Contractor - Senior SQA Engineer - Automotive

Overview

Role: Contractor - Senior SQA Engineer - Automotive 

Location: Van Buren Township, Michigan (DTC - Detroit Technology Center)

Role ID: 2026-3246

 

Ricardo’s Automotive and Industrial division are seeking a key team member to support a major project recently awarded. 

 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone wishing to apply their Supplier Quality Engineering experience and knowledge in a dynamic hands-on environment, producing world class products and working closely with a diverse client base.

 

Key Purpose

 

As a Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality of purchased parts throughout the entire process, from concept to series production, for the suppliers and projects assigned to you.  This role may involve working independently or collaborating as part of a team on specific projects. Additionally, you may be required to travel both within the USA and internationally.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Audit and assess suppliers, contributing to the nomination process.
• Perform Supplier Quality Assurance activities within the supply chain, including Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and conduct surveillance visits to support series launches.
• Create and manage customer quality requirements to ensure effective communication throughout the supply chain.
• Generate goods receiving inspection documents for both pre-production and production phases.
• Conduct series process and part approvals during product launches.
• Collaborate closely with procurement, design, and systems engineers to ensure parts are cost-effective, fit for purpose, and meet required quality standards.
• Engage in proactive and reactive supplier improvement activities, resolving parts quality issues using the 8D methodology and other automotive industry tools.
• Manage supplier quality performance by verifying and implementing corrective actions in the pre-series phase.
• Oversee quality implications of any product and process changes.
• Report project status against targets, both internally and to customers.
• Supervise and coach the Supplier Quality Assurance Engineering team.
• Actively participate in continuous improvement by developing and introducing new quality-focused processes and procedures at Ricardo. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• Proven experience in quality engineering or supplier quality management.
• Strong understanding of IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001, CGMP, and other relevant quality standards.
• Manufacturing background required, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Supplier auditing experience required. 

Essential Technical Skills

• Experience in New Product Introduction (NPI) and/or Supplier Quality Assurance or a similar role with transferable skills relevant to specified objectives.
• Preferred experience in the automotive sector, though relevant experience from other industries will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of automotive technology and product development, particularly in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Practical experience with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics in all interactions with clients, suppliers, and colleagues.
• Capability for self-management and resilience while working toward challenging targets.
• Auditor training in IATF 16949 and/or ISO 9001 preferred.
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes and components (e.g., casting, machining, molding, assembly, fabrication) and measurement techniques.
• Experience and understanding of geometric design and tolerancing.
• Knowledge of quality systems, tools, and techniques.
• Proficiency in quality control methodologies and tools.
• Preferred mechanical knowledge to understand product specifications and requirements, particularly in casting and machining.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to perform effective root cause analysis.
• Strong communication skills for effective collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of supplier quality.

Skills and Attributes for Success

• A strong motivation to perform and excel in a high-performance organization.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Capabili