Description

Applied Research Associates (ARA) is looking for a Staff Supplier Quality Engineer with a broad set of skills and experience to join our Southwest Division in Albuquerque, NM. Our diverse, energetic, and collaborative Concept Development Group offers an excellent opportunity to join our dynamic, employee-owned team in providing critical capabilities to our warfighters through innovative engineering solutions. The Supplier Quality Engineer works closely with purchasing, engineering and our suppliers to develop relationships that improve overall component quality as well as identify, vet and qualify potential new vendors. They will define a strategy and key requirements for supplier on-boarding, maintenance, issue resolution, and continuous improvement.

As a Supplier Quality Engineer, you will proactively work with suppliers before and during manufacturing process to ensure successful execution, resulting in on time delivery of high-quality components. When quality issues occur, works with internal departments and supplier to ensure defects are addressed in a timely manner and dispositions are clearly communicated, as well as implement risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to minimize disruptions and ensure continuity of supply.

Essential Duties:

• Lead and manage supplier performance activities to ensure high-quality standards and timely delivery of materials and components.

• Conduct thorough inspections of components procured from third-party suppliers to verify their authenticity and quality.

• Conduct thorough root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions to address supplier quality issues.

• Maintain accurate records of inspection results, non-conformities, and corrective actions taken.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, focusing on continuous improvement and collaboration.

• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance metrics, identifying trends and areas for improvement.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, procurement, and quality, to ensure supplier performance aligns with company standards and project requirements.

• Provide technical guidance and support to suppliers to enhance their manufacturing processes and quality control systems.

• Drive supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

• Lead supplier development initiatives, including training programs and process improvement projects.

• Prepare and present supplier performance reports to senior management, highlighting key findings and recommendations.

• Stay current with industry trends and best practices related to supplier quality management and casting production.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in Supplier Quality Management or Strategic Sourcing, with a focus on production and quality.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Proven expertise in performing complete root cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventive actions.

• Strong knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements related to supplier quality management.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong supplier relationships.

• Proficiency in using quality management tools and software.

• Willingness to travel as needed to visit supplier sites and conduct audits.

• Able to work independently and ensure tasks are completed with little supervision.

• Achievement-oriented - enjoys taking on challenges, even if they might fail.

• Possess the ability to be a team player.

• Strong prioritization, organization, and project management skills.

Qualifications

Behaviors

Required

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

Required

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help

• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Education

Required

• Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering

Preferred

• Bachelors or better in Industrial Engineering

Experience

Required

• 5-7 years: Relevant work experience

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)