Supplier Quality Staff Engineer I

Qcells North America; Cartersville (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Qcells North America is seeking a Supplier Quality Staff Engineer I to drive supplier quality improvements across a global base. You will lead supplier selection, audits, PPAP and ISIR processes, and coordinate with R&D to ensure material quality aligns with engineering specs.

The role requires strong analytical skills, GD&T literacy, and effective communication with suppliers and cross-functional teams to sustain a robust supply chain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science.
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings (GD&T) and material test reports.
• Experience in supplier quality and audits preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier strategic development to improve global supplier quality performance.
• Oversee sourcing and qualification through technical audits and risk assessments.
• Manage PPAP and ISIR for new parts to ensure they meet specifications.

Skills

Quality management

Supplier management

Analytical thinking

Communication & negotiation

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

PowerPoint

Word

Excel

GD&T

Job description

SUMMARY

The Supplier Quality Staff Engineer I (SQE) plays a critical role in establishing and executing strategies to ensure the highest quality of incoming components and raw materials from a global supply base. This position is central to the development and implementation of unified Supplier Quality Management (SQM) systems across manufacturing sites in the United States, South Korea, and Malaysia. Key responsibilities include leading Supplier Selection & Evaluation, managing the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and driving continuous improvement at supplier sites. The SQE ensures that all external partners comply with organizational standards and digital quality systems to enhance operational efficiency. By proactively managing supplier changes, conducting audits, and resolving material-related issues, this role ensures a stable and high-quality supply chain that aligns with corporate goals and fosters a culture of quality excellence throughout the organization.

Responsibilities

• Supplier Strategic Development: Design and execute comprehensive plans to improve global supplier quality performance, aligning supply chain objectives with corporate manufacturing excellence strategies.
• Sourcing & Qualification: Lead the quality assessment of new suppliers. Conduct technical audits and risk assessments to ensure potential partners meet the company's rigorous quality and compliance standards.
• Part Approval & Launch (NPI): Manage the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and Initial Sample Inspection Reports (ISIR) for new parts or materials to ensure they meet engineering specifications before mass production.
• Supplier Audit & Compliance: Conduct regular on-site audits and process verifications at supplier facilities. Monitor adherence to internal quality regulations (QMS) and IATF/ISO standards, identifying gaps and driving corrective actions.
• Incoming Quality Control (IQC) Oversight: Develop and maintain inspection standards (SIP) for raw materials. Monitor incoming material quality and manage the disposition of non-conforming materials.
• Issue Resolution & Root Cause Analysis: Lead the resolution of quality issues caused by supplied parts. Issue Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCAR) and utilize 8D methodology to ensure suppliers implement robust permanent countermeasures.
• Supplier Change Management: Oversee supplier-driven changes (4M: Man, Machine, Material, Method) to ensure changes are validated, documented, and approved without impacting product quality.
• Performance Monitoring & Development: Track supplier quality KPIs (e.g., DPPM, SCAR closure rate). Foster collaboration to share best practices and lead supplier development initiatives to elevate the overall capability of the supply base.

Required Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree or higher in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Responsibility & Commitment: A strong sense of responsibility with the ability to manage supplier relationships effectively, demonstrating persistence in driving suppliers toward quality targets.
• Analytical & Technical Skills: Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings (GD&T), technical specifications, and material test reports (CoA/CoC).
• Proactive Mindset: Forward-thinking approach to identifying supply chain risks, anticipating potential component failures, and driving process enhancements at the source.
• Communication & Negotiation: Exceptional communication and negotiation skills to work effectively with global suppliers, procurement teams, and R&D from diverse regions.
• Documentation: High proficiency in documentation and reporting, with advanced skills in PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in related field.
• Industry Experience: Significant experience in the PV (Photovoltaic) industry, automotive, or semiconductor sectors with a deep understanding of supplier auditing bodies.
• Quality Frameworks: Hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA.
• Certifications: Familiarity with quality management certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO14001, IATF 16949 (Certified Lead Auditor is a plus).
• Data Analysis: Proficiency in statistical tools and software such as Six Sigma, Minitab, JMP, Python, or Tableauto analyze supplier process capability (Cpk).
• Supplier Management: Proven track record in managing supplier quality, overseeing change control procedures, and leading material qualification processes.
• Language: Multilingual abilities, with proficiency in Korean and English

Physical Requirements

• Travel: High flexibility to travel domestically and internationally (frequent supplier site visits and audits).
• Site Presence: Ability to conduct on-site inspections at supplier manufacturing facilities and walk through large production areas.
• Desk Work: Ability to sit for extended periods for data analysis and reporting.