Supplier Quality Engineer

Flex•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for supplier development in manufacturing or service processes. The role works with suppliers to improve performance, implement process controls, and develop quality assurance plans. It includes supplier selection and qualification, engineering support for supplier process and product optimization, component qualification, pilot-run quality tracking, supplier issue resolution, maintenance audits, continuous improvement, and implementation of engineering and supplier change requests. The position also supports supplier quality systems, process validation, risk assessment, corrective and preventive actions, and cross-functional supplier qualification activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field, typically required.
Typically requires 4 years of engineering experience in the high-technology electronics industry or a related field.
Advanced functional and technical skills and basic process skills.
Advanced or thorough knowledge of the function and Flextronics business.
Troubleshooting and diagnostic skills, an overview of the entire test process, and the ability to train others.
Ability to work with electronic assembly tools and materials, including color codes, components, and schematics.
Ability to work with testing equipment and processes, including oscilloscopes, cable and harness testing, troubleshooting, component testing, and logic analyzers.
Ability to perform inspection of bare boards, systems, components, cables and harnesses using microscopes and measuring tools.
Ability to use mechanical and electrical tools, including taps and dies, alignment tools, and measuring tools.

Responsibilities

Select suitable suppliers with sourcing teams based on quality, capability, pricing, delivery, environmental and social regulations, and customer requirements.
Qualify new suppliers through capability matching, risk assessment, self-assessment, onsite audits, and qualification database management.
Review customer drawings and specifications and provide value-added engineering proposals to optimize supplier processes or products.
Qualify materials and components through PPAP/FAI and supporting documentation, including material certificates, quality and process control plans, FMEA, MSA, process parameter sheets, RoHS compliance, reliability tests, and COC.
Track quality performance of newly qualified parts during pilot runs, drive supplier corrective action, and support transfer from pilot production to mass production.
Act as a subject matter expert in resolving supplier quality issues and troubleshooting.
Support annual maintenance audits for existing suppliers.
Help suppliers use quality tools to improve manufacturing processes and product quality through continuous improvement programs.
Implement customer ECO/ECN/SCR changes and follow up when PPAP/FAI is required before production.
Perform supplier quality audits to confirm products and services meet ISO and regulatory standards.
Build and maintain strong relationships with purchasing engineers and suppliers.
Provide cross-functional support to select, approve, develop, and reject suppliers in accordance with vendor guidelines and customer and business needs.
Assess the effectiveness of supplier process control plans, measures, and activities.
Use statistical techniques and professional judgment to research data and identify process improvements.
Develop and guide process validations and tests, analyze results, and document protocols and reports.
Guide supplier process capability studies and construct Design of Experiments to characterize processes or investigate root causes.
Develop and implement procedures for new or improved supplier processes.
Support Receiving Inspection with statistical research, measurement systems analysis, Gage R&R studies, and inspection procedures.
Participate in Material Review Board resolutions concerning supplier-provided parts and services.
Participate in supplier Quality System Improvement Plans and guide Supplier Requests for Change.
Perform corrective and preventive actions with suppliers and research non-conformances and supplier performance indicators.
Perform dock-to-stock monitoring and part selection activities.
Guide project teams on supplied component and supplier qualifications and help identify risks and hazards related to new product designs, processes, suppliers, and applications.
Operate job-related equipment skillfully and safely.
Rate and track supplier performance, drive continuous improvement, and establish and maintain supplier management processes and tools.