SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Salary: USD 120,000 - 180,000 / annual
Harbinger is an American commercial electric vehicle (EV) company transforming the medium-duty EV and hybrid market. This Supplier Quality Engineer role focuses on cabin systems and interior components, working cross-functionally with Engineering, Suppliers, Purchasing, and Manufacturing teams.
You will define and implement supplier quality engineering processes, establish quality standards for interior and cabin components (seating assemblies, instrument panels, dashboards, door trim, HVAC controls, interior lighting, glass/windshields, insulation, and cabin hardware), and drive continuous improvement throughout the organization. Key responsibilities include:
• Develop and implement supplier quality standards, supplier quality portal, and processes tailored to cabin interior, trim, and human-interface components
• Inspect and test materials, sub-assemblies, and finished products to ensure functional, dimensional, and aesthetic specifications are met
• Conduct supplier assessments and evaluations to ensure suppliers meet automotive interior quality, craftsmanship, and flammability/safety standards
• Plan and conduct supplier audits to assess quality systems, production control processes, color/grain matching controls, tool longevity, and manufacturing capabilities
• Participate in supplier selection by providing quality-related, craftsmanship, and interior compliance input
• Lead weekly calls with suppliers to ensure cabin components meet quality, aesthetic, and timing requirements
• Monitor and report on supplier performance metrics (defect rates, cosmetic fallout, delivery times, compliance)
• Identify improvement areas and work with suppliers on root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, 5-Why)
• Investigate and resolve quality issues related to material defects, surface finish, squeak and rattle (NVH), color/gloss variation, and dimensional fit
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier quality, cabin craftsmanship, and interior ergonomics
• Work with suppliers to implement lean manufacturing practices, poke-yoke assembly fixtures, and statistical process controls
• Maintain accurate records of supplier quality performance, appearance sign-offs (AAR), audits, and corrective actions
• Ensure suppliers comply with relevant industry standards, cabin safety regulations (FMVSS 302 flammability, occupant impact standards), and company policies
• Stay updated on changes in industry standards and regulations affecting automotive interiors and materials compliance
• Lead supplier audits, APQP, PPAP (including Appearance Approval Reports), Gauge R&R, CMM/fixture validation, and safe launch activities
• Participate in Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA) and craftsmanship/gap-and-flush reviews
• Lead Material Review Board (MRB) meetings and act as quality representative for engineering change control board regarding cabin assemblies
Travel up to 30–50% domestically and internationally is required.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or similar technical field (required)
• 3–7 years of experience in manufacturing quality or supplier quality engineering in automotive, commercial vehicle, aerospace interior, or mass transit industries
• Hands-on experience or familiarity with vehicle cabin systems, including interior plastics, thermoforming, foam-in-place, seating mechanisms, upholstery/stitching, glass/glazing, HVAC ducting, or cabin electronics/displays
• ASQ Certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, or higher (preferred)
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001:2018 or IATF 16949 standards (strongly desired)
• Understanding of core quality tools: Quality Management Systems, Supplier/Internal Audits, APQP, SPC, PPAP (AAR), FMEA (DFMEA/PFMEA), and MSA
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
• High attention to visual and tactile details (fit and finish, color matching, texture, gap and flush, NVH/squeak-and-rattle mitigation)
• Excellent project management skills to manage multiple complex supplier projects simultaneously
• Strong understanding of interior manufacturing processes: plastic injection molding, blow molding, vacuum forming, leather/fabric wrapping, stamping, and electromechanical sub-assembly integration
• Strong knowledge of quality assurance methodologies, dimensional checking fixtures, surface measurement tools, and root cause analysis techniques
• Experience with supplier quality management, including auditing suppliers of interior trim, seating, and human-machine interface (HMI) modules
• Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS) and relevant software applications
