Quality Engineer - Suppliers at AECI Limited

Required outputs: functional

• Working closely with the suppliers by travelling to their facilities.
• Perform Root Cause Analysis of supplier caused defects, and that corrective and preventative actions are implemented in a timely manner.
• Develop and manage supplier improvement plans to achieve the necessary quality performance targets.
• Take leadership and keep a close interaction with the supplier in case of acute and severe quality issues.
• Work closely with procurement and incoming goods inspection to run the daily business.
• Countersign concessions authorizing the use of parts without risk, as required.
• Manage suppliers to deliver all the APQP requirements of New Product Implementation projects.
• Manage suppliers to ensure timely delivery of completed PPAPs for all supplied parts.
• Sign-off all supplier PPAPs, authorizing the release of parts and processes to the required quality and quantity.
• Perform supplier audits to qualify and verify the capability of suppliers to meet quality, cost and delivery requirements, in collaboration with Supply chain/Procurement. Define, determine and control improvement actions.
• Create visit reports and KPIs to monitor the supplier achievement against commitments.
• Manage the supplier performance and input the required performance data into the applicable performance monitoring databases.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to monitor the supplied part performance in the factory and in the field and manage the root cause analysis and improvement activities with the suppliers when required.
• Work with procurement and logistics periodically to create supplier evaluations and risk-assessments.
• Participate in the supplier JQM’s (Joined Quality Meetings).
• Lead the process of identifying, evaluating, and qualifying new suppliers based on quality capabilities and performance metrics. 
• Conducting regular supplier audits to assess their manufacturing processes, quality control systems, and compliance with company specifications.
• Investigate and address quality issues found during audits, customer complaints or received product inspections, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions. 
• Monitoring the implementation of corrective actions to address identified quality issues and ensure effective resolution. 
• Actively take part in new product development projects, ensuring quality requirements are integrated into design and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure products and processes meet quality standards throughout the manufacturing life cycle and suggest improvements at the supplier level

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical, Mechanical, or equivalent.
• Certified as a Quality Engineer (ASQ CQE) or Quality Manager (ASQ CQM) an advantage
• 7 years’ experience in the quality discipline or 3 years’ experience in Quality management.
• Experience with electronic component suppliers and electronic assembly suppliers is an advantage.
• Must have ability to function both independently as well as in a matrix organisation.
• Fully conversant with ISO systems.
• Understanding of the VDA6.3 principles relating to audits
• Excellent report writing skills (oral and written).
• Advanced computer skills with an elevated level of skills in MS Office products essential
• Statistical SW e.g. Minitab an advantage.
• Project Management experience within the quality discipline an advantage.
• Expert in leading root cause and risk analyses with suppliers using 8D, Ishikawa and Quality tools is essential
• Understanding drawings, specifications and tolerances is required
• A pragmatic and initiative-taking working style.
• Strong influencing skills, ability to innovate, and to take part in a driven and challenging team are essential.