Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer

Allison Transmission•Lafayette, IN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer is a strategic, hands-on role responsible for ensuring supplier performance and product/process quality across the supply base while leading cross‑functional initiatives that introduce new suppliers, new products, or major process changes. This role blends deep technical quality engineering (APQP/PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, audits, 8D) with program management (scope, schedule, risk, stakeholder management) to deliver new product launches, sustained quality, and total cost of ownership improvements. The ideal candidate partners closely with Procurement, Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to drive supplier capability, reduce defects/PPM, and accelerate time‑to‑market. The position requires a fully seasoned professional who has extensive expertise in the Automotive or Commercial Vehicle Industry. This person is accountable for significant enterprise-wide projects and problems. This person is a significant resource used to assist in the development of fellow CSQE’s in the areas of GD&T, APQP, and other Supplier Quality Engineering related subjects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Electrical) or related field.
APQP, PPAP, FAI, PFMEA/DFMEA, Control Plans, MSA (Gage R&R), SPC, capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), DOE, 8D/A3/DMAIC.
Auditing to ISO 9001 and relevant sector standards (e.g., IATF 16949, AS9100, ISO 13485).
Proficiency with drawings/GD&T, metrology, special processes (e.g., heat treat, plating, molding, machining, PCBA/SMT), and PPV/NPV cost levers.
Proven delivery of complex, cross‑functional programs; scheduling (MS Project/Smartsheet), risk management, and stakeholder communication.
Statistical software (Minitab/JMP), PLM/ERP/MES familiarity, eQMS systems, and advanced Excel/Power BI for reporting.
Proven skills in project and process management
Ability to oversee several simultaneous projects
Ability to manage conflict and strong organizational skills required
Strong oral and written communication skills; comfortable and confident in presenting to hourly and salary, including senior executive leaders.
10+ years of Supplier Quality/Manufacturing/Engineering with demonstrated program or project leadership; multi-supplier, multi-program launch experience strongly preferred.
Complete working knowledge of AIAG standards – APQP, Control Plans, FMEA, PPAP, SPC, and MSA.
Complete working knowledge of automotive industry 8D problem solving tool.
Complete working knowledge in various advanced problem-solving skills – Six Sigma, Red X, Kepner Tregoe, or equivalent processes
Working knowledge in Quality Systems fundamentals with a focus on IATF16949/ISO9001 requirements.
Knowledge of geometric design and tolerancing (GD&T)
Working knowledge in several [3 or more] manufacturing processes.

Nice To Haves

Masters preferred.
Lead auditor certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assess and approve new suppliers: capability studies, process audits (ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 / AS9100 / ISO 13485 as applicable), QMS maturity, special process qualifications.
Create and execute supplier development plans to close gaps in quality systems, process controls, and measurement systems.
Lead APQP deliverables with suppliers: DFMEA/PFMEA review, Control Plans, Process Flow, MSA, capability (Cp/Cpk), run‑at‑rate, and PPAP submission levels per criticality.
Validate first articles and production parts; disposition, corrective actions, and escalation as needed.
Establish SPC at suppliers; define CTQs, sampling plans, AQLs, acceptance criteria; coach suppliers on DOE, capability improvement, and error‑proofing (poka‑yoke).
Ensure measurement systems are capable (Gage R&R), calibrations are compliant, and data integrity is maintained.
Lead supplier containment and corrective action (8D/A3/DMAIC) for defects, escapes, and field issues; verify effectiveness and prevent recurrence.
Manage SCARs (Supplier Corrective Action Requests) and systemic corrective actions across the supply base.
Conduct process/product audits, layered process audits (LPA), and special process validations; monitor change control and supplier process stability.
Build integrated project plans (scope, schedule, budget) for supplier‑related launches, transfers, or redesigns; align with stage‑gate or Agile frameworks.
Maintain RAID logs (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies); facilitate cross‑functional reviews and gate approvals.
Coordinate multi‑site/multi‑supplier readiness; track milestones (proto, pilot, run‑at‑rate, SOP), and drive critical path resolution.
Own supplier readiness metrics; ensure manufacturability, capacity, and logistics plans meet demand.
Communicate status, risks, and decisions to leadership; align Procurement, Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Finance on tradeoffs.
Lead cross‑functional problem‑solving; coach teams on root cause analysis and decision quality.
Champion cost-quality reductions (prevention vs. failure cost), yield improvements, and supplier capability uplift.
Lead VA/VE efforts to reduce costs, improve manufacturing efficiencies, deliver quality components and/or assemblies.
Identify and drive automation/analytics opportunities (PPM dashboards, SPC visibility, early warning systems).
Contribute to category strategies with Procurement (dual‑sourcing, risk mitigation, supplier consolidation, value engineering).

Benefits

Choice of medical plans with prescription coverage
Employer HSA contribution
Dental & Vision Insurance
Paid Parental Leave
Short & Long-Term Disability
Other voluntary benefits including: Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Identity Theft Protection and Pet Insurance
401K with generous Company match & contribution
Accrued Paid Time Off
12 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday
Robust employee wellness program
Tuition assistance program