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Salary: USD 120,000 - 180,000 / annual
Harbinger Motors is an American commercial electric vehicle (EV) company developing innovative medium-duty EV and hybrid platforms. The company is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Suppliers, Purchasing, and Manufacturing teams to define and implement supplier quality engineering processes and drive continuous improvement throughout the organization.
In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing supplier quality standards, supplier quality portals, and supporting processes tailored to chassis/frame structures, functional safety components, and thermal management systems. You will inspect and test materials, sub-assemblies, and finished components including structural frame weldments, extrusions, castings, heat exchangers, pumps, coolant lines, airbags, seatbelts, and crash sensors to ensure safety and performance specifications are met.
Key responsibilities include conducting supplier assessments and evaluations to ensure compliance with stringent automotive safety standards, structural integrity, and leak-tightness specifications; planning and conducting supplier audits to assess quality systems, welding/joining processes, heat treatment, and leak testing methods; and participating in the supplier selection process by providing quality-related and regulatory compliance input. You will lead weekly calls with suppliers to ensure frame weldments, safety modules, and thermal components meet quality, safety, and timing requirements for various production stages.
You will monitor and report on supplier performance metrics such as defect rates, structural test yields, leak test pass rates, delivery times, and specification compliance. You will identify areas for improvement and work with suppliers to implement robust root cause analysis and corrective actions using methodologies like 8D and 5-Why analysis. Additional responsibilities include investigating and resolving quality issues related to material defects, weld integrity, structural tolerances, safety component traceability, and thermal fluid leakage; collaborating on CAPA implementation; leading continuous improvement initiatives; and working with suppliers to implement lean manufacturing practices, non-destructive testing (NDT), automated leak checks, and statistical process controls.
You will maintain accurate records of supplier quality performance, structural test reports, leak rate certifications, audits, and corrective actions. You must ensure suppliers comply with all relevant industry standards, safety regulations (FMVSS, ISO 26262 functional safety basics), and company policies. You will stay updated on changes in industry standards and regulations affecting automotive safety systems, structural crashworthiness, and thermal/environmental compliance. Additional activities include leading supplier audits, APQP, PPAP, Gauge R&R, non-destructive validation, and leak testing validation; participating in Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA) and risk mitigation reviews (DFMEA/PFMEA); and leading Material Review Board (MRB) meetings as a quality representative for the engineering change control board.
Travel up to 30-50% domestically and internationally is required.
**Requirements:**
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar technical field (required)
- 3–7 years of experience in manufacturing quality or supplier quality engineering in the automotive, commercial vehicle, EV, or aerospace industries
- Hands-on experience or familiarity with structural frame manufacturing (tubing, high-strength steel, aluminum extrusions, stampings, welding/brazing), thermal systems (heat exchangers, chillers, fluid lines, pressure testing, leak detection), or occupant safety components (airbags, seatbelts, crash sensors)
- 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, FMEA (DFMEA/PFMEA), and MSA
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
- Excellent project management skills with ability to manage multiple complex supplier projects simultaneously
- Strong understanding of fabrication and manufacturing processes including structural welding (MIG/TIG/Robotic), metal stamping, castings, extrusions, plastic molding, vacuum brazing, and fluid seal/leak testing methodologies
- Proven experience in a quality engineering role within an automotive or commercial vehicle production environment
- Strong knowledge of quality assurance methodologies, mechanical/thermal test validation, structural inspection techniques, and root cause analysis tools
- Experience with supplier quality management, including auditing suppliers of safety-critical structural or fluid-handling components
- Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS) and relevant software applications
