Supplier Quality Engineer

Gentex Corp•Manchester, NH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is highly supplier-focused, requiring excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written) to manage supplier quality assurance responsibilities and ensure compliance across and at all levels of the organization on major programs from design through production stages. The successful candidate will utilize quality methodologies and analytical techniques to monitor the performance of GENTEX suppliers’ products and processes, and to focus on supporting the continuous improvement efforts at GENTEX. This is an Enterprise-Wide Supply Chain Quality Engineering position which will also support NH Value Streams (Helmet Value Stream and Optical Value Stream). The Supplier Quality Engineer will be responsible for planning, organizing, directing and reporting on all supplier quality-related activities to assure fulfillment of contract/purchase order requirements. This position requires a strong team player with a quality engineering background working in integrated product teams and a desire for maintaining a high commitment to both new and sustaining production. Works under only general direction. Independently determines and develops approaches to solutions. Frequent interorganizational collaboration and external supplier contact. Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical supplier issues associated with specific projects. Responsible for preparing reports, corrective action statements, monitoring metrics and other documents in support of assigned supplier and CAB efforts. Travel to suppliers will be required as needed and for supplier audits. The SQE will be based at the GENTEX Manchester, NH facility supporting supplier and internal activities locally and will support GENTEX Enterprise wide initiatives. This position requires leadership skills that would enable the SQE to drive major Quality improvement projects across functions and Gentex locations (Manufacturing, Engineering, Customer Service, Sourcing, Materials). Gentex offers a robust benefit package- including, but not limited to, medical coverages, 401k, paid time off and excellent work schedules including a 9/80 work week.

Requirements

Must possess a B.S. Degree in a technical discipline with a minimum of five years recent Supplier Quality experience.
Previous experience with quality concepts, metrics and problem-solving methodologies, including Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, lean manufacturing principles and lean six sigma.
Extensive Auditing experience, monitoring and reporting in an AS9100 and or ISO9001 environment.
Extensive experience in the use of Microsoft Office suite, statistical SW and generating professional documents and reports.
Strong problem-solving skills
Advanced oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write technical reports and presentations
Advanced knowledge of quality related tools including, but not limited to, PPAP, APQP, SPC, DOE and Quality Systems
Self-starter with the ability to quickly learn about new processes with very little information provided
Knowledge of aerospace and electromechanical manufacturing processes (oxygen mask and connectors, CBRN hardware, PCB, electronic and electromechanical assemblies)
Must possess good problem-solving skills to develop, capture, and implement statistical processes to promote reduction in COPQ Ability and to approach problems from multiple vantage points
Must possess CAR/SCAR skills to define Root Cause and implement effective Corrective Actions
Familiarity with developing and maintaining PFMEAs and DFMEAs
Ability to interpret customer quality requirements and product drawings, schematics, specifications, DoD DFAR and FAR requirements, etc.
Ability to read, and understand Engineering drawings including GD&T
Experience with reporting tools both with SAP and Qlik Cloud Insights
Team focused with the ability to participate in and/or lead cross-function teams

Nice To Haves

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer and Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification desired.

Responsibilities

Develop positive relationships and effective lines of communication with suppliers: Partnership-oriented arrangements.
Performing supplier assessments and audit/visits on systems, capabilities, processes and procedures to ensure compliance to specifications, procedures and industry standards (i.e. ISO9001/AS9100).
Investigating supplier deficiencies to determine cause, corrective actions and disposition of the deficiencies.
Conducting independent statistical data analysis to obtain improvement actions and facilitate problem solving.
Utilizing Lean and Six Sigma techniques to facilitate supplier process improvements, reduce waste, and support continuous improvement.
Help develop, maintain and support training for an Enterprise-wide Supplier Assessment Program – Supplier Assessments, Quality Audits, Supplier Risk Assessments, Supplier Scorecards and Supplier Qualifications (tooling, products and processes).
Manage Supplier Quality metrics.
Providing technical direction to personnel inspecting and testing product.
In tandem with Quality Assurance, Purchasing and Enterprise Materials Group, support Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) metrics as a tool to help prevent quality issues or reassign costs such as Scrap, Rework and other less obvious ones to the appropriate cost center.
Participate as a member of the Material Review Board to review and disposition Supplier related Nonconformance Material Reports as required.
Provide mentoring and support for the sustainment of the Quality Management System (QMS) as required by the ISO 9001 and AS 9100 Standards.