Semiconductor Supplier Quality Expert (SQE)

ZF Group; Northville (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive compensation

Job summary

ZF Group in Northville, MI seeks a Semiconductor Supplier Quality Expert (SQE) to drive supplier quality excellence across advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-related processes.

You will lead APQP activities, qualify suppliers, monitor performance, and apply eight disciplines and root-cause analysis to resolve issues, while collaborating with global suppliers in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electronics / Mechanical / Material Engineering or its equivalent.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing, or process engineering.
• Experience in Semiconductor, electronics, automotive or high-reliability manufacturing processes (preferred).
• Semiconductor-specific knowledge in wafer fab or IC packaging processes, cleanroom operations, yield improvement and defect analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management.
• Experience working with global suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, audit and develop suppliers involved in full semiconductor manufacturing processes;
• Qualification of suppliers for Semiconductor-grade components, sub-systems and high-reliability applications;
• Drive supplier capability improvement in yield, process capability (Cp/Cpk), and defect reduction;
• Manage suppliers under escalation (including Top Management Focus) and implement structured recovery plans;
• Lead and manage APQP (Gate 1-5) activities for new and existing suppliers;
• Support pre-sourcing technical reviews and supplier selection decisions;
• Monitor supplier performance and lead continuous quality improvement initiatives;
• Resolve quality issues using structured methodologies (8D, root cause analysis, etc.).

Skills

Supplier quality

APQP

8D

Root cause analysis

Yield improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Global supplier management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electronics/Mechanical/Materials Engineering

Job description

The global House of Competence Advanced Technology team assess and develops semiconductor supplier and their manufacturing processes to ensure the flawless execution of projects. The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for driving supplier quality excellence, supporting new product introduction (NPI), and ensuring robust manufacturing processes across the supply base. This role plays a critical part in supplier qualification, development, and continuous improvement, particularly within advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-related processes.

What can you look forward to as Semiconductor Supplier Quality Expert (SQE:

• Evaluate, audit and develop suppliers involved in full semiconductor manufacturing processes;
• Qualification of suppliers for Semiconductor-grade components, sub-systems and high-reliability applications;
• Drive supplier capability improvement in yield, process capability (Cp/Cpk), and defect reduction;
• Manage suppliers under escalation (including Top Management Focus) and implement structured recovery plans;
• Lead and manage APQP (Gate 1-5) activities for new and existing suppliers;
• Support pre-sourcing technical reviews and supplier selection decisions;
• Monitor supplier performance and lead continuous quality improvement initiatives;
• Resolve quality issues using structured methodologies (8D, root cause analysis, etc.).

Your Profile as Semiconductor Supplier Quality Expert (SQE):

• Degree in Electronics / Mechanical / Material Engineering or its equivalent;
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing, or process engineering;
• Experience in Semiconductor, electronics, automotive or high-reliability manufacturing processes (preferred);
• Semiconductor-specific knowledge in wafer fab or IC packaging processes, cleanroom operations, yield improvement and defect analysis;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Effective communication and stakeholder management;
• Experience working with global suppliers.

Why you should choose ZF in Northville?

• Work in a dynamic and international environment;
• Acquiring knowledge and practical skills through participation in various projects;
• The ability to manage your career at ZF structures, the prospect of vertical or horizontal promotion in global functions;
• Flexible working hours, hybrid mode of work;