Incoming Quality Engineer

Sumitomo Electric; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumitomo Electric in Warsaw, Indiana seeks an Incoming Quality Engineer to lead incoming quality inspection across suppliers, mentor a team, and drive containment and corrective actions. You will implement inspection procedures, PPAP readiness, and work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure robust quality and on-time production releases.

The role requires 5+ years in automotive quality, strong analytical skills, and experience with IATF 16949 and AIAG tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in incoming, supplier, or manufacturing quality in automotive or regulated manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading teams or acting in a supervisory capacity.
• Strong knowledge of incoming inspection, supplier quality management, and containment processes.
• Experience with automotive quality tools & standards (IATF 16949, AIAG, APQP, PPAP, MSA, SPC).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage incoming quality inspection activities for all supplied components and materials.
• Mentor and develop a team of quality technicians and team leaders.
• Develop, implement, and maintain incoming inspection procedures, control plans, and acceptance criteria.
• Serve as primary incoming quality interface to manufacturing areas, supporting production and launches.
• Collaborate with suppliers to define quality expectations and drive corrective actions.
• Analyze incoming quality data, identify trends, and lead root cause analyses and corrective actions.
• Own containment of nonconforming incoming material and coordinate disposition (rework/return/scrap).
• Support new product launches by validating incoming parts and PPAP readiness.
• Coordinate and support audits to IATF 16949, AIAG, internal requirements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

IATF 16949

AIAG

APQP

PPAP

MSA

SPC

Job description

Position: Incoming Quality Engineer

Sector: Manufacturing Engineering

Location: Warsaw, Indiana USA

*Applicants MUST have proof of immediate, on-going and valid eligibility to work full time in the United States*

About the company

My client is an innovative American automotive manufacturer focused on redefining affordable electric mobility. They are developing a new generation of purpose-built electric vehicles with an emphasis on simplicity, modular design, and customer customisation.

They are looking for an Incoming Quality Engineer to join their expanding team on a Contract basis. The role will be based in Warsaw, Indiana.

Job Description

• Lead and manage incoming quality inspection activities for all supplied components and materials across the Clients’ manufacturing.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of quality technicians and team leaders, ensuring consistent execution of incoming quality standards.
• Develop, implement, and maintain incoming inspection procedures, control plans, and acceptance criteria.
• Serve as the primary incoming quality interface to all manufacturing areas, supporting production, launches, and daily operations.
• Collaborate with suppliers to define quality expectations, ensure compliance to specifications, and drive corrective actions.
• Analyse incoming quality data, identify trends, and lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions.
• Own containment of nonconforming incoming material, including segregation, documentation, supplier communication, and disposition (rework, return, scrap).
• Support new product and process launches by validating incoming parts, PPAP readiness, and production release.
• Coordinate and support incoming and process audits to applicable standards (IATF 16949, AIAG, internal requirements).
• Maintain quality documentation including inspection records, supplier quality reports, and control plans.
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, and Operations to resolve quality issues and improve robustness.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on incoming quality, process capability, cost, and risk reduction.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and hands‑on support to quality technicians and manufacturing teams.
• Ensure a safe, compliant work environment aligned with health and safety requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of incoming and manufacturing quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field; equivalent technical experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in incoming, supplier, or manufacturing quality within an automotive or regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading teams or acting in a group leader / supervisory capacity.
• Strong knowledge of incoming inspection, supplier quality management, and containment processes.
• Experience with automotive quality tools and standards (IATF 16949, AIAG, APQP, PPAP, MSA, SPC).
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and root cause analysis skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interface across manufacturing, engineering, and suppliers.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, start‑up or launch environment.
• High integrity, ownership mindset, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with electric vehicle components or high-voltage systems.
• Six Sigma, ASQ, or other quality certifications.
• Experience supporting multi‑site or cross‑functional manufacturing operations.
• Background in supplier development or launch readiness.

Work Authorization Requirement

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis.
• Our Client are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Employment is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time.

We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.