Plant Support(SQE-Automotive Manufacturing)Thiruvallur

Job Description Supplier Quality Engineer (Plant Support Automotive Manufacturing)

Position: Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) Plant Support
Experience: 1015 Years
Industry: Automotive / Passenger Vehicle Manufacturing
Location: Thiruvallur

Position Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) – Plant Support is responsible for ensuring supplier quality performance and driving rapid resolution of supplier-related quality issues impacting vehicle manufacturing operations. The role acts as the primary interface between the manufacturing plant, suppliers, purchasing, engineering, and quality teams to contain disruptions, implement corrective actions, and improve supplier process capability.

The ideal candidate should possess extensive experience in automotive supplier quality management, problem-solving methodologies, APQP/PPAP processes, and mass production quality assurance to support uninterrupted vehicle production.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Quality Management

• Lead resolution of supplier-related quality issues affecting vehicle assembly operations.
• Drive containment actions and ensure timely implementation at supplier and plant levels.
• Monitor supplier quality KPIs including PPM, warranty performance, scrap, rework, and delivery quality.
• Review supplier quality performance and develop improvement plans for underperforming suppliers.
• Support supplier development activities to improve manufacturing process capability and product quality.

Plant Support & Issue Resolution

• Provide immediate support for production disruptions caused by supplier quality concerns.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to contain quality concerns and minimize production downtime.
• Conduct root cause analysis using 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, Ishikawa, and other structured problem-solving tools.
• Ensure effective implementation and verification of corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead supplier quality escalation processes and track closure of critical issues.

Supplier Audits & Process Assessments

• Conduct supplier process audits, MPA audits, layered process audits, and special assessments.
• Evaluate compliance to IATF 16949, ISO 9001, AIAG Core Tools, and customer-specific requirements.
• Assess manufacturing processes including stamping, welding, painting, molding, machining, and assembly operations.
• Monitor closure of audit findings and ensure sustainability of corrective actions.

APQP / PPAP Management

• Support supplier APQP activities for engineering changes and new model launches.
• Review and approve PPAP submissions in line with customer requirements.
• Verify process controls, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, and capability studies.
• Manage supplier change requests and ensure risk assessments are completed before implementation.

Warranty & Field Quality

• Analyze warranty returns and field failure trends related to supplier components.
• Coordinate supplier investigations for warranty and customer complaints.
• Drive permanent corrective actions to reduce repeat failures and warranty cost.

Continuous Improvement

• Promote defect prevention methodologies across the supplier base.
• Implement lessons learned and best practices throughout the supply chain.
• Drive supplier quality improvement projects focused on zero defects and customer satisfaction.
• Support digital quality systems, dashboards, and performance reporting.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Automobile, Industrial, Production, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 10–15 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Plant Quality within the automotive industry.
• Strong understanding of vehicle manufacturing processes and supplier quality systems.
• Experience managing Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers.

Technical Skills

• AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC)
• IATF 16949 Quality Management System
• 8D Problem Solving Methodology
• CQI Assessments (CQI-9, CQI-11, CQI-12, CQI-15, CQI-23, etc.)
• Statistical Analysis and Process Capability
• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Management
• Supplier Audits and Process Assessments
• Quality Reporting and KPI Management

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Strong stakeholder management and supplier relationship skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capability.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams during quality crises.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Results-oriented with strong follow-up and execution focus.
• Ability to work under pressure in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting passenger vehicle manufacturing plants.
• Exposure to supplier quality escalation management.
• Experience with painting, plastics, metal stamping, electronics, or interior/exterior automotive components.
• Certification in VDA 6.3, IATF 16949 Internal Auditor, CQI Assessor, or Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt).

Key Success Metrics

• Supplier PPM Reduction
• Production Disruption Reduction
• Escalation Closure Performance
• Corrective Action Effectiveness
• Audit Closure Compliance
• Warranty Claim Reduction
• Supplier Quality Improvement Performance
• Customer Satisfaction and Plant Quality Metrics

Interested Candidates drop your updated CV to the below What's app Number [phone removed] (only what's app) / [email removed]