Supplier Quality Engineer SQE

Tata Technologies; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology company is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer in Waukesha, WI. This role involves on-site supplier quality support, requiring 7–10+ years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, particularly with mechanical components in industrial applications. The successful candidate will execute and validate PPAP levels, conduct supplier audits, and provide hands-on support for supplier performance improvement. This position requires excellent communication and problem-solving skills with a focus on execution and quality delivery.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering.
• Strong experience in mechanical components in industrial environments.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Support PPAP Level 1–3 activities and conduct audits.
• Issue and manage nonconformance reports.
• Work closely with Client Supplier Quality and Engineering teams.
• Provide clear status updates and documentation.

Skills

Supplier Quality Engineering

Mechanical components support

Hands-on approach

Supplier audit experience

Root cause analysis

Tools

PPAP (Levels 1–3)

Audits

CAPA/8D

Job description

Role Description

Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) – US (On‑Site)

Location: Waukesha, WI (primary) with limited regional supplier travel

Focus: Mechanical & PFG (Commercial & Industrial)

Role Purpose

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) will provide on‑site, execution‑focused supplier quality support for Client’s Mechanical and PFG (C&I) commodities. The role supports PPAP Levels 1–3, supplier audits, corrective actions, and supplier performance improvement, acting as an extension of Client’s Supplier Quality organization.

This role is hands‑on and delivery‑oriented, not advisory or theoretical.

Key Responsibilities

PPAP Execution & Validation

• Support PPAP Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 activities in alignment with Client CSRs
• Verify and review PPAP documentation, including:
  • PSW
  • Process Flow Diagrams
  • PFMEA
  • Control Plans
  • Dimensional results
  • SPC / Cpk / Ppk
  • MSA (GR&R)
• Support on‑site PPAP Level 3 audits, including:
  • Process walkthroughs
  • Trial run witnessing
  • Sample sealing and validation
  • Real‑time nonconformance logging
• Prepare PPAP audit summaries and recommendations for PSW sign‑off (final approval by Client)

Supplier Audits & Corrective Actions

• Conduct or support on‑site supplier audits (process, quality system, and product audits)
• Issue and manage nonconformance (NC) reports
• Drive supplier CAPA / 8D activities and verify effectiveness
• Support escalation of systemic or CSR interpretation issues in coordination with Client SQE leadership

Cross‑Functional & Regional Coordination

• Work closely with:
  • Client Supplier Quality
  • Engineering
  • Supply Chain
  • Global SQE resources (India‑based Tata SQEs)
• Provide clear status updates, risk visibility, and documentation to Client stakeholders
• Support coordination between US‑based and offshore SQE resources per the agreed RASI

On‑Site & Regional Support

• Be physically present in Waukesha to support:
  • Supplier meetings
  • Internal reviews
  • Launch or issue resolution activities
• Travel regionally to supplier sites as required (with Client coordination)

Skills & Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 7–10+ years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering
• Strong experience supporting mechanical components in industrial, power generation, or heavy equipment environments
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with:
  • PPAP (Levels 1–3)
  • Supplier audits
  • Corrective action management

Technical Competence

• Solid working knowledge of:
  • APQP
  • PPAP
  • SPC
  • MSA
  • Root cause analysis (8D, Ishikawa, 5‑Why)
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications

Client & Execution Fit

• Comfortable operating on‑site with the customer
• Strong supplier‑facing communication skills
• Practical, execution‑focused mindset
• Able to work independently while aligning closely with Client SQE leadership

Engagement Characteristics (Important)

• High‑visibility role with direct exposure to Client leadership
• Emphasis on speed, clarity, and execution
• Not a consulting role — this is embedded SQE support
• Expected to represent Tata Technologies as a trusted delivery partner