Supplier Quality Engineer - Lithium-ion Battery Manufacturing

Forge Nano, Inc.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 72,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative materials company is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to enhance quality assurance in battery manufacturing. This role focuses on ensuring suppliers meet design requirements and comply with customer standards. The ideal candidate will leverage strong analytical skills and quality management tools to monitor supplier performance, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Join a dynamic team dedicated to pioneering advancements in battery technology while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about quality, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Holidays

PTO

Flexible Spending Account

401(k) Plan with Employer Match

Potential for Annual Cash Bonus

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in quality assurance/control or supplier relations required.
• Experience in a fast-paced, start-up, high-growth environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance using data and statistical tools.
• Plan and perform supplier on-site audits, submit reports to management.
• Handle quality-related materials issues from specifications to delivery.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

AIAG Core Tools

Lean and 6Sigma

Microsoft Office Suite

Project Management Software

Audit Experience

Communication Skills

Ability to Travel

Education

Associates Degree in Related Field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

VISIO

Minitab

Job description

Preference will be given to candidates residing in the Raleigh-Durham area as our Battery Plant is located in Morrisville, North Carolina – No relocation monies are associated with this position

This position will not be filled until the middle to end of July

Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) – Battery Manufacturing Plant

Summary:

Forge Nano Inc. is a fast-growing materials company with a focus on manufacturing nano-scale coatings across a wide range of markets and is now expanding into Battery Manufacturing. Forge Nano is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Supplier Quality Engineer, to implement and control all supplier requirements that directly affect the quality of products before, during and following production.

The primary goal of the SQE is to ensure that suppliers are capable of providing parts that meet the company’s design requirements and comply with agreements. The SQE will also ensure compliance with customer requirements and communicate supplier performance effectively within Forge Battery.

The SQE works indirectly with the purchasing/procurement, manufacturing operations and engineering personnel primarily focusing on product development/review, and approval of suppliers’ drawings, processes, specification conditions, and materials.

The SQE will work directly with suppliers to determine the level of supplier assurance required and verify that an adequate process has been put in place to achieve this conformity throughout the operations. When supplier non-compliance arises, the SQE will notify the supplier and monitor the corrective action.

The Supplier Quality Engineer reports to the Director of Quality Assurance.

Essential Functions:

1. Continuously monitor and evaluate supplier performance using appropriate data and statistical tools.
2. Ensure all suppliers are appropriately rated, reviewed and updated through comprehensive review. Report as KPI.
3. Work with Purchasing/Procurement team and engineers to seek alternative suppliers and assist in developing strategies to obtain alternative sources of supply when necessary.
4. Plan and perform supplier on-site audits, submit reports to management and follow up on any findings.
5. Handle and manage quality related materials issues from specifications to timely delivery. Provide expert technical advice and guidance to management, the production department, and other internal customers on product or process quality matters.
6. Develop, communicate and enforce quality plan for each supplied product (part) following APQP guidelines.
7. Review and maintain supplier documentation; PPAP, COC, Test Data, etc. for traceability and conformance to specifications.
8. Develop and recommend improved processes based on the latest project information
9. Plan accordingly for product changes to minimize variations and quality compliance according to QMS guidelines.
10. Prepare and perform internal and external supplier audits. Manage the action plans and validation of actions.
11. Analyzes test data to determine strengths and weaknesses of current product quality.
12. Coordinate with manufacturers/suppliers on improvement actions to control quality problems.
13. Ensure that improvement is implemented in time for the next build period.
14. Lead/perform adequate RCA routines with the supplier when problems are identified. Review and maintain reports from suppliers.
15. Prepare and review budget needs with the Quality Director.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exposure to AIAG Core Tools, Shainin, Lean and 6Sigma environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software platforms.
• VISIO, Minitab or similar software and basic Microsoft products.
• Audit experience is required.
• Experience performing FAI and/or Source Inspections is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience working in a fast-paced, start up, high-growth environment
• Experience in APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) related role
• Ability to think strategically, work independently and prioritize work accordingly
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with team members, internal departments, and occasional suppliers and/or customer
• Strong communication skills are a must
• Current passport, ability to travel globally as the job requires
• Associates degree required in a related field.
• 3-5 years experience in quality assurance/control or supplier relations required.

Work Environment:

Work will occur predominantly in an office area and Lith ion-battery manufacturing environment. The employee will be required to wear all appropriate safety equipment including but not limited to eye protection, gloves, steel toe shoes, lab coat. Strict adherence to corporate and/or plant policies, rules and regulations in these areas is required. Forge Nano follows all recommended COVID-19 safety protocols and accepted candidates must be willing to adhere to these policies.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee will regularly work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms.

Travel

25-50% to other Forge, vendor and customer locations

Passport required enabling travel to all international locations

Compensation/Benefits

• 72K - 82K
• Medical/dental/vision/disability and life insurance, holidays, PTO, Flexible Spending Account, potential for an annual cash Bonus and 401(k) plan with employer match

Forge Nano is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.