Supplier Quality Engineer - Drive

Scout Motors • Columbia, SC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Scout Motors is reviving an iconic American vehicle brand, electrifying and digitizing it for a new generation. We are seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to support the planning and execution of manufacturing, assembly techniques, and quality control processes from advanced development to mass production. This role involves ensuring all vehicle activities within the supply chain meet customer satisfaction and quality standards. You will provide leadership at suppliers to ensure Scout's quality expectations are met, manage proactive and reactive containment, and oversee supplier PPAPs and ongoing activities. The position requires collaboration with the Supply Chain, Purchasing, Quality, and Design teams to facilitate technical requirements, drive supplier improvements in cost, quality, and manufacturability, and conduct supplier audits. You will be accountable for monitoring supplier manufacturing process development, launch readiness, and driving continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing principles. Ensuring suppliers have robust processes for efficient and seamless production of high-quality products is key, as is validating supplier corrective actions and facilitating the use of new materials. You will also participate in supplier reviews, support the use of best manufacturing methods, and drive quality improvements to meet and exceed KPIs. This role involves working with cross-functional departments, supporting NCR resolution, and acting with dignity and respect on behalf of Scout when at a supplier. The position is based in Columbia, South Carolina, requiring 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. Domestic and international travel is required, approximately 40-70% of the time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical/vehicle engineering, industrial engineering, or related field preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and inspection; PPAP/APQP/ VDA processes
• 4-8 years of experience in Automotive or applicable Tier I experience
• Very good technical understanding and sound specialist knowledge of vehicle development, vehicle production and supply chain management.
• Excellent operations experience and very good understanding of the vehicle assembly/ functionality.
• Great written and verbal communications skills.
• Sound knowledge of quality management and methodologies.
• Understanding of safety requirements
• Understanding of IATF, VDA, ISO, DIN, and regulatory requirements
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, a high level of assertiveness as well as entrepreneurial thinking and goal- and result-oriented decision-making skills
• Certification in AIAG Core Tools- MSA, APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP
• Leadership and team management abilities, with a track record of building and leading high-performing teams
• Proven results and ability to direct supplier activities at the management level to ensure suppliers can meet customer requirements and expectations.
• Proven ability to execute project management techniques.
• Strong technical writing ability using SPC and data analysis as well as an ability to explain complex issues in a concise and plain manner.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Passport required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Quality Systems a plus
• VDA Auditing Experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support supplier quality planning and execution of manufacturing, assembly techniques, and quality control processes from advanced development to mass production using APQP and VDA quality management processes.
• Support all quality performance and functional standards to ensure all vehicle activities are met in the supply chain to meet Customer satisfaction.
• Provide leadership at Suppliers to ensure Scout’s Quality expectations are met and that suppliers can meet industrialization related activities on time with the Supplier Quality team and escalate when unable.
• Responsible for proactive and reactive containment at suppliers.
• Responsible for reviewing and participating in approval of necessary boundary samples, appearance catalogs, etc.
• Responsible for ensuring change management occurs and is identified properly, and proactively for product architecture requests.
• Responsible for Supplier PPAPs and ongoing activities within the supply chain from development to series production.
• Work as a partner with the Supply chain to ensure escalations of issues are raised and resolutions are resolved in a timely manner.
• Lead supplier improvements in cost, quality, and manufacturability.
• Facilitate understanding of technical requirements between Suppliers with Scout Purchasing, Quality, and Design teams to always ensure proper transparency and communication.
• Responsible for supplier audits and corrective actions to ensure their ability to meet part performance, delivery, and reliability expectations.
• Collaborate with Scout’s Design, Quality, and Manufacturing to determine the ideal performance specifications and supplier metrics.
• Accountable for ongoing monitoring supplier manufacturing process development, launch readiness for new products and design changes.
• Responsible for driving continuous improvement activities utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Ensure suppliers have exceptionally robust processes and procedures to promote mass industrialization through efficient and seamless production of high-quality products.
• Validate supplier corrective actions involving design and/or process changes to ensure they are capable and robust using read across methodology for similar manufacturing lines and/or suppliers.
• Facilitate new or alternative materials for that will positively impact design robustness, quality, manufacturability, or cost reduction.
• Participate in supplier reviews including new suppliers and design for manufacturability reviews.
• Support/lead suppliers in efficient use of best methods of manufacturing, testing, and gauging, poke-yokes and correct tools or assembly equipment to use.
• Drive Quality improvements with Engineering, Quality and Operations to ensure Quality KPI’s are met and drive to exceed expectations.
• Support the planning, execution and evaluation of root cause analysis to ensure high quality of Scout production vehicles through fast response methodologies.
• Lead, participate and drive Scout’s Quality expectations as to ensure KPIs are met.
• Act with dignity and respect on behalf of Scout when at a supplier.
• Work to mitigate warranty claims with suppliers to drive closure and resolution of issues with the cross-functional group.
• Work cross functionally with other departments within Scout.
• Support NCR resolution.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive insurance including: Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with: An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including: 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
• 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
• Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
• Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree