Senior Supplier Quality & Development Engineer

Schaeffler; Fort Mill (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) with match up to 6%

Schaeffler Academy

Wellness programs

Job summary

Schaeffler Group USA Inc. is seeking a quality-focused professional to lead supplier quality initiatives in the US, ensuring high standards across the supplier portfolio.

You will drive assessments, manage risk, and collaborate with purchasing to advance supplier development and onboarding. The role requires strong knowledge of ISO 9001/IATF 16949/AS 9100, experience in project management within manufacturing, and demonstrated communication skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related field; or 5+ years of experience in quality or supplier quality roles within the automotive or industrial sector in lieu of degree
• At least 5 years of experience in project management with a focus on quality, supplier quality, or a comparable role in manufacturing or engineering environments
• Strong knowledge of quality management standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and AS 9100
• Solid command of quality core tools and methods, such as 8D, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, Control Plan, 5S, Lean Production, and VDA equivalents
• Confident communicator with an analytical, structured, and team-oriented working style, along with flexibility, assertiveness, and a strong sense of accountability
• External applicants must be authorized to work in the US without employment visa or other sponsorship

Responsibilities

• Drive the strategic development of the supplier portfolio to secure consistent quality and a high technological standard
• Track and report key KPIs/PIs on a regular basis and initiate escalation processes when needed
• Contribute to the global supplier strategy by incorporating regional specifics and working closely with the PUR counterpart
• Support supplier portfolio management, including recommendations for sourcing councils based on quality, technology performance, and supplier potential
• Assist purchasing in supplier scouting to help meet future business needs
• Plan and conduct supplier initial assessments, including the follow-up of required development actions for approval and onboarding
• Monitor supplier risks, carry out onsite assessments, and ensure follow-up actions are implemented and tracked effectively
• Initiate and follow up on actions based on quality indicators, and decide on supplier development programs such as SIP where appropriate
• Support supplier evaluation by communicating results, clarifying methodology, and defining suitable actions if needed
• Take part in task force actions for escalated supplier issues and support negotiations of quality-related supplier contracts and documents
• Actively identify opportunities to further develop supplier technology and raise performance to the next level

Skills

Quality tools

Lean production

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field

5+ years of experience in quality or supplier quality roles

Tools

ISO 9001

IATF 16949

AS 9100

Job description

Schaeffler Group USA Inc. is seeking a quality-focused professional to lead supplier quality initiatives in the US, ensuring high standards across the supplier portfolio.

You will drive assessments, manage risk, and collaborate with purchasing to advance supplier development and onboarding. The role requires strong knowledge of ISO 9001/IATF 16949/AS 9100, experience in project management within manufacturing, and demonstrated communication skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams.