Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer, New Product Development (NPD)

Watlow • Columbia, MO

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

At Watlow's Advanced Technology Center in St. Louis, Missouri, we bring together engineering, quality, and supply chain expertise to support Watlow's operations around the world. Part of a global thermal solutions leader founded in 1922, our heaters, sensors, and controls power industries like semiconductor, aerospace, energy, and industrial equipment. Watlow is seeking a Senior Supplier Quality Engineer, New Product Development who will make sure our global suppliers are ready to support new products and product transitions. This individual will evaluate and audit new and current suppliers, lead supplier readiness and improvement work for new product releases and Global Footprint transitions, and help suppliers build the capability to meet Watlow's expectations. They will partner closely with NPD, Global Footprint, Supply Chain, and Engineering teams, and will report to the Supplier Quality Engineering Manager. The ideal candidate brings hands-on supplier quality and launch experience, strong auditing skills, and the confidence to influence suppliers at every level. This role includes up to 50% domestic and international travel.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years in an engineering/design or manufacturing/process role
• 5+ years in a Supplier Quality, Quality Assurance, or Supply Chain role
• Expertise applying and executing 8D, PPAP, APQP, control plans, and other quality tools
• Auditing experience, including quality system elements, process audits, and PPAP audits
• Strong problem-solving skills and expertise with root cause corrective action tools
• Working knowledge of registered quality systems such as ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949
• Ability to lead, coach, and communicate with all levels of a supplier's organization, from operator to President/CEO
• Capable of representing the supplier quality function during customer audits and project work
• Desire and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50%

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the semiconductor, electronics, or aerospace industries
• Project management experience
• Direct experience working with suppliers, both domestic and international
• A supplier advocate who stays focused on Watlow and customer needs
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts and tools
• Ability to understand and apply engineering specifications, prints, drawings, and standards
• Ability to recognize potential safety issues during supplier visits
• Comfort communicating directly with customers in audits and report outs
• Familiarity with Watlow products: heaters, sensors, and controls

Responsibilities

• Support NPD, Global Footprint, and Supply Chain projects by evaluating and auditing new Watlow suppliers.
• Lead readiness and improvement work with new and existing suppliers for new product releases and Global Footprint product transitions.
• Lead evaluations and audits of current Watlow suppliers.
• Deploy Watlow requirements to suppliers, identify gaps, and work alongside them to build the capability to meet expectations.
• Use supplier performance data and sourcing strategies to target improvement areas and drive better supplier performance.
• Make sure suppliers understand and apply Watlow's change control requirements through annual training and conformance audits.
• Lead major and escalated supplier corrective actions, ensuring a thorough 8D is defined and executed by the supplier and appropriate action is taken on the Watlow side.

What This Job Offers

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