Job Title: Senior Supplier Quality EngineerLocation: ChennaiDepartment: Quality AssuranceReports To: Manager- QualityJob Summary:The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that all materials and components from suppliers meet the required quality standards for Dellner Bubenzer India. The SQE will work closely with suppliers, procurement, and internal teams to drive continuous improvement, reduce defects, and enhance supplier performance. This role requires extensive knowledge of hydraulic and cooling unit key components, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively with global suppliers.Key Responsibilities:Supplier Quality Management:Develop, implement, and maintain supplier quality standards and processes.Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with Dellner quality standards, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and other relevant industry standards.Define and execute supplier quality agreements, ensuring clear expectations and continuous quality improvements.Collaborate with suppliers to drive process improvements and ensure corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are effectively implemented.Implement risk-based quality management strategies to mitigate supply chain risks.Supplier Evaluation and Development:Qualify new suppliers through capability assessments, process audits, and performance evaluations.Develop and implement supplier scorecards based on KPIs such as PPM (Parts Per Million), on-time delivery, NCR (Non-Conformance Reports), and cost of poor quality (COPQ).Work with suppliers to develop process control strategies, ensuring robust quality management systems (QMS) and advanced quality planning (APQP).Facilitate supplier training programs focused on defect prevention, problem-solving, and continuous improvement methodologies.Inspection and Testing:Develop and implement incoming inspection criteria, sampling plans, and acceptance test procedures (ATP).Perform First Article Inspections (FAI) and review PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) submissions for new and existing components.Conduct in-depth failure analysis (FA) and material inspections using techniques like CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine), X-ray, and destructive testing.Utilize statistical tools such as SPC (Statistical Process Control) and Measurement System Analysis (MSA) to drive data-based decision-making.Problem-Solving and Continuous Improvement:Investigate supplier quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, 5 Whys, and Ishikawa diagrams.Lead cross-functional teams to resolve supplier-related quality issues, ensuring sustainable corrective actions.Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles at supplier locations to improve process stability and capability.Work with suppliers on cost reduction initiatives while maintaining high quality standards.Documentation and Compliance:Maintain supplier quality documentation, including audit reports, corrective action reports, PPAP approvals, and quality agreements.Ensure compliance with global regulatory standards and customer-specific quality requirements.Drive standardization of supplier quality processes across the organization, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.Develop and deliver supplier training on quality standards, defect prevention, and best practices.Qualifications and Experience:Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical / Production/Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Experience: 5-7 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing, or quality engineering roles, preferably in hydraulics, braking systems, or industrial components.Certifications (Preferred): Internal Auditor (ISO 9001/ISO 14001), APQP, PPAP, VDA 6.3, or equivalent.Technical Skills:Expertise in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), SPC, and control plans.Strong understanding of hydraulic and cooling unit key components, including pumps, valves, actuators, heat exchangers, accumulators, reservoirs, filters, piping systems, and hydraulic fluids.Experience with quality tools such as MSA (Measurement System Analysis), DOE (Design of Experiments), and PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).Proficiency in ERP, PLM, and QMS software such as SAP, Oracle, or D365 equivalent.Hands-on experience with metrology equipment, CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine), and non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques.Soft Skills:Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.Effective project management and multitasking abilities, ensuring timely resolution of quality issues.Ability to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive quality improvements.Other Requirements:Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to supplier locations (up to 30-50% travel).Ability to work in a fast-paced, global environment, managing multiple suppliers and projects simultaneously.Strong understanding of cultural differences and ability to work with international suppliers effectively.