Supplier Operations Engineer

Challenge Manufacturing; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP program

Employee ownership

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a Supplier Operations Engineer to monitor supplier quality, lead a cross-functional team, and drive corrective actions. The role emphasizes root-cause analysis, FMEA/Control Plan expertise, and Six Sigma/Lean principles to ensure on-time delivery of conforming parts from suppliers.

Responsibilities include leading 8D verifications, audits, and qualification processes, with up to 25% travel. The plant is located in Holland, MI, with ESOP ownership benefits.

Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Hands-on IATF quality system experience in manufacturing.
• Ability to read GD&T drawings and engineering documentation.
• Experience with supplier audits and 8D problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Conduct root-cause investigations and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Communicate performance metrics to suppliers for continuous improvement.
• Lead advanced supplier readiness and qualification initiatives.
• Identify true root causes of non-conformances and ensure sustainable actions.
• Develop inspection methods for critical characteristics of incoming parts.
• Lead training on quality tools (FMEA, SPC, DMAIC, MSA, statistics).
• Support supplier performance issue resolution and 8D verification.
• Participate in supplier audits and qualification of new suppliers.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Supplier quality management

Advanced Quality Planning

FMEA

Control Plan

Process Mapping

Gage Studies

SPC

Six Sigma

Lean Manufacturing

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

IATF quality system

DFMEA/PFMEA

Education

Engineering degree (B.E./B.S.)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Project

Job description

Who We Are: Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!Who We Want:The Supplier Operations Engineer is responsible for executing and expanding on key initiatives inside of the quality organization as well as achieve a high state of supplier quality performance within our organizations. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated problem-solving skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to be flexible in high pressure situations. The role has a primary focus of monitoring suppliers to ensure they consistently deliver products and services that meet all specified requirements.What You’ll Do:Root cause investigation, identification, and the implementation and validation of permanent corrective actionsProficiency in communicating performance metrics and expectations for continuous improvement to suppliersAdvanced knowledge and practical experience with Advanced Quality Planning tools, such as FMEA, Control Plan, Process Mapping, Gage Studies, and SPCCompetence in Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, and Lean Manufacturing principlesThe ability to lead cross-functional project teams, ensuring project timelines and objectives are met while adhering to process requirementsLead cross-functional teams in executing the Advance Supplier Readiness process, supporting initiatives related to capacity increases, cost reduction, supplier-requested changes, and new product/process qualificationsIndependently drive suppliers to identify the true root causes of non-conformances using analytical tools and processes, ensuring the implementation and sustainability of permanent corrective actionsIdentify and develop inspection methods for monitoring critical characteristics of incoming parts, including inspection plans, and communication of results to both internal teams and suppliersFacilitate and lead training sessions in quality tools, including FMEA, SPC, DMAIC, MSA, and statisticsSupport the development and enhancement of business management methodologies and training materials related to design processes and improvement initiativesSupport manufacturing location on supplier related performance issues (conduct 8D verification, review CS1/CS2 containment process implementation at supplier)Join suppliers’ audits for new potential suppliers to be added in the supply baseIndependently develop acceptance sampling within incoming supplier lots (ASQ/Z1.4)Review supplier metric data and generate reports as needed to drive zero defect mentality within the supply baseDrive preventative measures to minimize incoming defects through incoming inspection of all supplier materialWhen and Where:This will be a 7AM-5PM M-F position located at our Plant in Holland, MIWhat You Need to Have:Strong interpersonal and communication skills.Hands-on experience establishing, auditing, leading, and maintaining an IATF quality system.Experience working as a QE, or SQE in a manufacturing environment utilizing an IATF quality system.Ability to read and interpret GD&T and engineering drawings.Experience in DFMEA, PFMEA, process control plans and technical process documentation.Trained in and have knowledge of root cause analysis, six sigma, CA processes. Experience working directly with suppliers.ASQ certification preferred. Strong computer skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Word).Six Sigma experience preferred.5+ Years of related experience and/or trainingUp to 25% Travel