Job
Description
Job Description – Supplier Quality Engineer (Automobile Industry)Department: Quality / SQE
Location: Plant / Supplier Sites
Reports To: Quality Manager / SQE Lead
Job PurposeTo ensure incoming parts from suppliers meet company quality standards by conducting audits, inspections, process validation, and driving continuous improvement at supplier end. Acts as the primary interface between the company and suppliers on quality-related issues.
Key Responsibilities1. Supplier Quality AssuranceEvaluate and approve new suppliers through audits and capability assessments.
Review PPAP, APQP documents, and ensure supplier readiness for new part development.
Monitor ongoing supplier performance using PPM, defect trends, quality scorecards.
Conduct process audits, product audits, and layered audits at supplier locations.
2. Incoming Quality ControlDefine inspection standards, sampling plans, and critical-to-quality (CTQ) parameters.
Address incoming material issues through robust inspection and documentation.
Coordinate with stores and production for rejection segregation and quarantine.
3. Supplier Development & ImprovementLead root-cause analysis (5Why, Ishikawa, 8D) and ensure permanent corrective actions.
Drive supplier improvement programs for reducing defects, improving capability, and cost control.
Work with suppliers to implement SPC, FMEA, MSA, and process standardization.
Support suppliers in meeting IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements.
4. New Part Development (NPD)Participate in APQP activities: feasibility, control plans, PFMEA, process flow, checkpoints.
Validate samples through dimensional and functional checks, layout inspection, and PDI.
Approve PPAP submission and ensure smooth transition to mass production.
5. Customer & Internal CollaborationWork with internal teams (Production, Quality, Purchase, R&D) for quality improvement.
Support customer audits, visits, and quality escalations related to supplied components.
Provide timely reporting on supplier issues, NCRs, CAPAs, and improvement status.
6. Documentation & ReportingMaintain supplier audit reports, PPM reports, rejection analysis, and CAPA status.
Prepare monthly supplier performance scorecards.
Maintain compliance to IATF / ISO documentation standards.
Skills & Competencies RequiredStrong knowledge of automotive quality tools:
APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, 8D, 5Why, Ishikawa
Experience in handling machining, sheet metal, plastic, casting, or electronics suppliers (as relevant).
Supplier audit and process capability assessment skills.
Good negotiation, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work extensively at supplier locations.
Proficiency in MS Office, measurement instruments (Vernier, CMM reports, gauges, etc.).
Education & Experience
Qualification: BE / B.Tech – Mechanical, Automobile, Production, or related field
Experience:
2–5 years for SQE / Supplier Quality Engineer
1–3 years for Junior / Executive level
Experience within the automobile or auto-component industry preferred.
