Engineer, Supplier Quality, Zelisko Energy USA

Knorr-Bremse; Westminster (MD); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Vacation 120h

Parental leave 6 weeks

Stock purchase plan

Annual bonus up to 10%

Job summary

Zelisko Energy USA in Springfield is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to drive supplier development and ensure quality standards across the supply base. The role focuses on audits, specification definition, and collaboration with Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations to uphold compliance.

You will travel to supplier sites, lead improvement initiatives, and mentor teams, while ensuring robust quality controls and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in engineering or related field.
• Strong knowledge of supplier quality management principles.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and supplier audits.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and document supplier audits to verify compliance.
• Define quality specs and qualification criteria with stakeholders.
• Evaluate and qualify suppliers based on capability and performance.
• Develop and implement quality plans for semi-finished products.
• Lead supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage escalation when targets or compliance are not met.
• Provide guidance on product quality requirements and processes.

Skills

Supplier quality management

Auditing

Quality planning

Root cause analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Engineer, Supplier Quality, Zelisko Energy USA

LOCATION: Springfield / United States | BRAND: Zelisko | REQUISITION ID: 11730 | ON-SITE/REMOTE:Hybrid

Zelisko GmbH is a subsidiary of the Knorr-Bremse GmbH specialized in energy, traffic engineering and ticket printers. Wouldn’t it be great to play an active part in shaping the future of mobility? For our location in Mödling we are looking for.

The Supplier Quality Professional (SQA) is responsible for ensuring that suppliers consistently meet the company's quality, product safety, and performance requirements. This role manages supplier qualification, auditing, quality planning, and continuous improvement activities across the supply base. Acting as a key interface between suppliers, Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations, the Supplier Quality Engineer drives supplier development initiatives, supports complaint management, and ensures compliance with quality standards throughout the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and document system, process, and quality audits at supplier locations to verify compliance with company requirements and applicable industry standards.
• Define semi-finished product quality specifications, technical requirements, and qualification criteria in close cooperation with Purchasing, Engineering, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Evaluate, qualify, and approve new and existing suppliers based on quality, manufacturing capabilities, process stability, and overall performance.
• Develop and implement quality planning activities for semi-finished products, including inspection plans, approval processes, and supplier validation procedures.
• Conduct supplier workshops, training sessions, and development programs to improve supplier performance and quality standards.
• Monitor supplier quality, product safety, delivery performance, and process capability through defined KPIs and quality metrics.
• Drive supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality performance and reduce quality risks.
• Initiate and manage escalation processes for suppliers when quality targets, compliance requirements, or performance expectations are not achieved.
• Provide technical guidance and consultation to suppliers regarding product quality requirements, manufacturing processes, and semi-product design considerations.
• Support supplier-related complaint management activities, including root cause analysis, corrective action implementation, and effectiveness verification.
• Collaborate closely with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to resolve supplier quality issues and prevent recurrence.
• Lead and facilitate problem-solving activities using quality tools such as 8D, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, SPC, and CAPA methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with relevant quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Prepare and present regular reports on supplier audits, quality projects, workshop outcomes, supplier performance, and local quality indicators.
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives by providing supplier quality assessments and risk evaluations.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience

• Several years of experience in Supplier Quality Management, Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing, or a comparable role within an industrial environment.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier development programs.
• Experience working with international suppliers and cross-functional teams is considered an advantage.
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering would be beneficial.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of supplier quality management principles, quality systems, and auditing methodologies.
• Experience with quality standards such as ISO 9001 and industry-specific standards where applicable.
• Proven experience in supplier qualification, quality planning, APQP, PPAP, and supplier performance management.
• Familiarity with quality tools and methodologies including 8D, FMEA, SPC, MSA, CAPA, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management capabilities.

Personal Attributes

• Structured, detail-oriented, and quality-focused mindset.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build effective supplier relationships.
• Proactive and results-oriented approach to work.
• High level of accountability and decision-making capability.
• Team player with strong collaboration and coaching skills.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel regularly to supplier locations.
• Fluent English language skills; additional languages are considered an advantage.
• Certified Quality Auditor or similar certifications are considered a plus.

Training Austria

It needs to be closely coordinated with Procurement; the persons should be trained at the same time. I would suggest starting with two periods of two weeks each.

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Springfield is $75,900 to $113,900 per year. The final pay offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, the type of years and experience within the industry and education. Zelisko Energy is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect positions that work in other states or locations. Provided they meet all eligibility requirements under the applicable plan documents, employees (and their eligible dependents) will be eligible to enroll in group healthcare plans that offer medical, dental, vision, and basic life and disability insurance. Employees also will be able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Employees will also receive 120 hours of vacation leave and 40 hours of Personal Paid Absence every year. Employees will also enjoy 12 paid holidays, and 1 floating holiday throughout the calendar year, subject to relevant terms outlined in the employee handbook. 6 weeks of paid parental leave will also be available for use. Requirements for these benefits will be controlled by applicable plan documents and policies. Employees working on federal contracts covered by the Federal Paid Sick Leave requirements will be notified and will receive benefits consistent and compliant with the FPSL requirements. Hired applicant will be able to purchase company stock, subject to the relevant plan documents and annual bonuses based on achievement of certain metrics of up to 10% of annual salary. This is intended to provide a general description of benefits and other compensation and is not a substitute for applicable plan documents or company policies. Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis

WHAT WE OFFER

Continuous innovation pushes the technological progress of our systems, which are geared towards quality, safety and reliability, and distinguishes us as an internationally reliable partner.
We offer you an exciting and varied job in an international environment as well as an attractive set of benefits.