Sr Supplier Quality Engineer

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Varian Medical Systems, a Siemens Healthineers company is hiring a Sr Supplier Quality Engineer onsite at our HQ In Palo Alto, California. In this role you will ensure and improve the supplier quality in the assigned area of dedicated business (Medical Device products and services).

What You will do:

• Own Site-Level Supplier Performance
  Manage assigned suppliers to ensure alignment with quality and operational requirements across QII, Manufacturing, Installation, and Field Service.
• Ensure Quality and Operational Continuity
  Identify and mitigate supplier quality risks, manage Qnotes and MRB processes, and minimize scrap, disruption, and field impact.
• Lead Supplier Management and Improvement Efforts
  Drive daily supplier communication, performance monitoring (e.g., dashboards, KPIs), compliance to standards, and targeted improvement initiatives.
• Partner Cross-Functionally to Drive Results
  Collaborate with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Procurement (strategic and operational), Service, SQMs, and SMEs to resolve issues, support operations, and improve efficiency. Participate in AVM and related forums to ensure timely resolution of non-conformances.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and Specification Alignment
  Engage in NPI processes to ensure manufacturability, clear specifications, and supplier alignment using QATS tools. Partner with Engineering and suppliers to define critical attributes, acceptance criteria, and inspection strategies (FAI, PSI).
• Drive Supplier Quality Improvement and Issue Resolution
  Act as the SME for assigned suppliers, leading root cause analysis, SCAR processes, and corrective actions. Track and close supplier issues, manage Supplier Change Notifications (SCN), and reduce defects impacting manufacturing, installation, and service.
• Implement Quality at the Source (QATS)
  Guide suppliers in adopting QATS tools (e.g., PFMEA, SPC, MSA, Cpk, Control Plans) to improve process control, increase part acceptance, and shift from inspection to data-driven validation.
• Monitor Field Performance and Escalate Risks
  Partner with Service teams to analyze field data, drive supplier root cause and corrective actions, and communicate emerging risks, status, and mitigation plans clearly to stakeholders.
• Reduce Cost of Poor Quality
  Analyze and reduce non-conformance and warranty costs by identifying trends, addressing root causes, and implementing sustainable improvements.
• Conduct Supplier Audits and Ensure Compliance
  Perform for-cause audits, identify root causes, drive corrective actions, and ensure ongoing compliance with quality and regulatory requirements.

What You will Have:

• Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Biomedical, fields OR equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of technical leadership experience in Supply Chain engineering, design engineering and/or Supplier Quality Engineering.
• Experience in healthcare and medical technology sector and strong understanding of ISO13485 and ISO9001
• Experience driving improvements in a PPAP/APQP environment where suppliers share in the quality data and monitoring techniques
• Ability to lead projects consisting of cross-functional teams, and manage complex problem solving projects with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in understanding supplier manufacturing process, engineering requirements, and design solutions in a regulated industry.
• Understanding of supplier controls necessary to ensure design specs are met and adhered to
• Experience with lean manufacturing, statistical process control, Six Sigma, and design for manufacturability practices.
• Strong track record of problem solving and driving process improvements
• Passion for Travel and Onsite Supplier Engagement. Willingness to travel This role will require travel to supplier locations both domestically and internationally, minimum of 30-40%, potentially on short notice.
• Proven strong communicator with internal and external partners
• Familiarity with eQMS including: quality management systems, quality management software and ERP systems (SAP preferred)

What will set You apart:

• One or more of the following certifications: Certified Quality Engine