Supplier Quality Engineering Technical Leader

Cisco•San Jose, CA

About The Position

Join a high-visibility, cross-functional team dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of quality across our global supply chain. We collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and external partners to drive innovation and maintain the reliability of Cisco’s hardware portfolio. As the Supplier Quality Management Lead, you will serve as a subject matter expert in Quality Management Systems (QMS), responsible for developing, managing, and optimizing our global supply base. This role is pivotal in driving strategic quality initiatives, ensuring compliance with international standards, and fostering a culture of quality excellence. You will have the opportunity to integrate AI-powered analytics into our risk management strategies, directly influencing the reliability of the technology that powers the internet.

Requirements

B.S. in Engineering or equivalent field with a strong understanding of Operations and Supply Chain.
5–8+ years of progressive leadership experience in Quality, Reliability, or Operations.
At least 5 years of experience specifically within the electronic manufacturing industry.
Expert-level knowledge of ISO 9001 and relevant industry quality standards.
Proven technical proficiency in QMS, RCA, CAPA, 8D methodologies, and Failure Analysis.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success in leading large-scale quality transformation initiatives and managing complex, multi-site supplier relationships.
Strong leadership and people management skills with a focus on mentoring cross-functional teams.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to manage expectations between suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Analytical mindset with a proven ability to leverage data-driven decision-making to solve complex manufacturing issues.
Experience in implementing AI or advanced digital tools to optimize quality systems and risk management.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a standardized QMS framework across all suppliers to ensure a unified approach to quality.
Oversee the supplier base to ensure strict adherence to ISO 9001 standards and established performance metrics.
Lead large-scale quality transformation initiatives and drive continuous improvement programs to enhance supplier performance.
Manage, develop, and train engineering and quality teams to drive QMS best practices and technical excellence throughout the supply chain.
Lead comprehensive root cause analysis (RCA) for non-conformances and oversee the supplier qualification and approval process.
Integrate AI-powered analytics and tools into risk management and process optimization strategies to minimize the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) and drive proactive quality management.

Benefits

medical insurance
dental insurance
vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
paid parental leave
short and long-term disability coverage
basic life insurance
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year (non-exempt employees)
flexible vacation time off program (exempt employees)
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
annual bonuses (for non-sales roles)
performance-based incentive pay (for sales roles)
Cisco restricted stock units