Supplier Quality Development Engineer

FORVIA; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Forvia is seeking a Supplier Quality Commodities Engineer to drive supplier performance across assigned commodities. You will assess supplier quality systems, onboard new partners, and lead supplier reviews and corrective actions to ensure quality, timing, and delivery meet program expectations.

The role emphasizes collaboration with ASQ/SQA, risk assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives across the supplier base in a global automotive context.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–10 years of proven Quality function experience in Automotive industry.
• Strong knowledge of automotive core tools (APQP, PPAP/PPF, FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC).
• Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate supplier quality systems and technical level using Forvia standards.
• Qualify, approve and onboard suppliers to become strong partners.
• Lead supplier performance reviews and drive corrective action closure.
• Support ASQ with APQP elements at the supplier and lead risk assessments.
• Manage supplier escalation per Forvia procedures.

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

The Supplier Quality Commodities Engineer (SQC) is responsible for developing supplier quality performance (timing, quality, delivery, service) for a defined list of suppliers within specified Commodities. SQC supports the ASQs, plant SQAs, the serial life buyers and works closely with commodity buyers to follow-up and improve the overall performance of suppliers.

The main missions of the role are:

• Evaluate the Quality system and technical level of the supplier using existing VDA and Forvia standards
• Qualify, approve and onboard suppliers to become strong partners.

New component or change

• Give recommendations for supplier selection in programs and series
• Contribute to the supplier selection and product evaluation before sourcing committee through thorough technical risk assessment
• Support ASQ with APQP elements at the supplier (Boundary samples set up, Process Audit, Run@Rate with MPT checklist, …)
• Be a strong partner to the ASQ / SQA to ensure the right coordination and support.
• Support plant SQA ( serial life ) and ASQ ( program )for claim related activities at supplier when needed
• Carry out improvement/convergence plan with Red list Suppliers (as defined from red list or agreed by commodity)
• Manage Temporary Quality Wall eradication at His/Her suppliers
• Support, train/coach external suppliers on FORVIA key requirements (QB, problem solving…….)
• Monitor the quality performance from innovation, program phase, serial life to warranty and improve performance
• Define and drive strategic supplier development action based on risk assessment, audit, or escalation outcomes
• Lead Supplier Performance Reviews and monitor the closing & effectiveness of corrective action plans
• Propose continuous improvement ideas in business efficiency and cost reduction
• Manage supplier escalation when appropriate according to Forvia procedures.

Commodity toolbox improvement

• Analyze monthly supplier claims root causes and lessons learned to identify systemic and/or technical weaknesses to be considered in our Commodity technical assessment tool
• Capitalizes on knowledge and shares best practices / lessons learned within the commodity network and across the organization monthly
• Contribute to generic specification standards improvements with related engineering experts'

Knowledge sharing

• Train SQ team members in Her/His commodity technical requirements to ensure integration in the Program (ASQ ) and Claim (SQA ) management and support the permanent increase of the SQ network technical expertise

Special focus on product safety and regulatory compliance during the entire product lifetime, ability to perform audits with focus on special and critical characteristics

Your profile and competencies to succeed

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have/be:

Minimum education level: Bachelor's degree in engineering or technician with equivalent combination of education and experience preferred

Experience :

• 5 to 10 years of proven Quality function experience in the Automotive industry. For new- comers, a mentor should be nominated within the commodity SQC team
• Practical technical experience in the assigned commodity(ies)
• Systematic and methodic complex problem-solving capabilities (Pareto, 5W, Ishikawa, Reverse FMEA, IS/IS NOT, QRCI)
• Practitioner of continuous improvement tools and lean management at suppliers (i.e., visual management, implementation of smart goals through KPI’s, LEAN wastes, one piece flow, etc.)

Skills and competencies

• Specialist in his.her commodity technology
• Good knowledge or certified (preferred) in Automotive core tools (ISO-9001, IATF-16949, VDA 2, VDA 6.3, APQP, PPAP/PPF, FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC, etc.)
• Management of special and critical characteristics (SC/CC)
• Customer specific requirements (CSR)
• Company’s products and technologies
• Faurecia Management System and Quality Basics
• Automotive process approach for auditing suppliers
• Fluent in English with strong written and communication skills
• Advanced skills in Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Autonomy and Leadership mindset
• Capability to build and manage network
• Best practice sharing and improvement mindsetResults oriented with strong written and oral communications skills
• Understand the group functional organization
• The employee is aware and ensures the respect of the internal rules, code of ethics and management Code when applicable

Nice to have:

• Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability standards understanding
• Finance basis : basic rules, cost management tools

What we can do for you

• At Forvia, you will find an engaging and dynamic environment where you can contribute to the development of sustainable mobility leading technologies.
• We are the seventh-largest global automotive supplier, employing more than 157,000 people in more than 40 countries which makes a lot of opportunity for career development.
• We welcome energetic and agile people who can thrive in a fast-changing environment. People who share our strong values. Team players with a collaborative mindset and a passion to deliver high standards for our clients. Lifelong learners. High performers. Globally minded people who aspire to work in a transforming industry, where excellence, speed, and quality count.
• We cultivate a learning environment, dedicating tools and resources to ensure we remain at the forefront of mobility. Our people enjoy an average of more than 22 hours of online and in-person training within FORVIA University (five campuses around the world)
• We offer a multicultural environment that values diversity and international collaboration. We believe that diversity is a strength. To create an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity create real value for the company, we have adopted gender diversity targets and inclusion action plans.
• Achieving CO2 Net Zero as a pioneer of the automotive industry is a priority: In June 2022, Forvia became the first global automotive group to be certified with the new SBTI Net-Zero Standard (the most ambitious standard of SBTi), aligned with the ambition of the 2015 Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Three principles guide our action: use less, use better and use longer, with a focus on recyclability and circular economy.