Supplier Operations Engineer

Challenge Manufacturing; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 73,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing in Holland, MI is seeking a Supplier Operations Engineer to strengthen supplier quality and lead continuous improvement initiatives within our IATF quality system. You will monitor supplier performance, drive root-cause investigations, and lead cross-functional teams to ensure products meet all specifications.

Travel up to 25% may be required. Responsibilities include root cause analysis, FMEA, SPC, and cross-functional project leadership to drive a zero-defect culture.

Qualifications

• Experience establishing, auditing, leading, and maintaining an IATF quality system.
• 5+ years in QE/SQE roles in manufacturing with IATF.
• Ability to read and interpret GD&T and engineering drawings.
• Experience with DFMEA, PFMEA, process control plans and technical process documentation.
• ASQ certification preferred; strong software skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Word).
• Up to 25% travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead root cause investigations and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Communicate performance metrics and expectations to suppliers for continuous improvement.
• Utilize AQP tools (FMEA, Control Plans, Process Mapping, Gage Studies, SPC).
• Lead cross-functional projects to support supplier readiness, capacity, cost reduction, and changes.
• Identify true root causes of non-conformances and ensure durable corrective actions.
• Develop inspection methods for incoming parts and communicate results to teams and suppliers.
• Lead training in quality tools (FMEA, SPC, DMAIC, MSA, statistics).
• Support design and improvement initiatives with training materials and methodologies.
• Assist manufacturing locations with supplier-related performance issues (8D, CS1/CS2).
• Participate in supplier audits and onboarding of new suppliers.
• Develop acceptance sampling within incoming supplier lots (ASQ/Z1.4).
• Review supplier metrics to drive zero-defect mentality.
• Drive preventative measures to minimize incoming defects.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Supplier communication

Six Sigma

Lean manufacturing

Project leadership

Quality planning

IATF quality systems

Education

ASQ certification preferred

Tools

FMEA

Control Plan

Process Mapping

Gage Studies

SPC

Job description

Who We Are: Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.

Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!

Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!

Who We Want

The Supplier Operations Engineer is responsible for executing and expanding on key initiatives inside of the quality organization as well as achieve a high state of supplier quality performance within our organizations. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated problem-solving skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to be flexible in high pressure situations. The role has a primary focus of monitoring suppliers to ensure they consistently deliver products and services that meet all specified requirements.

What You’ll Do

• Root cause investigation, identification, and the implementation and validation of permanent corrective actions
• Proficiency in communicating performance metrics and expectations for continuous improvement to suppliers
• Advanced knowledge and practical experience with Advanced Quality Planning tools, such as FMEA, Control Plan, Process Mapping, Gage Studies, and SPC
• Competence in Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, and Lean Manufacturing principles
• The ability to lead cross-functional project teams, ensuring project timelines and objectives are met while adhering to process requirements
• Lead cross-functional teams in executing the Advance Supplier Readiness process, supporting initiatives related to capacity increases, cost reduction, supplier-requested changes, and new product/process qualifications
• Independently drive suppliers to identify the true root causes of non-conformances using analytical tools and processes, ensuring the implementation and sustainability of permanent corrective actions
• Identify and develop inspection methods for monitoring critical characteristics of incoming parts, including inspection plans, and communication of results to both internal teams and suppliers
• Facilitate and lead training sessions in quality tools, including FMEA, SPC, DMAIC, MSA, and statistics
• Support the development and enhancement of business management methodologies and training materials related to design processes and improvement initiatives
• Support manufacturing location on supplier related performance issues (conduct 8D verification, review CS1/CS2 containment process implementation at supplier)
• Join suppliers’ audits for new potential suppliers to be added in the supply base
• Independently develop acceptance sampling within incoming supplier lots (ASQ/Z1.4)
• Review supplier metric data and generate reports as needed to drive zero defect mentality within the supply base
• Drive preventative measures to minimize incoming defects through incoming inspection of all supplier material

When And Where

• This will be a 7AM-5PM M-F position located at our Plant in Holland, MI

What You Need To Have

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Hands-on experience establishing, auditing, leading, and maintaining an IATF quality system.
• Experience working as a QE, or SQE in a manufacturing environment utilizing an IATF quality system.
• Ability to read and interpret GD&T and engineering drawings.
• Experience in DFMEA, PFMEA, process control plans and technical process documentation.
• Trained in and have knowledge of root cause analysis, six sigma, CA processes. Experience working directly with suppliers.
• ASQ certification preferred. Strong computer skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Word).
• Six Sigma experience preferred.
• 5+ Years of related experience and/or training
• Up to 25% Travel