Role: SQA Engineer

Location: Van Buren Township, MI 

Salary: $80,000 - $90,000

Role ID: 2025 - 2934

Key Purpose

As a Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality of purchased parts throughout the entire process, from concept to series production, for the suppliers and projects assigned to you. This role may involve working independently or collaborating as part of a team on specific projects. Additionally, you may be required to travel both within the USA and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit and assess suppliers, contributing to the nomination process.
• Perform Supplier Quality Assurance activities within the supply chain, including Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and conduct surveillance visits to support series launches.
• Create and manage customer quality requirements to ensure effective communication throughout the supply chain.
• Generate goods receiving inspection documents for both pre-production and production phases.
• Conduct series process and part approvals during product launches.
• Collaborate closely with procurement, design, and systems engineers to ensure parts are cost-effective, fit for purpose, and meet required quality standards.
• Engage in proactive and reactive supplier improvement activities, resolving parts quality issues using the 8D methodology and other automotive industry tools.
• Manage supplier quality performance by verifying and implementing corrective actions in the pre-series phase.
• Oversee quality implications of any product and process changes.
• Report project status against targets, both internally and to customers.
• Supervise and coach the Supplier Quality Assurance Engineering team.
• Actively participate in continuous improvement by developing and introducing new quality-focused processes and procedures at Ricardo.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• Proven experience in quality engineering or supplier quality management.
• Strong understanding of IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001, CGMP, and other relevant quality standards.
• Manufacturing background required, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Supplier auditing experience required. 

Essential Technical Skills

• Experience in New Product Introduction (NPI) and/or Supplier Quality Assurance or a similar role with transferable skills relevant to specified objectives.
• Preferred experience in the automotive sector, though relevant experience from other industries will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of automotive technology and product development, particularly in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Practical experience with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics in all interactions with clients, suppliers, and colleagues.
• Capability for self-management and resilience while working toward challenging targets.
• man Auditor training in IATF 16949 and/or ISO 9001 preferred.
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes and components (e.g., casting, machining, molding, assembly, fabrication) and measurement techniques.
• Experience and understanding of geometric design and tolerancing.
• Knowledge of quality systems, tools, and techniques.
• Proficiency in quality control methodologies and tools.
• Preferred mechanical knowledge to understand product specifications and requirements, particularly in casting and machining.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to perform effective root cause analysis.
• Strong communication skills for effective collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of supplier quality.
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Skills and Attributes for Success

• A strong motivation to perform and excel in a high-performance organization.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Capability to work effectively as part of a team or independently, demonstrating self-motivation. Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively across cultures and present to clients and suppliers at all levels.
• Exhibits tenacity, resilience, and focus.

Additional Features of the Role

Flexibility to support regular travel to suppliers and customers both domestically and internationally (including North & South America and the EU), along with a valid driver's license.

Working Here

You will be welcomed into a workplace where every voice matters. Our diverse team collaborates to create a culture of inclusion. We will support you in finding your place here and encourage you to leverage your passion and expertise to make a positive impact through your projects. Your knowledge and desire to effect change will be valuable in delivering innovative solutions that contribute to safer and more sustainable communities worldwide.

Work-Life Balance

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. Well-being is at the core of our culture, enabling employees to flourish and reach their full potential.

Benefits

We want you to feel valued. Your compensation and benefits package will reflect that. You will receive a range of benefits that support your physical and mental health.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy or related conditions, marital or parental status (IL only), height, weight, national origin, citizenship status, age, domestic violence victim status, arrest or conviction record (MI only), genetic information, military or veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or municipal law.

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