About the role

Job Summary:

The SQE uses project management skills to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products to Southco through the external Supply Chain. Success will require the execution of quality engineering tasks requiring the application and interpretation of standard and advanced principles, techniques and procedures in a professional, productive and creative manner. Should demonstrate the ability to successfully complete tasks on schedule and within budget. Should demonstrate working knowledge of quality engineering techniques, processes and products. Significant experience in qualifying, developing, and ensuring an effective working relationship with suppliers. Work directly with suppliers, applying expertise in such areas as heat treatment, plating, and materials specification. Work directly with suppliers to resolve issues, and apply continuous improvement methodology to further develop supplier process capability.

Compensation: $100,00-$115,000

What you will be doing

• Develop methodologies to test the quality of vendor components and services and the system of their delivery. Collect of the data and develops the appropriate test plan and acceptance criteria

• Conduct supplier survey to evaluate supplier quality systems, technical and process capability, capacity based on Southco’s and the customers’ quality, cost and delivery requirements. Report results to management.

• Support facility supplier performance reviews and undertake actions to resolve issues, and driver performance to appropriate levels. Drives a culture of continuous improvement within the supply base.

• Acts as QN coordinator for facility supply chain to disposition all QN’s assigned to suppliers. Drive lasting root cause solutions to identify and leads them through to implementation to positively effect scorecard performance. Ensure completed analysis of supplier’s quality defects, reoccurring problems and leads corrective/preventive action, including 8D’s and audits. Shares results with Southco internal customers to ensure lasting improvement on our internal operations.

• Work closely with operations, quality, and supply chain for effective integration of quality goals and overall business goals.

• Assist Supply Chain Management with monthly facility Supply Chain Scorecard quality metrics. Ensure quality improvement activities are completed on a timely basis and meet RC/CA commitments established in SCAR’s.

• Review and approve supplier PPAPs for engineering changes or new products. Communicate discrepancies to suppliers, and ensure timely resolution for full PPAP approval. Ensure “blocking” of materials in SAP, and release blocks based on technical inspection or receipt of PPAP.

• Assist Supply Chain representatives with the development and improvement of supplier quality for all purchased products and services.

• Develop the vendor process knowledge base that will allow you to serve as the technical expert to Southco for these processes that do not exist at the residing facility (Ex.: Plating, HT, Surface Prep, Specialty Coatings, etc.)

About you

• BS Engineering or equivalent degree

• 5-8 years of experience in manufacturing flow and quality system improvements (supplier related)

• 3-5 or more years of experience in supplier development or supplier quality

• Knowledge of Metal Forming (Stamping, Casting, Turning, etc.) and related finishing (plating, heat treatment, etc.)

• Computer competency/expertise; experience with Southco Business Systems and SAP strongly preferred

• ASQ CQE (Certified Quality Engineer)

• Working knowledge of PPAP, APQP, SPC, quality systems ISO9000, TS16949, AS9100 including supplier audit and evaluation techniques

• Good written and oral communication skills

• Working knowledge of the use of quality improvements methodology such as SPC, Six Sigma, Poka-yoke, lean manufacturing, etc.

• The ability to travel frequently, to audit, analyze, and develop supplier capability.

How will we reward you

• Competitive base pay

• Generous time off – starting at 3 weeks of annualized PTO (first year is prorated based on start date), 9 company holidays plus 2 floating holidays

• 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan – Company makes automatic 2% contribution of eligible pay plus matching contributions of 50% up to the first 6% of eligible pay you contribute.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan valued at approximately 4-6% of eligible earnings which includes dividend payments after 3-year vesting period

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) beginning first day of employment; company funds a portion of HSA for high deductible health plans

• Company paid Life & Disability Insurance including; short term, Long Term, and Life

• Great Tuition Reimbursement program to support undergraduate or graduate programs available to all employees