Supplier Quality Engineer Technician

Blocket AB; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Blocket AB is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to be onsite at a customer plant, collaborating with suppliers to ensure compliance and resolve quality issues in interior trim components. You will drive quality improvements, validate first-article inspections, and support new product launches while maintaining IATF 16949 compliance.

The role requires engagement with cross-functional teams across global operations and may involve domestic and international travel to supplier sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or related field; advanced degree a plus.
• Certifications (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Engineer) preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering within the automotive industry.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems, APQP, PPAP, and SPC.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to verify adherence to quality standards.
• Investigate and resolve quality deviations, non-conformances, and customer complaints using root cause analysis tools (8D, Fishbone).
• Develop and implement supplier quality improvement plans focusing on process optimization and defect prevention in leather manufacturing and assembly.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and production to ensure integration of interior trim parts into assembly lines.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics such as defect rates, on-time delivery, and sustainability compliance.

Skills

Supplier quality engineering

Audits & assessments

Root cause analysis

Quality systems

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Quality

ASQ CQE (preferred)

Tools

8D problem solving

Fishbone diagrams

Job description

Premium automotive interior trim product manufacturing company supplying high-quality interiors to major automotive markets worldwide with production sites in 13 countries. Strong commitment to sustainability, traditional craftsmanship, and modern technology with a focus on excellence and innovation.

This role is located onsite at the customers’ plant and will involve close collaboration with suppliers to maintain compliance, resolve quality issues, and support production processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to verify adherence to quality standards, including material specifications for interior trim products.
• Investigate and resolve quality deviations, non-conformances, and customer complaints related to supplied components, utilizing root cause analysis tools such as 8D and Fishbone diagrams.
• Develop and implement supplier quality improvement plans, focusing on process optimization and defect prevention in leather manufacturing and assembly.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, procurement, and production, to ensure seamless integration of interior trim parts into automotive assembly lines.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics, such as PPM (parts per million) defect rates, on-time delivery, and sustainability compliance, in alignment with our global standards.
• Support new product launches by reviewing supplier capabilities and validating first-article inspections for leather-based interior components.
• Ensure compliance with industry certifications and regulations, including IATF 16949, emphasizing our commitment to environmental sustainability and high-quality craftsmanship.
• Travel to supplier sites as needed to provide on-site support and training.

Job Requirements:

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field; advanced degree a plus. Certifications (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Engineer) preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering within the automotive industry, ideally with exposure to interior trim or leather products.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems, APQP, PPAP, and statistical process control.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a global, multicultural setting, reflecting our international production and logistics network.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Cut and sew experience a strong plus.
• Spanish/English Bilingual a strong plus.