Reactive Supplier Quality Engineer

Cummins•Bloomfield, CT

About The Position

The Reactive Supplier Quality Engineer leads reactive supplier quality activities in support of the Cummins Valvetrain manufacturing facility. Serving as the primary point of contact for supplier-related quality issues, this role ensures rapid containment, effective corrective actions, and protection of production operations from non-conforming material. The position works closely with suppliers, manufacturing, operations, purchasing, and third-party inspection providers to resolve issues while minimizing disruption to assembly line operations. The role also supports supplier development and quality improvement using APQP methodologies, AIAG quality tools, Cummins-specific processes, Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement initiatives. It contributes to supplier audits, quality planning, performance analysis, root cause analysis, corrective action development, and validation of long-term solutions. The engineer collaborates across Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials, and Operations to address risks, meet customer and operational requirements, and improve supplier performance, product quality, and process reliability.

Requirements

College, university, or equivalent degree in Engineering or a related technical or scientific subject.
At least 3 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Quality Engineering.
Effective multi-mode communication tailored to different audiences.
Customer relationship building and customer-focused solution development.
Auditing skills and knowledge of Quality Management Systems for assessing manufacturing processes, quality risks, safety risks, and non-conformances.
Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing principles and Engineering Standards to interpret engineering drawings and support design for manufacturability and measurability.
Knowledge of manufacturing technology, methods, techniques, tools, and equipment to design manufacturing processes that meet technical and customer requirements.
Knowledge of automotive quality tools, including DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plan, SPC, MSA, Source Release, and PPAP, for manufacturing process validation.
Knowledge of measurement technology and GD&T principles to design measurement systems that meet industry and customer requirements.
Systematic problem-solving skills, including determining assignable causes, implementing data-based solutions, identifying systemic root causes, and preventing recurrence.
Ability to recognize stakeholders, facilitate constructive discussion, and influence decisions to incorporate Quality priorities.
Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949.
Ability to apply statistical tools and techniques, assess process performance, and use data to drive improvement.
Ability to develop and execute supplier quality improvement strategies and APQP quality plans, coordinating cross-functional work involving external suppliers.
Ability to evaluate supplier product design, manufacturing process design, and product validation for reliability expectations.
Ability to work collaboratively with suppliers and internal stakeholders to contain and resolve supplier quality issues.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide reactive supplier quality support for the Cummins Valvetrain facility.
Lead containment activities, quality holds, material disposition, and supplier escalations to protect customers and maintain production continuity.
Prevent non-conforming material from affecting assembly operations through effective containment, inspection, and sorting activities.
Coordinate third-party sorting and inspection providers to screen incoming, on-hand, and in-process inventory.
Drive supplier responses to quality concerns and ensure timely corrective actions.
Own supplier quality activities through containment and escalation (Steps 1–3), and partner with the Proactive SQE on supplier recovery and improvement activities (Steps 4–6).
Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, Materials, and Operations to resolve supplier quality issues and minimize business impact.
Monitor supplier performance, drive issue resolution, and strengthen process controls.
Facilitate communication between suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure timely resolution and business continuity.
Build relationships with suppliers, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders to improve product quality, collaboration, and business outcomes.
Support supplier development using APQP methodologies, AIAG quality tools, and Cummins-specific processes.
Participate in supplier audits to assess compliance and identify improvement opportunities.
Support root cause analysis, corrective action development, and validation of long-term solutions.
Participate in Lean, Six Sigma, and process improvement initiatives to reduce defects and increase efficiency.
Analyze supplier quality data, track trends, and support quality planning for assigned products or supplier segments.