Production Supplier Quality Engineer

Yazaki•Canton, MI

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

Yazaki is a global leader in the research, development, and delivery of vehicle power and data solutions. Yazaki works with virtually every major auto manufacturer globally, and we've strived to maintain strategic and stable growth throughout our 84-year history. Today, we're looking for energetic people with the potential to perform and the ability to strengthen - and thrive in - the positive work environment we pride ourselves on. Yazaki is looking for a Production Supplier Quality Engineer to join our Purchasing team in Canton, MI. This person will utilize SQD processes, procedures, and tools to ensure continual quality improvement of suppliers’ components being used in current production. They will be assigned specific suppliers to manage. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a collaborative and action-driven environment making lasting impacts on the organization. This position is hybrid.

Requirements

Technical Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience
Applicable professional certification (ASQ, Six Sigma, IATF audit) preferred
Manufacturing/Quality experience (2 years) in at least one of the following; injection molding, metal stamping, elastomer molding, assembly, high speed cables, electronic components.
Must be willing to travel to domestic/international (Mexico, Japan, Germany, etc.) locations on short notice
Ability to resolve issues by applying creative thinking
Excellent verbal and written skills in English are required (Spanish and German preferred)

Responsibilities

Lead supplier quality performance for assigned suppliers, driving resolution of component quality issues, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Manage supplier corrective action processes, including 8D investigations, root cause analysis, containment activities, and verification of permanent corrective actions.
Serve as the primary liaison between suppliers, business units, affiliates, and internal stakeholders to resolve quality concerns, remove roadblocks, and ensure timely communication.
Monitor supplier performance through KPIs, scorecards, Quality Improvement Programs (QIP), and other performance metrics, driving accountability and measurable improvements.
Conduct and manage supplier audits, assessments, and qualification activities, including manufacturing reviews, risk assessments, PPAP, environmental, health and safety (EHS), and compliance audits.
Support supplier development initiatives by building strong supplier relationships, identifying improvement opportunities, and implementing quality enhancement strategies.
Manage supplier change requests (SCRs), quality system compliance requirements, and adherence to company quality standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate quality cost recovery activities, including quality claims, debit/credit processing, material disposition, containment actions, sorting activities, and related supplier chargebacks.
Prepare, analyze, and communicate quality reports, presentations, metrics, issue status updates, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
Support strategic Supplier Quality Development (SQD) initiatives, mentor team members, provide subject matter expertise, and contribute to supplier quality strategy and continuous process improvement efforts.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to team members, serving as a Supplier Quality subject matter expert.
Lead cross-functional projects and supplier improvement initiatives while supporting management-directed objectives and future quality strategies.
Develop leadership capabilities by guiding sub-team activities, coaching peers, and promoting best practices across the organization.