Supplier Quality Engineer at Stoneridge

Since 1965, Stoneridge has designed and manufactured advanced, award-winning technologies including driveline and transmission actuation systems, vision systems, emissions control systems, safety systems, and security and monitoring systems for vehicle OEMs in the commercial vehicle, automotive, off-highway and agricultural vehicle markets. We’re focused on the areas of greatest market need – both today and tomorrow. Our core products and technologies are aligned with industry megatrends including safety and security, vehicle intelligence, fuel efficiency and emissions. Join the Stoneridge Team as we continue to build upon our strong history and reputation for quality products to deliver innovative products and systems that address a need, exceed our customers’ expectations, and motivate our team.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position:    Supplier Development Engineer
Department:    Supplier Quality
Type of position:    Full-Time
Reports to:    Manager Supplier Quality
Number of direct reports:    NA

JOB SUMMARY: 
Supplier Development is responsible for improving the supply base to ensure that all products and materials supplied to Stoneridge meet the highest quality standards on time. This role involves working closely with suppliers to develop and implement quality assurance processes, launch new products, address issues, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    Communication: Effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders on complex issues using various tools (phone, email, messaging, meetings, presentations, etc.). Ability to work with multiple cultures and time zones. Ability to interpret, look for trends with, and challenge component inspection data, supplier design and manufacturing processes, and industry standards.
•    Supplier Evaluation: Assess and qualify new suppliers based on their ability to meet industry quality standards and production requirements. Ability to guide a supplier from a low audit score to a satisfactory one through sustainable actions.
•    Quality Assurance: Work with suppliers to develop and implement quality control plans, inspection procedures, and test protocols for incoming materials and components to ensure nonconforming material does not make it to Stoneridge’s production facilities. Drive in station controls to ensure minimized supplier scrap and risk for nonconforming material to escape.
•    Audits and Inspections: Develop in conjunction with suppliers a layered process to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
•    Issue Resolution: Investigate and resolve complex quality issues related to supplier or multiple supplier material and/or Stoneridge issues; working collaboratively with suppliers to implement corrective actions through a SCAR system. Coordinate cross functional reviews of the issue and resolution. Develop and oversee the sorting, containment and/or cost recovery activities associated with an issue.
•    Performance Monitoring: Analyze supplier performance metrics for trends with the objective of preventing possible future issues. Lead cross-functional reviews based on supplier performance data to improve Stoneridge or Supplier quality. 
•    Documentation: Review, maintain, and approve supplier documentation (PPAP, 8Ds, Safe Launch, APQP, audits, product capability, etc.). Ensure cross functional alignment as part of approval process.
•    Risk Mitigation: Identify and mitigate risks associated with the supply chain, such as quality issues, safety concerns, supply disruptions, downstream issues, and/or compliance violations.
•    Collaboration: Build strong relationships with suppliers to foster trust, share expertise, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
•    Continuous Improvement: Work with supply chain and Stoneridge cross functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing product quality and reducing costs, manage and maintain MRB to goal projected.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

•    Technical or Quality Bachelor’s degree with 2 years’ experience or 10 years’ experience in Automotive Quality/Supplier Quality.
•    Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively with suppliers, senior leadership, and internal teams.
•    Demonstrated skills in developing suppliers’ Automotive quality assurance methodologies, tools, and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF, AIAG, VDA, SPC, APQP, PPAP).
•    Strong problem-solving skills (Six Sigma Green Belt, Kepner-Tregoe, Shainin)
•    Detailed understanding of multiple manufacturing processes (Injection molding, stamping, casting, PCBA, assembly, etc.).
•    Ability to travel
•    Knowledge and skills of Precision devices measurements 
•    Engineering background with clear basic knowledge 
•    Very good Understanding of manufacturing processes 

Location:

• Onsite in Lexington, Ohio
• 20% Travel within the US.

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Stoneridge is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by the applicable laws in the countries we operate. Stoneridge also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.