Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

Watlow; Saint Louis (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Wellness incentives

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Watlow is seeking a Senior Engineer – Supplier Quality Engineering for its Advanced Technology Center in St. Louis, MO. You will ensure supplier readiness and performance across global direct materials, aligning with Watlow's standards and continuous improvement goals.

The role reports to the Senior SQE Manager, involves cross-functional collaboration, and requires travel up to 50%. Candidates should have a BS in engineering and at least five years in related roles with strong auditing and

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in engineering, manufacturing, or applicable technical discipline.
• Five years in Supplier Quality, Quality Assurance, or Supply Chain.
• Five years in engineering/design or manufacturing/process roles.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 50%.
• Auditing experience – quality system elements, process audits, PPAP reviews.
• Expertise in applying 8D, PPAP, APQP, Control Plans, and other quality tools.
• Strong ability to lead, coach, and communicate to all supplier levels.

Responsibilities

• Support enterprise SQE projects evaluating/auditing new Watlow suppliers for direct material transfers.
• Lead material evaluation, approval, and release across multiple projects with cross-functional partners.
• Implement Watlow requirements with suppliers, identify gaps, and drive capability improvements.
• Use supplier performance data and sourcing strategies to improve outcomes.
• Ensure supplier adherence to change control requirements through training and audits.
• Lead major supplier corrective action with 8D and appropriate Watlow actions.

Skills

Auditing

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel 50%

Education

B.S. in engineering

Tools

Oracle ERP

PPAP / APQP / 8D

Quality tools

Job description

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

Overview of Role:

The Senior Engineer – Supplier Quality Engineering located in Watlow’s Advanced Technology Center in St. Louis, Missouri, will be responsible for ensuring direct material manufacturing/quality readiness, and acceptable performance of the supply base through effective linkage, active involvement, evaluation, and continuous performance management of our global suppliers.

The engineer will report to Watlow’s Senior Supplier Quality Engineering Manager.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Support Supply Chain projects as enterprise Supplier Quality Engineering lead to evaluate/audit new Watlow suppliers for global direct material transfers between suppliers and plants
• Lead new material evaluation, approval, and release process across numerous simultaneous projects. Collaborate with internal cross-functional partners
• Deploy Watlow requirements to suppliers, identify gaps, and work with suppliers to develop the capability to meet expectations. Continuously improve and implement improvements to SQE operating procedures.
• Utilize supplier performance data and sourcing strategies to target, define approach, and continuously improve supplier performance
• Ensure suppliers understand and apply Watlow’s change control requirements through annual training and auditing supplier’s conformance to the requirement
• Lead major/escalated supplier corrective action activity, ensuring thorough 8D has been defined and executed by supplier and Watlow has also taken appropriate action

Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in an engineering, manufacturing, or applicable technical discipline
• Five years working in a Supplier Quality, Quality Assurance, or Supply Chain role
• Five years working in an engineering/design or manufacturing/process role
• Working knowledge of registered ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System
• The desire and ability to travel domestic and internationally, up to 50%
• Auditing experience – quality system elements, process audits, on-site PPAP reviews, etc.
• Expertise in applying and executing 8D, PPAP, APQP, Control Plans, and other quality tools
• Expertise in Problem Solving and applying root cause corrective action tools
• Ability to lead, coach, and communicate to all levels of a supplier’s organization (Operator to President/CEO)
• Capable of representing supplier quality function during customer audits and project work
• Ability to work independently, with remote supervision

Additional success factors:

• Project Management experience, including phased launch process and integration of SQE activities
• Oracle ERP experience; development of Quality management tools a plus
• Being an advocate of the suppliers, but also remaining focused on Watlow and customer’s needs
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts and tools
• Ability to recognize potential safety issues during supplier visits
• Ability to communicate directly with customers relating to supplier quality function in audits, report outs, etc.
• Understand and apply engineering specifications, prints, drawings, standards, etc.
• Familiarity with products produced by Watlow; heaters, sensors, and controls
• Demonstrate alignment to the Watlow Way Values, Behaviors, and Principles

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us.The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member’s individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at [e-mail].