Lead Supplier Quality Engineering Specialist

Job Description Summary

The Lead Supplier Quality Engineer ( SQE) for Grid Solutions - Grid Automation is responsible to ensure the supply base manfuctures robust products which meet quality standards required to minimize quality costs and maximise customer satisfaction whilst ensuring that procedures and processes are adhered .The successful candidate will work in a team environment with Suppliers, SQE, Sourcing, Production Quality and Engineering to develop and implement best practices that emphasise defect prevention, reduction in variation and waste and provide for continuous improvements in meeting all customer requirements. This includes analyzing supplier defect/performance data for the sites, identifying data trends across parts, a Suppliers and translate analytical data/metrics into defect resolution/risk mitigation actions . The SQE will also investigate, evaluate, and resolve supplier quality problems, conduct audits, and part qualifications and participate in or lead continuous improvement projects.

Job Description

• Manage all Supplier Quality activities at multiple sites in GA Europe to drive supplier qualification, process control, continuous improvement, and issue resolution activities.
• Establish a structured approach to identify and improve quality assurance gaps as related to GA/ GS Quality processes and procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement activities at Suppliers to include product quality, cycle, and delivery performance through use of standard metrics, Lean Six Sigma, and SPC methodology.
• Drive COQ and DPMO reduction activities for supply base and establish process to ensure best practices and top suppliers are leveraged across entire GA team.
• Drive all SQE-related activities within new product introduction (NPI) process to understand design intent and technical requirements and to ensure SQE NPI deliverables on Supplier and Part qualification are accurate and delivered on time.
• Drive supplier performance to include identifying and driving supplier process improvements, root cause analysis, and corrective action/ preventive action.
• Establish program to identify, monitor, and improve supplier process capabilities for identified CTQs/CTPs to include conducting regular design and drawing reviews with GE and supplier engineering teams.
• Drive supplier process change control for the supply base to ensure no defects escape to GE or its customers using 8D methodology
• Work closely with internal GE & GS stakeholders such as Sourcing, Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering as well as with external stakeholders to eliminate roadblocks and communication barriers that may affect quality and delivery requirements.
• Establish and drive Supplier qualification and surveillance strategy for Key suppliers based on buy volume, defect history, single/sole source suppliers, and NPI programs and ensure strategy is directly aligned with business priorities and needs.
• Establish and drive key GA Supplier Quality initiatives across the supply base to include Supplier KPIs and initiatives such as Cost of Failure & Supplier Recovery, FPY, RTY, DPPM, GB/ BB projects, and RCA/CA/ 8D activities.
• Establish and drive Supplier quality review rigor across supply base to include active participation from GA Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, and Quality teams.
• Support productivity initiatives including cost savings projects based on input from Sourcing and Engineering stakeholders.
• Develop and lead critical supplier quality updates to senior leadership on all supplier metrics, RCA, and NPI programs.
• Coordinate initiation and resolution of Supplier Deviation Requests (SDRs), material substitutions and quality control reviews on non-conformances at supplier facility.

• BA/BS Technical or Business Degree or Equivalent Experience
• Fluent in English and additional language (Portuguese, French or Eastern European language)
• Strong background in interpretation of Engineering drawings/specifications, metrology, and manufacturing process planning/evaluation.
• Background in applicable quality and lean tools/techniques to include: pFMEA, DFM , MPP, QCP, RCA/Apollo/8D, PPAP, Kaizen, VSM
• Proficiency with ERP systems
• Commodity experience related to the following: aluminum castings, machining,harnesses, sheet metal, PCBA, electronic components
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite ( Excel spreadsheet development and analysis , Powerpoint for presentations etc)
• Significant experience in Sourcing, Quality, Engineering, or Manufacturing
• Ability to travel 20-30% ( local and International)

• Working knowledge and regular usage of data analysis tools with hands on experience with data analysis tools such as Minitab
• Experience related to Protection and Control product line
• Six Sigma GB or BB trained and certified (GE employees only).
• In-depth knowledge of internal auditing and/or ISO 9001:2000 standard.
• Extensive background in applicable engineering processes/techniques to include: Tooling, NDT, FVT/ICT Testing, Brazing, and Soldering.
• Significant leadership experience.
• Demonstrated technical aptitude and passion for quality.
• Lean mindset and agile approach.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work in cross-functional team environment.
• Highly motivated and able to manage multiple projects at once.
• Results driven and self directed.
• Ability to influence others.
• Ability to keep business leaders and peers informed about strategies/plans that will affect them.
• IPC certification and J-STD-001 Training.
• Certified Auditor.