.
• Ensures supply of raw materials and components to Trane Technologies facilities have appropriate inventory levels and records the entry of finished products to the corresponding Trane Technologies plant.
• Active participant of Sourcing Council and Commodity teams – providing the quality detail required to support source selection and rationalization.
• Provides Supplier with technical oversight and expertise in areas such as Process Development, PFMEA, Measurement Systems, Control Plans and Error Proofing.
• Leads AQP reviews with Suppliers which include Design Specification, Pass Thru identification, Safe Launch Control, Launch Readiness and Run @ Rate.
• Onsite SIOP Assessment to ensure suppliers are able to meet Trane Technologies orders and demand requirements.
• Drives process and systemic quality improvements, at assigned supplier sites, through the use of quality tools (SIPP, SPC, Lean, and Six Sigma) and validates improvements through defined measurables to reduce quality non-conformances “SCAR.”
• Continually monitors assigned suppliers “SCAR” status and collaborates with suppliers and plant SQE to minimize quality impact to our operations and end Customer.
• Acts as a quality subject matter expert, working in conjunction with Plant SQE and Suppliers in 8D and A3 problem solving - leading cross-functional teams on major issues resolution at Supplier locations.
• Performs advanced analysis (Commodity, Quality Systems, DPPM, DMR) to determine trends along with proposed actions to drive performance improvement.

Benefits

• Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives – WE DARE TO CARE!
• Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• 401K match up to 6%, plus an additional 2% core contribution = up to 8% company contribution.
• Paid time off, including in support of volunteer and parental leave needs.
• Educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level