Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Summary 

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for driving exceptional supplier performance thus creating a world-class supply base that exceeds expectations for the business group and the global Supply Chain team. Specific focus will be supplier analysis, development activities, technical support, part qualifications, improvement activities, corrective actions, and new product introductions to ensure component parts and assemblies are consistently manufactured in total compliance to specified requirements. Simultaneously and in conjunction with the Strategic Purchasing Group this position will support the balanced improvement of quality, cost and service, all while operating within Nordson’s Lean manufacturing principals. 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities 

• Track the supplier’s performance indicators, based on their scorecards and rankings, to facilitate and develop the supply base’s ability to consistently meet or exceed our defined expectations. Improve Supplier Quality metrics. 

• Routinely provide performance communication to the supply base and internal personnel to ensure the proper use of suppliers based on performance. 

• Develop the supplier’s ability to support Nordson’s Lean manufacturing principles and problem avoidance processes through the use of best in class quality, delivery and lead-time performance processes. 

• Assist in the creation, documentation, and maintenance of standardized procedures for both the development and auditing of supplier quality systems, FAI and approval. 

• Drive a systematic problem solving and process improvement approach utilizing Lean Six Sigma principles. 

• Function as a technical liaison between suppliers, engineering, SCM group, business group, and manufacturing sites, to resolve supplier related issues. 

• Assure supplier’s corrective and preventive action plans are developed and executed in compliance with Nordson expectations. Report on the status of corrective actions, as required, to manufacturing, business group and executive management. 

• Perform supplier on-site assessments and assistance visits for supplier selection, to improve supplier performance, and achieve Nordson’s balanced improvement objectives. 

• Develop and implement (APQP) Advanced Product Quality Planning for new and existing purchase parts. 

• Review supplier processes, collaborate with suppliers on process improvement, and value enhancement opportunities. 

• Support and utilize the Strategic Group’s activities and direction on supplier development, risk management, reduction and consolidation. 

• Promote early supplier involvement at project development stages. 

• Support and coordinate with the Business Unit’s new product activities and direction to better ensure component manufacturability, more than satisfactory and sustainable quality performance for every component, particularly critical components, during the transition from new product development to production 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience Requirements 

• BS in Engineering or Engineering Technology  

• Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in direct supplier relationship management or industrial engineering with supplier interaction 

• Six Sigma Black/Green Belt, CQE, CQA or Lead Auditor certification a plus 

Preferred Skills and Abilities 

• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively at any level 

• Fundamentally sound in all basic processes and aspects of the function, including: 

• Inspection techniques 

• FAI 

• PPAP 

• Control Plans 

• PFMEA 

• 8D Corrective Action 

• A balanced professional capable of seeing the big picture while managing the details 

• Comfortable with solitary travel 

• Ability to manage supplier quality related projects and drive to completion with improvement 

• Thrive in a team environment and work well with others as well as independently 

• Ability to understand and communicate engineered drawings and specifications. 

• Detail-oriented, self-starter with strong organizational skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to develop effective processes and drive results. 

• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines 

• Ability to organize and priorities workloads. 

• Ability to act on own initiative, dealing with unexpected problems that arise 

• Problem solve and handle multiple tasks effectively 

• Proficiency with MS Office applications: Word, PowerPoint, Excel 

Working Conditions and Physical Demands 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Travel Required 

Minimal