Supplier Quality Engineer - Piston Automotive

Work with Piston Automotive plants, their supply base, and other internal functional resources to ensure purchased material meets Piston requirements in all areas: technical specifications, quality and delivery. Collaborate with suppliers to ensure root cause analysis processes are in place that will result in the implementation of timely, robust, permanent corrective actions. Assess supplier part qualification criteria to improve robustness in process, inspection, detection, and containment activities when issues arise. Preside over chronic supplier issues to provide feedback to them in the form of onsite audit reports and scorecards.

Piston Automotive wasn’t just founded to make things. It was founded to make things better. And that begins with building better teams solely dedicated to achieving excellence at every level of execution through a combination of experience, expertise, and a deep seeded passion for what we do. Our assemblies consistently set the standard because our people consistently raise the bar.

Why Piston Automotive?

Competitive Wages, Paid Holidays & Vacation, Medical & Rx Plans, Dental & Vision Plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Life & Disability Coverage, 401K with Company Match, Tuition Reimbursement , Vehicle and Product Discounts

• Develop and communicate Piston Automotive expectations for quality performance, continuous improvement, quality systems, process controls and capabilities to suppliers.
• Develop, implement, and monitor supplier development initiatives, including supplier performance management, process improvements, six sigma/Lean integration, and audits.
• Assess supplier process, quality and capacity capabilities. In conjunction with program management, purchasing and/or materials personnel conduct external supplier audits. Drive problem resolution for supplier quality issues, including on-site supplier development.
• Measure and communicate supplier performance on key metrics.
• Processing, reporting, and tracking Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCARs) and Customer notifications of change.
• Execute Supplier Change requests related to manufacturing, process, or supplied material changes.
• Conduct supplier quality audits of new and current suppliers across Piston Automotive plants, when required, to determine adherence to acceptable quality requirements, standards, and regulations.
• Complete supplier gap analysis and development plan for the supply chain across Piston Automotive plants by comparing “current state” to “future state” for each supplier.
• Work with suppliers to complete DFSS (Design For Six Sigma) project deliverables such as PFMEAS; Control Plans, MSAs, Inspection plans, Process Mapping, Process Validation, DOEs, and Process Capability Studies.
• Facilitate and monitor all Quality Assurance efforts at the supplier.
• Identify key chronic supplier list and prioritize action plans to help develop those suppliers.
• Managing supplier databases, performing initial evaluations of new suppliers, and re-evaluation of existing suppliers, conducting audits of proposed new and existing suppliers, performing Risk Assessment and evaluations of suppliers.
• Resolve problems between supplier to plant and supplier to engineering personnel.
• Actively work with suppliers on closed loop corrective action process incorporating continual improvements and process improvement methods.
• Willingness and flexibility for business travel both domestically and abroad, when required- about 33%.
• Liaison effectively with Quality Managers, Program Managers, and Engineers across Piston Automotive plants on prioritizing their needs as it relates to supplier quality.
• Be an expert on supplier quality tools and lead/assist with rollout, training and implementation of Supplier Quality Tools for suppliers and support efforts to fully realize cost savings opportunities.
• Support several concurrent projects and develop strong relationship within cross-functional teams including Purchasing, Program Management, Engineering and Manufacturing.
• Assist and coach suppliers in problem solving and root cause analysis and providing feedback on improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree (B. S.) from four-year college or university; or seven (7) to nine (9) years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong manufacturing operations background or related technical field preferred.
• A minimum of twelve (12) of progressive experience in Quality Engineering Management.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures or governmental regqulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Six Sigma Black Belt,ASQ CQE and/or CQA Preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of APQP, PPAP
• Prior quality experience in an Automotive Supplier setting
• Demonstrated application of advanced quality tools including SPC, RCCA (Root Cause Corrective Action; i.e. 8D, 5-Why, A3’s, or other formats), DOE, Control Plans, MSA/GR&R, PFMEA, and deployment of these tools in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with ISO quality management systems standards and supplier quality auditing.
• Strong coaching and facilitation skills to be able to assist suppliers.
• Highly motivated, self-starter, ability to work with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in Microsoft word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project, Minitab, etc.
• Strong analytical and statistical problem solving tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, time management and organizational skills.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Piston Automotive, part of the Piston Group family of companies, is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the unique contributions of every employee. We encourage all candidates to apply for positions that match their skills and capabilities, ensuring equal consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For any questions regarding job opportunities or the application process, please reach out to us at pistongrouptalent@pistongroup.com. We are committed to providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the job search and application process, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity for all job seekers.