Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer

Allison Transmission•Lafayette, LA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer is a strategic, hands-on role responsible for supplier performance and product and process quality across the supply base. The position leads cross-functional initiatives involving new suppliers, new products, and major process changes, combining technical quality engineering with program management to support product launches, sustained quality, and total cost of ownership improvements. The role partners with Procurement, Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to improve supplier capability, reduce defects, and accelerate time to market. This is a fully seasoned professional role requiring extensive expertise in the automotive or commercial vehicle industry. The position is accountable for significant enterprise-wide projects and problems and serves as a resource for developing fellow CSQEs in GD&T, APQP, and related supplier quality engineering subjects. The position is based at a U.S. Midwest manufacturing plant and is not eligible for remote or work-from-home arrangements. Travel requirements are stated as up to 100% and up to 50% in the posting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Electrical) or a related field.
At least 10 years of Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, or Engineering experience with demonstrated program or project leadership.
Complete working knowledge of AIAG standards, including APQP, Control Plans, FMEA, PPAP, SPC, and MSA.
Complete working knowledge of the automotive industry 8D problem-solving tool.
Complete working knowledge of advanced problem-solving methods such as Six Sigma, Red X, Kepner Tregoe, or equivalent processes.
Working knowledge of quality systems fundamentals, especially IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 requirements.
Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
Working knowledge of three or more manufacturing processes.
Proven ability in project and process management and to oversee several simultaneous projects.
Ability to manage conflict and strong organizational skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills; confidence presenting to hourly and salaried employees, including senior executive leaders.
Technical expertise in APQP, PPAP, FAI, PFMEA/DFMEA, Control Plans, MSA (Gage R&R), SPC, capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), DOE, and 8D/A3/DMAIC.
Auditing knowledge for ISO 9001 and relevant sector standards, such as IATF 16949, AS9100, and ISO 13485.
Proficiency with drawings/GD&T, metrology, special processes, and PPV/NPV cost levers.
Program management capability, including delivery of complex cross-functional programs, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
Familiarity with statistical software (Minitab/JMP), PLM/ERP/MES, eQMS systems, and advanced Excel/Power BI reporting.
Ability to work in a manufacturing plant environment; the role is not eligible for work from home or remote work.
Ability to meet the stated travel requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Lead auditor certification.
Multi-supplier, multi-program launch experience.
Experience with special processes such as heat treat, plating, molding, machining, or PCBA/SMT.
Familiarity with MS Project or Smartsheet.

Responsibilities

Assess and approve new suppliers through capability studies, process audits, QMS maturity reviews, and special-process qualifications.
Create and execute supplier development plans to address gaps in quality systems, process controls, and measurement systems.
Lead supplier APQP deliverables, including DFMEA/PFMEA review, Control Plans, Process Flow, MSA, capability studies, run-at-rate, and PPAP submissions.
Validate first articles and production parts; manage disposition, corrective actions, and escalation as needed.
Establish supplier SPC, define CTQs, sampling plans, AQLs, and acceptance criteria, and coach suppliers on DOE, capability improvement, and error-proofing.
Ensure measurement systems are capable, calibrations comply, and data integrity is maintained.
Lead supplier containment and corrective action for defects, escapes, and field issues; verify effectiveness and prevent recurrence.
Manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests and systemic corrective actions across the supply base.
Conduct process and product audits, layered process audits, and special-process validations; monitor change control and supplier process stability.
Build integrated project plans for supplier-related launches, transfers, or redesigns, and align plans with stage-gate or Agile frameworks.
Maintain RAID logs and facilitate cross-functional reviews and gate approvals.
Coordinate multi-site and multi-supplier readiness, track program milestones, and drive critical-path resolution.
Own supplier readiness metrics and ensure manufacturability, capacity, and logistics plans meet demand.
Communicate status, risks, and decisions to leadership and align Procurement, Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Finance on tradeoffs.
Lead cross-functional problem-solving and coach teams on root cause analysis and decision quality.
Champion cost-quality reductions, yield improvements, and supplier capability improvements.
Lead VA/VE efforts to reduce costs, improve manufacturing efficiencies, and deliver quality components or assemblies.
Identify and drive automation and analytics opportunities, including PPM dashboards, SPC visibility, and early-warning systems.
Contribute to Procurement category strategies involving dual-sourcing, risk mitigation, supplier consolidation, and value engineering.
Support development of fellow CSQEs in GD&T, APQP, and related supplier quality engineering subjects.

Benefits

Choice of medical plans with prescription coverage.
Employer HSA contribution.
Dental and vision insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability.
Voluntary benefits including critical illness, hospital indemnity, identity theft protection, and pet insurance.
401(k) with company match and contribution.
Accrued paid time off.
12 paid holidays plus one floating holiday.
Employee wellness program.
Tuition assistance program.