Supplier Quality Engineer

NTN Driveshaft, Inc.; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan

PTO

Holiday pay

Job summary

NTN Driveshaft, Inc. seeks a Supplier Quality Engineer for its Columbus, OH facility to ensure quality from direct material suppliers, lead corrective actions, audits, and continuous improvement in a zero-defect culture.

You will collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Production, Quality, and customers while reviewing PPAPs and performing risk-based supplier assessments. Join a 1,600-employee site offering growth opportunities, a stable team environment, and a comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 1–3 years of relevant experience; automotive manufacturing preferred.
• Experience auditing under ISO 9001, IATF 16949, CQI requirements.
• Knowledge of 8D, 5 Why, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, AIAG PPAP.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to conduct supplier audits and lead corrective actions.
• Ability to travel to supplier locations.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality issues investigations and corrective actions.
• Conduct supplier audits and track defect trends.
• Maintain supplier relationships and promote zero defects.
• Communicate quality changes and conduct maintenance audits.
• Review PPAP submissions and manage risk-based audits.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Production, and customers; travel as needed.

Skills

Auditing

Root cause analysis

Project management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Problem solving

ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

NTN Driveshaft, a world leader in constant velocity technology for the automotive industry, is seeking a qualified Supplier Quality Engineer to join our team.

Our Columbus facility employs 1,600 employees, and customer demand continues to grow rapidly. NTN Driveshaft manufactures Constant Velocity Joints (CVJs) for many of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, including Honda, Ford, Toyota, GM, Chrysler, and other major OEM customers.

We offer excellent career growth opportunities, a stable and team-oriented work environment, and a comprehensive benefits package featuring industry-leading low employee contributions, a 401(k)-retirement plan, customizable benefits, PTO, holiday pay, and more.

Position Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring product quality from direct material suppliers by investigating supplier quality issues, leading corrective actions, conducting audits, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This position works closely with suppliers, Purchasing, Engineering, Production, Quality, and customers to maintain NTN’s commitment to a Zero-Defect quality culture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage product quality activities for direct material suppliers, including investigating, analyzing, and resolving supplier quality issues.
• Conduct supplier audits, analyze defect trends, and lead continuous improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while promoting a "Zero Defect" mentality throughout the supply base.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding quality issues, new programs, process changes, and maintenance audits.
• Investigate supplier quality concerns, document issues, contain product, and establish clean points.
• Lead supplier problem-solving and root cause analysis activities to prevent recurrence of non-conformances.
• Review, process, and track supplier PPAP submissions, including new PPAPs, process changes, special acceptances, and annual PPAP requirements.
• Conduct and track risk-based supplier product and process audits to:
• Identify root causes and verify corrective actions after quality issues.
• Reduce risk in critical processes.
• Ensure compliance with NTN and automotive quality standards.
• Lead supplier performance improvement projects to increase supplier capability and consistently meet NTN requirements.
• Partner with Purchasing to monitor supplier performance and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Travel to supplier locations as required.
• Collaborate with internal departments, including Production, Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, suppliers, and customers.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including product sorting, measurements, training, and internal improvement activities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Education, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree with one to three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Previous experience in automotive manufacturing preferred.
• Auditor experience utilizing the process approach and strong understanding of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and CQI requirements preferred.
• Knowledge of automotive quality methodologies, including:
• 8D Problem Solving
• 5 Why Analysis
• DFMEA
• PFMEA
• Control Plans
• AIAG PPAP
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively cross-functionally and independently.
• Ability to prepare documentation and present information to Senior and Executive Management.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Effective problem-solving abilities, including data collection, analysis, root cause identification, and recommending corrective actions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under strict timelines.
• Proficiency with computer systems, including Microsoft Office applications.