Supplier Quality Engineer - Sheet Metal

Job Title

Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) – Sheet Metal

Purpose of the Role

To ensure consistent quality, compliance, and capability of sheet metal suppliers by controlling processes, preventing defects, reducing COPQ, and ensuring on‑time, right‑first‑time supply.

Key Roles & Responsibilities 1. Supplier Qualification & Development

• Evaluate and approve sheet metal suppliers through process audits (laser cutting, bending, welding, powder coating, painting).
• Assess supplier capability for capacity, tooling, fixtures, and manpower.
• Drive supplier development plans for quality, cost, delivery, and safety.
• Support new supplier onboarding and localization initiatives.

2. Incoming Quality Assurance

• Define and implement incoming inspection plans (AQL, first‑off, layout inspection).
• Ensure PPAP / ISIR approval before SOP for all new or changed parts.
• Monitor incoming rejection trends and take preventive actions.
• Ensure proper material traceability (CRCA, HR, GI, SS grades).

3. Process Control at Supplier End

• Ensure process control plans for:
  • Laser / turret punching
  • Bending (angle, spring back control)
  • Welding (spot, MIG/TIG)
  • Surface treatment (phosphating, powder coating, painting)
• Verify fixture adequacy, poka‑yoke, and in‑process checks.
• Ensure adherence to special process requirements (welding qualification, coating parameters).

4. Non‑Conformance Management

• Lead supplier NCRs, 8D / RCA, and closure within agreed timelines.
• Drive root cause elimination, not containment‑only actions.
• Ensure horizontal deployment of corrective actions across similar parts.
• Escalate repeat issues and trigger Stop & Correct culture.

5. Change Management

• Control engineering changes (ECO/ECN) at supplier end.
• Ensure re‑PPAP / re‑qualification for:
  • Material change
  • Process change
  • Tooling or source change
• Prevent unauthorized changes at supplier end.

6. Supplier Performance Monitoring

• Track and review:
  • PPM
  • COPQ
  • On‑time delivery impact due to quality
• Conduct monthly supplier quality reviews.
• Drive continuous improvement projects (Kaizen, VA/VE).

7. Audit & Compliance

• Conduct supplier audits:
  • ISO 9001 / IMS compliance
  • Process & product audits
• Ensure compliance to:
  • Drawings & specifications
  • Surface finish, thickness, flatness, burr control
• Support customer and third‑party audits.

8. Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Work closely with:
  • Engineering – for DFM, tolerances, ECOs
  • SCM/Purchase – supplier performance & sourcing decisions
  • Production – fitment, assembly issues, damage feedback
• Support new product development (NPDI) activities.

9. Packaging & Logistics Quality

• Approve packing standards to avoid transit damage.
• Ensure handling, stacking, and protection of sheet metal parts.
• Drive improvements for rust prevention, scratch & dent control.

10. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain:
  • Supplier quality records
  • Audit reports
  • PPAP / ISIR documents
• Provide management dashboards for supplier quality status