Supplier Quality Development Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking a Supplier Quality Development Engineer who will be responsible for secure and improve the performance of capital equipment and Projects & Services suppliers by assessing their quality systems, process and product capabilities. Support supplier selection, new product introduction, and lead systematic quality improvement initiatives across the supply base.

The Supplier Quality Development Engineer plays a key role in strengthening supplier quality performance across the supply chain. The position focuses on evaluating supplier capabilities, executing qualification processes, and driving corrective and preventive actions.
The role supports cross-functional collaboration and ensures supplier products and processes align with internal standards, contributing to the reliability and efficiency of operations. It also acts as a key point of reference for Capital Equipment Projects, Procurement Equipment Projects & Services, and Procurement Regional Coordination.

You will be based in Tokyo or Gotemba, Japan.
This role involves up to 40% business travel for supplier site visits, audits, and on-site quality improvement activities, including both domestic and international travel. It requires a flexible, self-driven professional with strong organizational capabilities.

What you will do

As our Supplier Quality Development Engineer will do:

• Execute supplier qualification processes, including on-site audits of quality systems, manufacturing processes, and product compliance, while continuously monitoring supplier performance against KPIs to ensure consistent quality standards.
• Drive and track Supplier Improvement Plans, ensuring effective and sustainable implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead root cause analysis for supplier-related issues and customer complaints, ensuring robust problem-solving and elimination of recurring risks.
• Execute and ensure compliance with Manufacturing Validation activities (PPAP).
• Identify potential supply chain quality risks and proactively implement preventive control measures.
• Lead transversal continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., WCM, Six Sigma, P-FMEA).
• Collaborate closely with Supplier Managers, Engineering, D&T, Project Management, and Logistics to ensure alignment across stakeholders.
• Support supplier strategy deployment and participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) and strategic supplier projects.
• Monitor, report, and communicate supplier quality performance metrics and improvement progress.
• Attend technical reviews and stay updated on component and module changes impacting suppliers.

We believe you have

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in supplier quality management, supplier development, quality assurance, or quality control within manufacturing
• Proven experience in supplier audits, PPAP, and corrective action management
• Hands-on experience in machining, welding, and fabrication processes
• Welding expertise preferred (e.g., VT Level 2 certification is a plus)
• Experience in multinational environments or consulting is advantageous
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)