Contractor - Senior SQA Engineer - Automotive

Ricardo • Van Buren Township, MI

12d

About The Position

Ricardo’s Automotive and Industrial division are seeking a key team member to support a major project recently awarded. This is an exciting opportunity for someone wishing to apply their Supplier Quality Engineering experience and knowledge in a dynamic hands-on environment, producing world class products and working closely with a diverse client base. As a Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality of purchased parts throughout the entire process, from concept to series production, for the suppliers and projects assigned to you. This role may involve working independently or collaborating as part of a team on specific projects. Additionally, you may be required to travel both within the USA and internationally.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• Proven experience in quality engineering or supplier quality management.
• Strong understanding of IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001, CGMP, and other relevant quality standards.
• Manufacturing background required, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Supplier auditing experience required.
• Experience in New Product Introduction (NPI) and/or Supplier Quality Assurance or a similar role with transferable skills relevant to specified objectives.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics in all interactions with clients, suppliers, and colleagues.
• Capability for self-management and resilience while working toward challenging targets.
• Flexibility to support regular travel to suppliers and customers domestically, along with a valid driver's license.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to perform effective root cause analysis.
• Strong communication skills for effective collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of supplier quality.
• A strong motivation to perform and excel in a high-performance organization.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Capability to work effectively as part of a team or independently, demonstrating self-motivation.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively across cultures and present to clients and suppliers at all levels.
• Exhibits tenacity, resilience, and focus.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience in the automotive sector, though relevant experience from other industries will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of automotive technology and product development, particularly in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Practical experience with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Auditor training in IATF 16949 and/or ISO 9001 preferred.
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes and components (e.g., casting, machining, molding, assembly, fabrication) and measurement techniques.
• Experience and understanding of geometric design and tolerancing.
• Knowledge of quality systems, tools, and techniques.
• Proficiency in quality control methodologies and tools.
• Preferred mechanical knowledge to understand product specifications and requirements, particularly in casting and machining.

Responsibilities

• Audit and assess suppliers, contributing to the nomination process.
• Perform Supplier Quality Assurance activities within the supply chain, including Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and conduct surveillance visits to support series launches.
• Create and manage customer quality requirements to ensure effective communication throughout the supply chain.
• Generate goods receiving inspection documents for both pre-production and production phases.
• Conduct series process and part approvals during product launches.
• Collaborate closely with procurement, design, and systems engineers to ensure parts are cost-effective, fit for purpose, and meet required quality standards.
• Engage in proactive and reactive supplier improvement activities, resolving parts quality issues using the 8D methodology and other automotive industry tools.
• Manage supplier quality performance by verifying and implementing corrective actions in the pre-series phase.
• Oversee quality implications of any product and process changes.
• Report project status against targets, both internally and to customers.
• Supervise and coach the Supplier Quality Assurance Engineering team.
• Actively participate in continuous improvement by developing and introducing new quality-focused processes and procedures at Ricardo.

Benefits

• We offer flexible approaches to work, whether that is working from home, being in the office, or as a hybrid worker. We're happy to discuss flexible working arrangements.
• Wellbeing is at the core to our culture, allowing employees to flourish and to achieve their full potential.
• You will receive a range of benefits which include support for your physical and mental health.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees