Quality Engineer, Supplier Qlty Assurance

Yazaki International Corporation•Canton, MI

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Yazaki is seeking a Production Supplier Quality Engineer to join its Purchasing team in Canton, Michigan. This hybrid position uses Supplier Quality Development (SQD) processes, procedures, and tools to improve the quality of suppliers’ components used in current production. The engineer is assigned specific suppliers and works collaboratively to resolve quality issues and improve supplier performance. The role leads supplier quality performance, corrective actions, audits, supplier development, and quality cost recovery. It also includes monitoring KPIs and scorecards, managing supplier changes and compliance, communicating quality status and recommendations, and supporting strategic SQD initiatives. Senior-level responsibilities add technical leadership, mentorship, cross-functional project leadership, and guidance on supplier improvement and quality strategy. The position requires a technical bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience, and two years of manufacturing or quality experience in at least one listed production area. Domestic and international travel on short notice is required. Applicable professional certifications are preferred. Yazaki describes a safe, collaborative learning environment, opportunities for professional growth, competitive compensation and benefits, and a hybrid work schedule.

Requirements

Technical bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience.
Two years of manufacturing or quality experience in at least one of the following: injection molding, metal stamping, elastomer molding, assembly, high-speed cables, or electronic components.
Willingness to travel to domestic and international locations, including Mexico, Japan, and Germany, on short notice.
Ability to resolve issues using creative thinking.
Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Applicable professional certification, such as ASQ, Six Sigma, or IATF audit certification.
Spanish or German language skills.

Responsibilities

Lead supplier quality performance for assigned suppliers, resolving component quality issues and driving corrective actions and continuous improvement.
Manage supplier corrective action processes, including 8D investigations, root cause analysis, containment, and verification of permanent corrective actions.
Act as the primary liaison among suppliers, business units, affiliates, and internal stakeholders to resolve quality concerns and ensure timely communication.
Monitor supplier performance using KPIs, scorecards, Quality Improvement Programs (QIP), and other performance metrics.
Conduct and manage supplier audits, assessments, and qualification activities, including manufacturing reviews, risk assessments, PPAP, EHS, and compliance audits.
Support supplier development by building supplier relationships, identifying improvement opportunities, and implementing quality enhancement strategies.
Manage supplier change requests, quality system compliance, and adherence to company quality standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate quality cost recovery, including quality claims, debit and credit processing, material disposition, containment, sorting, and supplier chargebacks.
Prepare, analyze, and communicate quality reports, presentations, metrics, issue updates, and recommendations.
Support strategic SQD initiatives, mentor team members, provide subject matter expertise, and contribute to supplier quality strategy and process improvement.
At the senior level, provide technical leadership and mentorship, lead cross-functional projects and supplier improvement initiatives, and guide sub-team activities and peers.