The Lead Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for managing quality performance of assigned suppliers. Responsible for product / part qualifications. Tracks metrics & works on quality improvement plans addressing problem areas. Reviews & approves quality plans. Investigates quality escapes to provide root cause analysis & ensures effective corrective and preventive actions are taken. Mentors suppliers in the application of quality requirements and tools. Provides onsite support as needed.

Essential Functions (Responsibilities):

• Manage supplier qualifications to ensure that assigned suppliers are capable of producing material, and/or components that will consistently meet GE Engineering drawing and specification requirements
• Own the product / manufacturing process qualifications at the assigned suppliers and ensure the satisfactory closures within the timelines needed by the business.
• New Supplier Evaluation / on boarding - Rigorously execute the supplier evaluation process, including quality & compliance audits / assessments to ensure that only appropriately qualified suppliers are taken through the process. Work with sourcing/commodity team to meet business objectives of new supplier addition.
• Conduct surveillance audits to assure that suppliers have effective process control, rigorous product acceptance standards, and robust quality systems
• Own SRG (Supplier Responsibility Governance) metrics for the assigned suppliers and conduct SRG audits per the region audit plan.
• Conduct process capability statistical analysis to proactively identify issue trends
• Manage supplier non-conformance and Supplier Deviation Request (SDR) activities. Owner of process and 1st technical interface with supplier and engineering
• Perform robust Root Cause Analysis to solve quality issues and prevent reoccurrence
• Be the technical focal point in coordinating sourcing, Design Engineering & Materials Engineering functions while interfacing with suppliers.
• Drive consistency and adherence to quality procedures and specification requirements
• Provide technical guidance to suppliers to assure product/process compliance with engineering drawings and specifications
• Work closely with commercial, engineering and manufacturing teams to eliminate any barriers that may affect the quality and delivery of sourced components
• Provide Sourcing Quality input to Engineering during product design reviews

Qualification/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Technical Degree) - in Mechanical or Metallurgical Engineering / Advanced Technical Degree.
• Minimum 8-12 Years industry experience in Quality / Manufacturing / Supplier Development functions having hands-on experience in the manufacturing process and complexities of commodities such as raw materials, castings, forgings and machining.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Supply Chain, Supplier Quality
• Demonstrated technical aptitude and a passion for quality.
• Strong background in interpretation of Engineering drawings/specifications, metrology, and manufacturing process planning/evaluation. Must understand GD&T and be able to lead technical design and manufacturing reviews with suppliers.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work in cross-functional team environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Six Sigma Green Belt / Black Belt certified or equivalent (demonstrated experience) for GE candidates. The competencies needed in improving supplier statistical capability, evaluating readiness to serve, including capacity verifications
• Project Management skills
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally at short notice. Travel > 50%

Desired Characteristics:

• ASNT Level II or III certification in NDT
• Well versed with the industry technical standards and codes such as from ASTM, ASME etc
• ISO Lead auditor certified by 3rd party registrar or accepted internal GE training/certification program
• Certified RCA Leader or other proven expertise with formal problem solving (8D, 3 x 5 Why Analysis, Apollo, etc).
• Experience in Lean methodology and its application
• Experience in Power Generation equipment manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrated proactive approach and issue ownership with process orientation.
• Highly self-motivated.
• Influencing Skills
• Certified to lead Supplier Responsibility Guidelines programs for suppliers in “mandatory regions” (GE candidates from Sourcing)