Supplier Quality Engineer III

This role combines supplier quality assurance, development, and performance improvement to ensure Rheem’s global supply base meets stringent quality, cost, and delivery standards. The Supplier Quality Engineer III will lead initiatives to assess, enhance, and sustain supplier capabilities, leveraging Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Lean principles, and advanced quality tools. 

This position serves the Enterprise Division and Global Quality Improvement team, located in Atlanta, GA, Montgomery, AL, or Ft. Smith, AR (Onsite).

• Conduct supplier audits to evaluate manufacturing capabilities, quality systems, and compliance with APQP processes.

• Lead capacity and risk assessments at supplier sites, defining and implementing mitigation plans to meet capability and delivery targets.

• Lead APQP activities, including Onsite PPAP, FMEA, control plans, and process capability planning, to ensure product quality from design to production.

• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier issues using methodologies like 8D, Red X Shainin, Six Sigma, or Lean to minimize defects (including travel to affected Rheem plants and suppliers as necessary).

• Support supplier process certification (e.g., ProCert) and Early Production Containment for new product introductions (NPI).

• Collaborate with suppliers to enhance on-time delivery through capacity planning, process optimization, and inventory management.

• Coach suppliers in Lean methodologies (e.g., Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kanban) to optimize processes and eliminate waste.

• Serve as the primary technical liaison for supplier-related quality, operational, and NPI discussions.

• Foster strong collaboration with internal teams (e.g., procurement, engineering, R&D) and external partners.

• Track and report supplier KPIs, including defect rates, parts per million (PPMs), on-time delivery (OTD), and cost savings, ensuring compliance with APQP and Lean standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or related field) from an accredited institution. Master’s degree or MBA is a plus.

• 5+ years in supplier development, supplier quality, or manufacturing engineering, with hands-on experience in APQP and Lean implementation.

• 5+ years in process improvement, operational excellence, or supplier quality roles in industries like automotive, aerospace, or electronics.

• Proven success in improving supplier quality, on-time delivery, and cost metrics.

• Experience with supplier evaluation, capacity assessments, and auditing.

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and supply chain management.

• Expertise in APQP (e.g., PPAP, FMEA), Lean tools (e.g., Kaizen, VSM, Kanban), and problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Fishbone, Red X Shainin).

• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab) and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and think strategically.

• Knowledge of industry standards like ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or AS9100.

• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers.

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (50-60%) to supplier sites, with no travel restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Skilled in precision measurement techniques and use of standard metrology best practices.

• Proficient in interpreting engineering drawings and applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA).

• Certified ISO/TS Lead Auditor with hands-on experience in supplier quality system audits.

• Practical working experience with statistical software such as Minitab for data analysis and reporting.

• Experience with advanced quality tools including FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, SPC, and Gage R&R.

• Red X Shainin Journeyman, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, ASQ Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or equivalent.

• In-depth knowledge of supplier development and continuous improvement strategies.

• Bi-lingual (English, Spanish)

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