Quality Engineer, Supplier Qlty Assurance

Yazaki • Canton, MI

5d • 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 drive continual quality improvement for components supplied for current production. The engineer manages assigned suppliers and works collaboratively with suppliers, business units, affiliates, and internal stakeholders to resolve quality concerns and improve supplier performance.

The role includes managing supplier corrective actions and quality issues, monitoring performance metrics, conducting supplier audits and qualification activities, supporting supplier development, managing supplier changes and quality-system compliance, and coordinating quality cost recovery. The engineer also prepares and communicates reports and recommendations, supports strategic supplier quality initiatives, and contributes to continuous process improvement. Senior-level responsibilities additionally include technical leadership, mentoring, leading cross-functional projects and supplier improvement initiatives, and coaching peers.

The position requires a technical bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience, along with at least two years of manufacturing or quality experience in one or more specified manufacturing areas. Domestic and international travel on short notice is required. Yazaki describes a collaborative learning environment, supportive leadership, professional growth opportunities, competitive compensation and benefits, and a hybrid work schedule.

Requirements

• Technical bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience.
• At least 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 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, remove roadblocks, and ensure timely communication.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs, scorecards, Quality Improvement Programs (QIP), and other metrics, driving accountability and measurable improvement.
• 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/credit processing, material disposition, containment, sorting, and supplier chargebacks.
• Prepare, analyze, and communicate quality reports, presentations, metrics, issue updates, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Support strategic SQD initiatives, mentor team members, provide subject matter expertise, and contribute to supplier quality strategy and continuous process improvement.
• At the senior level, provide technical leadership and mentorship as a Supplier Quality subject matter expert.
• At the senior level, lead cross-functional projects and supplier improvement initiatives while supporting management-directed objectives and future quality strategies.
• At the senior level, guide sub-team activities, coach peers, and promote organizational best practices.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Incentive compensation.
• 401(k) match.
• Tuition assistance.
• Generous holiday schedule.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Safe, collaborative learning work environment that stimulates creativity and exploration.
• Diverse teams of experts.
• Resources from around the globe.
• Supportive leadership and team members.
• Opportunities for professional growth.

What This Job Offers

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