Supplier Quality/Process Engineer

Company Description

RIFAST®️ Systems is a leading provider of innovative solutions for optimizing functionality and reducing manufacturing costs in car body production. Our RIFAST elements are clinched in place, offering cost-effective assemblies with superior resistance to torsional and pushout forces. Located in Lincolnwood, IL, RIFAST®️ Systems is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in the automotive industry.

Summary

The Supplier Quality / Process Engineer is responsible for ensuring that all suppliers meet the company’s quality/product manufacturing standards and performance requirements. This role involves evaluating, monitoring, and improving supplier quality through audits, assessments, and close collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders. The Supplier Quality / Process Engineer will work to resolve quality issues, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure the overall quality of materials and components received from suppliers.

Essential Duties and Position Responsibilities

• Supplier / Internal Quality Audits: Conduct supplier and internal process audits and assessments to evaluate compliance with company standards, quality management systems, industry regulations, and customer specifications.
• Supplier / Internal Performance Monitoring: Track and report supplier and internal performance metrics, including quality, delivery, and responsiveness using scorecards. Identify areas for improvement and work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to implement corrective actions.
• Quality Issue Resolution: Investigate and resolve supplier and process related quality issues, including non-conforming materials or components. Implement root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate with Suppliers: Work closely with suppliers to understand their processes and capabilities. Assist in process improvements and ensure they comply with quality and regulatory requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead continuous improvement initiatives, promoting Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce defects and improve efficiency.
• Supplier Development: Develop new and existing suppliers through training, feedback, and on-site support. Provide guidance on quality/product manufacturing standards, inspection methods, and documentation.
• Material and Process Qualification: Support new product launch (NPL) by qualifying supplier materials, processes, and parts. Ensure all required documentation, such as PPAPs (Production Part Approval Process), is complete and accurate.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks related to supplier and internal quality, including assessing potential risks in the supply chain and implementing strategies to address them.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and detailed records of supplier assessments, external and internal audits, and performance data. Prepare regular reports on supplier and internal process quality for management review.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, NPL, purchasing, production, and quality teams to ensure supplier alignment with company objectives and project requirements.

Required Attributes

• Detail-Oriented: The ability to scrutinize supplier and internal processes, products, and materials closely to ensure compliance with quality/product manufacturing standards.
• Analytical Mindset: A natural aptitude for solving complex problems using data, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proactive: The ability to anticipate potential issues in the supply chain and quality processes and take preemptive action.
• Adaptable: Flexibility to adjust to changing project needs, supplier issues, or evolving industry standards.
• Results-Driven: Focused on achieving high-quality standards while balancing cost and lead time considerations.
• Strong Ethical Standards: Commitment to fairness, transparency, and integrity in evaluating and working with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Required Knowledge

• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Knowledge of quality/product manufacturing standards like ISO 9001, IATF 16949, industry/product specific standards or other relevant certifications.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of quality tools such as FMEA, SPC, PPAP, APQP, 8D, and root cause analysis. Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS) and standards like ISO 9001 or AS9100.
• Manufacturing Processes: Familiarity with various manufacturing techniques and processes such as fastener manufacturing, machining, stamping, heat treating, plating, sorting and assembly.
• Supplier Development & Qualification: Knowledge of supplier qualification processes, supplier audits, and risk assessment methodologies.
• Problem-Solving Tools: Proficiency with tools such as 8D Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), 5-Why, and Fishbone Diagrams.
• Statistical Process Control (SPC): Understanding of statistical methods for monitoring and improving production processes.
• Continuous Improvement Methodologies: Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement tools.
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Familiarity with the processes from product design to manufacturing and supply chain management.

Required Skills

• Auditing: Ability to conduct comprehensive supplier audits, ensuring compliance with internal and regulatory standards.
• Project Management: Skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including supplier qualification, process improvement, and corrective actions.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to clearly convey technical information, expectations, and feedback to suppliers and internal teams.
• Negotiation: Skilled in negotiating quality agreements and corrective action plans with suppliers to ensure performance aligns with company objectives.
• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze quality data and trends to identify and implement improvements. Proficiency in using data analysis tools like Excel, Minitab, or other statistical software.
• Technical Documentation: Strong skills in reading, interpreting, applying technical documents such as published technical industry standards, engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection reports. Examples ISO 898-1, ISO 4753, ASME B1.13M    
• Risk Management: Ability to identify and mitigate risks in supplier processes that could impact product quality, delivery, or cost.

Required Abilities

• Collaboration: Work effectively in cross-functional teams with engineering, procurement, production, and quality departments to address supplier-related issues.
• Leadership: Lead supplier quality initiatives, drive performance improvements, and develop strategies to improve overall supplier performance.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to tackle complex quality issues, apply structured problem-solving methodologies, and implement corrective actions that resolve root causes.
• Adaptability to Travel: Willingness and ability to travel to supplier locations domestically or internationally to perform audits, inspections, and training
• Technical Acumen: Ability to quickly learn and apply new technical knowledge, particularly when dealing with new suppliers or unfamiliar manufacturing processes.
• Financial Acumen: Strong financial management skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and make strategic decisions based on financial performance.

Work Relationships

• Reports to directly to the head of operations or head of purchasing with indirect reporting to quality and new part launch

Travel Requirements

• Up to 50% domestically and internationally

Education and Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related field.
• Experience: 5 years of experience as a supplier quality engineer. Experience in manufacturing or a highly regulated industry (automotive, aerospace, medical devices) is preferred.
• Certifications: Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Green Belt or higher is a plus.