West- Supplier Quality Engineer-1st

NTN Bearing of America; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NTN Driveshaft in Columbus, Indiana is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to oversee direct material supplier quality. You will investigate defects, lead continuous improvement, and manage PPAPs while building strong supplier partnerships to sustain a zero-defect mindset.

The role requires experience with quality systems, audits, and problem-solving across internal teams and suppliers, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with related experience preferred.
• Auditor experience using process approach; ISO 9001, IATF 16949, CQI knowledge preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication; cross-functional teamwork.
• Familiarity with 8D, 5 Whys, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, AIAG-PPAP.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality investigations, audits, and defect trend analyses.
• Develop long-term supplier relationships and drive zero-defect mentality.
• Communicate quality issues with suppliers for new programs and audits.
• Manage supplier PPAPs, process changes, and annual PPAP progression.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions with suppliers.
• Travel to suppliers as required; interact with internal departments.

Skills

ISO 9001 knowledge

IATF 16949 knowledge

CQI requirements

Auditor experience

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

NTN Driveshaft, a world leader in constant velocity technology for the automotive industry, is currently seeking a qualified Supplier Quality Engineer for our Columbus, Indiana operations. NTN currently has 2000 employees working in our Columbus operation and customer demand for our product is growing rapidly. NTN Driveshaft manufactures Constant Velocity Joints (CVJs) for all of the major automotive companies. These customers include Honda, Ford, Toyota, GM, Chrysler and most other automotive OEMs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for product quality for direct material suppliers, including investigating, analyzing and resolving supplier quality issues by conducting audits, analyzing defect trends, and leading continuous improvement projects.
• Develops long-term supplier relationships and Drives "Zero Defect" mentality within the supply base.
• Communicates with suppliers for quality issues, new programs, and maintenance audits.
• Conducts investigations, records issues, contains product, and initiates clean points for supplier quality issues.
• Champions problem solving and root cause analysis activities with suppliers to prevent recurrence of non-conformances.
• Reviews, processes, and tracks progress of supplier new PPAPs, process changes, special acceptances, and annual PPAPs.
• Conducts and tracks progress on risk based product and process supplier audits to assess root cause/countermeasures after quality issues, approve new suppliers, minimize risk for critical processes, and ensure compliance to NTN and automotive standards.
• Leads supplier performance improvement projects in an effort to increase supplier capability to consistently meeting NTN Driveshaft requirements.
• Works with purchasing to ensure supplier performance is regularly reported and that appropriate and timely corrective actions are implemented.
• Must be able to travel to suppliers as required.
• Interacts with all internal departments (production, engineering, quality), as well as suppliers and customers.
• Other duties as assigned: sorting, product measurements, training, internal improvements, etc

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor's degree with one to three years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Auditor experience using the process approach and strong understanding of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and CQI requirements preffered.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to work well cross-functionally, and function independently of direct supervision.
• Ability to prepare documentation and present to Senior and Executive Management.
• Strong project management skills.
• Knowledge of various quality system methodologies, 8D, 5 Why's, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, AIAG-PPAP and etc.
• Strong computer skills, experience with Microsoft Office.
• Strong problem solving skills, including ability to collect data, establish facts, draw conclusions, and recommend effective corrective action.
• Ability to organize, plan, allocate resources, and prioritize in order to meet multiple overlapping and competing deadlines.
• Ability to work under strict timelines to meet deadlines.