Reactive Supplier Quality Engineer

Cummins•Bloomfield, CT

4d•$87,120 - $130,680

About The Position

The Reactive Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for leading reactive supplier quality activities supporting the Cummins Valvetrain manufacturing facility. The role serves as the primary point of contact for supplier-related quality issues, ensuring rapid containment, effective corrective actions, and protection of production operations from non-conforming material. The engineer works 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 continuous improvement by applying APQP methodologies, AIAG quality tools, Cummins-specific processes, Lean, and Six Sigma. It involves supplier audits, quality planning, performance analysis, root-cause investigations, and collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders to improve supplier performance, product quality, and process reliability.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Quality Engineering.
A college, university, or equivalent degree in Engineering or a related technical or scientific subject is required.
Effective communication skills, including adapting communications to different audiences.
Customer focus and ability to build strong customer relationships.
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 for interpreting engineering drawings.
Knowledge of manufacturing technologies and process design to support processes that meet technical and customer requirements.
Knowledge of manufacturing process validation and core automotive tools, including DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, Source Release, and PPAP.
Knowledge of measurement technology and GD&T for designing measurement systems that meet industry and customer requirements.
Systematic problem-solving skills, including root-cause analysis, assignable-cause determination, data-based corrective solutions, and prevention of recurrence.
Ability to influence stakeholders and incorporate Quality priorities into decisions.
Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949.
Knowledge of statistical tools and techniques, data collection, and methods for assessing process performance and driving improvement.
Ability to develop and execute supplier performance improvement strategies and supplier quality plans using APQP.
Ability to evaluate supplier product design, manufacturing process design, and product validation for reliability expectations.
This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Nice To Haves

A 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 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 support timely resolution and business continuity.
Build relationships with suppliers, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders to improve product quality and achieve business objectives.
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 other process improvement initiatives to reduce defects and improve efficiency.
Analyze supplier quality data, track trends, and support quality planning for assigned products or supplier segments.
Collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, and Manufacturing to address quality risks and ensure suppliers meet customer and operational requirements.