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Saronic Technologies, founded in 2022 and headquartered in Austin, TX, is developing autonomous surface vessels for maritime defense. The Supplier Quality Engineer will be responsible for ensuring that products and materials sourced from suppliers meet the organization's quality standards and specifications.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing quality assurance processes and procedures for suppliers, monitoring supplier quality performance using key metrics (defect rates, on-time delivery, etc.), and taking corrective actions as needed.
- Conducting regular supplier audits, assessments, and inspections to ensure compliance with contractual quality requirements, regulatory standards, and internal procedures.
- Leading investigations into quality issues related to supplier materials or components, utilizing root cause analysis tools (5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, FMEA) to identify underlying causes of defects or failures, and developing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) in collaboration with suppliers.
- Partnering with suppliers to improve their quality systems, processes, and capabilities, providing technical support and guidance on quality-related issues.
- Maintaining accurate records of supplier quality performance, audits, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives; preparing and presenting regular reports to senior management and cross-functional teams.
- Working closely with internal teams (procurement, manufacturing, engineering, logistics) to address quality concerns related to supplier components or materials.
- Supporting the evaluation and qualification of new suppliers, ensuring their quality management systems meet company standards.
- Identifying potential risks in the supply chain related to product quality or supplier performance, and developing risk mitigation strategies.
- Participating in and driving continuous improvement projects using tools such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen.
The role requires occasional travel to supplier sites.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
- 3+ years of experience in quality engineering, supplier quality, or related roles, ideally in a manufacturing or production environment.
- Strong knowledge of quality standards and methodologies (ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO/TS 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, etc.).
- Experience conducting supplier audits, inspections, and quality assessments.
- Proficiency in root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, etc.).
- Familiarity with quality management systems (QMS) and continuous improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, Lean).
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate effectively with suppliers and internal teams.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with quality management software or ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
- Ability to travel to supplier sites as needed.
- Preferred: Certification in quality or supplier management (CQE, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or similar); experience in a global supply chain or with international suppliers; knowledge of advanced product quality planning (APQP) and product lifecycle management (PLM); experience in a regulated industry (automotive, defense, aerospace, medical devices, etc.).
