Supplier Quality Engineer

Proterra Inc; Greer (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Proterra is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to own the quality of purchased components for battery packs, focusing on aluminum enclosures, fasteners, and distributor-sourced parts. This hands-on role spends time on the production floor to root out issues, driving containment, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions with 8D and other structured problem solving.

The candidate will work with cross-functional teams across Sustaining Engineering and Plant Quality, supporting audits, PPAP, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Materials Engineering.
• 0 to 3 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing or plant quality (co-op/internship counts).
• Working knowledge of GD&T and reading engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans, SPC, and structured problem solving (8D, 5 Why, fishbone).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% to supplier sites in North America.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the supplier quality contact for aluminum enclosure, hardware, and distributor suppliers.
• Support APQP and PPAP activities for new parts and engineering changes.
• Lead resolution of supplier nonconformances using 8D and corrective action.
• Spend time on the production floor with Plant Quality to see problems firsthand.
• Track supplier performance (PPM, NCRs, on-time delivery) using Excel/Power BI.
• Assist supplier audits and on-site visits.

Skills

Hands-on mindset

Root-cause curiosity

Detail-oriented

Clear communication

Excel & PowerPoint

Integrity & discretion

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Materials Engineering

Tools

Smartsheet

Power BI

Minitab

Calipers

CMM

Gage R&R

Calibration

Job description

Proterra offers a dynamic and supportive workplace where our employees can thrive personally and professionally. With cutting-edge facilities and groundbreaking projects, Proterra offers unique opportunities to grow, collaborate, and lead transformative change in the electrification of heavy‑duty transportation and equipment.

Our commitment to innovation extends beyond our battery solutions to our people, where we create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to drive change for the earth. Here at Proterra we strive to foster a culture of inclusivity, valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging bold ideas, allowing our employees to bring their full selves to work. Our employees benefit from competitive total rewards packages, and opportunities to develop professionally.

Position Overview:

As a Supplier Quality Engineer at Proterra, you will own the quality of purchased components for our battery packs, with a focus on aluminum enclosures, fasteners and hardware, and parts sourced through distributors. You will work with an established supply base, primarily in North America, to keep parts conforming, resolve issues quickly, and drive continuous improvement. This is a hands‑on, plant‑facing role: you will spend real time on the production floor, getting to the source of problems and partnering with Sustaining Engineering and Plant Quality to solve them. It is an ideal opportunity for an early‑career engineer who wants to build a strong foundation in automotive supplier quality.

About the Role – You will:

• Serve as the supplier quality point of contact for an assigned group of aluminum enclosure, hardware, and distributor suppliers.
• Support APQP and PPAP activities for new parts and engineering changes.
  • Review PPAP submissions (process flows, PFMEAs, control plans, dimensional and material results) against AIAG requirements and Proterra drawings.
  • Coordinate supplier implementation of engineering changes (ECNs and ECOs) with Sustaining Engineering.
• Lead resolution of supplier nonconformances: initiate NCRs, drive containment, and work with suppliers on root cause analysis and corrective action using 8D and other structured problem‑solving tools.
• Spend time on the production floor with Plant Quality and Manufacturing to see problems firsthand, sort and disposition suspect material, and represent Supplier Quality in MRB.
• Work with distributors to set clear quality and traceability expectations for the manufacturers behind them, recognizing that alternate sources are limited.
• Make sure suppliers understand Proterra drawings, GD&T, and specifications, and resolve their questions promptly.
• Track and report supplier performance (PPM, NCRs, on‑time delivery, corrective action status) using Excel, Smartsheet, and Power BI.
• Support supplier audits and process reviews, including on‑site visits to supplier facilities.
• Collect and review regulatory compliance and product carbon footprint data submitted with PPAP.
• Contribute to process improvement and automation projects that make supplier quality work faster and more consistent, including building tools and dashboards.
• Support cross‑functional investigations of production and field issues tied to purchased parts.

About Our Group:

• We are a close‑knit Supplier Quality team that partners with Sourcing, Sustaining Engineering, and Plant Quality to deliver a quality battery pack.
• We aim to provide the highest level of service and support to our internal customers and suppliers every day.
• We work collaboratively to build strong relationships with our partners and with each other.
• We treat each other with respect and try to have a little fun every day.
• This position is based in Greer, SC, and reports to the Manager, Supplier Quality, Regulatory Compliance, and Sustainability. You will work alongside a team of Supplier Quality Engineers supporting suppliers across the U.S., Mexico, and Asia.

About You:

• Hands‑on doer who would rather be on the floor than behind a desk, and is comfortable walking out to the line to understand a problem firsthand.
• Eager to learn and grow, with the curiosity to dig into root causes and the initiative to see actions through to closure.
• Detail‑oriented and organized, able to manage multiple open issues and projects at the same time.
• Clear communicator who can explain technical issues to suppliers and internal teams, both in writing and in person.
• Comfortable building reports and presentations, with strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Acts with integrity, professionalism, and discretion when handling supplier and company information.

Your Experience Includes:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Materials Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 0 to 3 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing or plant quality, industrial engineering, or a related role (co‑op and internship experience counts).
• Working knowledge of GD&T and the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with core quality tools such as APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans, SPC, and structured problem solving (8D, 5 Why, fishbone).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% to supplier sites in North America.

Additional Desired Skills:

• Exposure to IATF 16949 and automotive manufacturing.
• Experience with aluminum machining, extrusions, castings, spot welding, adhesive bonding, or fasteners and hardware.
• Experience working with distributors or managing quality through a distribution channel.
• Experience with Smartsheet, Power BI, or Minitab.
• Familiarity with measurement tools and methods (calipers, CMM, gage R&R, calibration).
• Exposure to Lean manufacturing or battery and EV components.
• ASQ CQE or CQT certification, or Six Sigma Green Belt (or working toward one).

Designed in the U.S. and assembled in Greer, South Carolina, Proterra batteries deliver industry‑leading energy density, durability, performance, and safety, making them the premier choice to electrify commercial vehicles and industrial equipment, from buses and trucks to construction equipment and more. Proterra is building innovative battery technology to power a better, more sustainable world.

Location: Greer, SC On Site (Not Remote Eligible)

Travel: 30% as needed (ability to travel at short notice)

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. There is no immigration sponsorship available for this role (ex: H1-B, OPT, CPT, TN or any other employment sponsorship).

Proterra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all Employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Proterra participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program (E-Verify).

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Qualifications

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Experience

Preferred

Less than 3 years:

0 to 3 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing or plant quality, industrial engineering, or a related role (co-op and internship experience counts)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.