Job Description

The Supplier Quality Engineer supports supplier quality initiatives that enable the business to achieve its operational and strategic supplier quality objectives. This role partners with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders to improve supplier performance, manufacturing processes, and product quality by applying quality engineering principles, industry standards, and continuous improvement methodologies. The Supplier Quality Engineer helps ensure suppliers consistently deliver products that meet customer, regulatory, and business requirements while driving operational excellence across the supply base.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with external suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders including Purchasing, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supply Chain to improve supplier quality and business outcomes.
• Support supplier quality planning activities by applying Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) Core Tools, and Cummins quality methodologies.
• Evaluate and improve supplier manufacturing processes to enhance process capability, product quality, manufacturability, and operational performance.
• Participate in supplier quality audits and, when qualified, lead low-complexity supplier audits to assess compliance with quality management systems, manufacturing standards, and customer requirements.
• Investigate supplier quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies, support root cause analysis, implement corrective and preventive actions, and verify the effectiveness of solutions.
• Monitor supplier quality performance and analyze quality metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Support supplier development initiatives focused on improving manufacturing capability, reducing defects, enhancing process stability, and achieving Zero Defect performance.
• Apply AIAG Core Tools including PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and Source Release to validate supplier manufacturing processes and production readiness.
• Participate in quality planning and supplier performance improvement projects across assigned suppliers, commodities, or product segments.
• Support new product introduction activities by ensuring supplier readiness, process validation, and compliance with engineering and customer requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, statistical analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure supplier compliance with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and Cummins quality expectations.

Competencies

• Supplier Quality Management
• Supplier Performance Improvement
• Supplier Quality Planning and Execution (APQP)
• Supplier Auditing and Quality Management Systems
• AIAG Core Tools (PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA)
• Manufacturing Process Design and Validation
• Product and Process Quality Assurance
• Supplier Product Reliability
• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action
• Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement
• Statistical Analysis and Process Capability
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Engineering Drawing and Technical Requirement Interpretation
• Measurement System Design and Validation
• Quality Standards (ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949)
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Methodologies
• Communication and Stakeholder Management
• Customer Focus
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Quality Influence and Decision Making
• Valuing Differences and Inclusive Collaboration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical or scientific discipline is required.
• Professional certifications in Quality, Lean, Six Sigma, or Supplier Quality are preferred.
• Certification as a Quality Auditor or Lead Auditor is advantageous.
• This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Skills & Experience

• Relevant experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supplier Development, or a related technical discipline.
• Working knowledge of supplier quality management principles and manufacturing processes.
• Experience applying APQP and AIAG Core Tools including PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and standards, including ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949.
• Experience participating in or conducting supplier quality audits.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience using structured root cause analysis methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Knowledge of manufacturing technologies, process validation, and measurement systems.
• Experience using statistical methods to evaluate process performance and support quality improvement initiatives.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, automotive, industrial, or heavy equipment environment is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute effectively in a fast-paced, global organization.

Preference will be given to candidates experienced in aftermarket services, remanufacturing, transformation projects, and managing supply chain quality across the value chain.

Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.