Job Description
As a Supplier Quality Engineer (STA) – Powertrain, you will work closely with suppliers and Ford cross‑functional teams to ensure robust manufacturing processes, on‑time PPAP approval, capacity readiness, and continuous quality improvement. You will play a critical role in launch execution, supplier risk mitigation, and long‑term manufacturing excellence.
Supplier Launch & Readiness
- Drive flawless launches at assigned supplier sites in collaboration with the Launch STA team.
- Lead supplier readiness activities including Schedule A, PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) and manufacturing feasibility reviews.
- Escalate critical issues promptly and drive structured “date‑to‑green” recovery plans with suppliers and management.
Supplier Capacity & Risk Management
- Conduct on‑site supplier evaluations for priority commodities in line with the GPDS supplier engagement process
- Support capacity studies with the Capacity Purchase team and Ford cross‑functional stakeholders.
- Review and approve supplier incremental tooling and capacity uplift plans in line with GCP study requirements.
- Monitor supplier capacity, production constraints, and 24/7 roster supply risks, including PPAPs beyond implementation timing.
- Review Capacity Analysis Reports (CARs) for compliance and drive corrective actions.
Quality & Manufacturing Excellence
- Drive robust supplier failure prevention using PFMEA, SCCAF, Control Plans (CP), and manufacturing health charts.
- Ensure supplier compliance to manufacturing health chart standards and support development of new health charts where required.
- Lead supplier compliance for special processes in collaboration with STA Technical Specialists.
- Drive continuous improvement through Q1 deployment, Q1 attainment/retention, MSA, SPC, and supplier training
- Improve quality performance metrics including Q1, QR, TGW, R/1000, CPU, warranty reduction, and benchmarking.
- Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies such as G8D, SPC, Gage R&R, and statistical analysis.
Supplier Development & Issue Resolution
- Lead new supplier site evaluations and supplier risk assessments for new sourcing in support of GCST, including mitigation planning.
- Drive closure of supplier quality issues related to Stop Ship/Stop Build, BSAQ projects, and field actions.
- Ensure compliance with corporate processes, SIM requirements, and mandatory training.
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent academic qualification.
- Strong working proficiency in English for collaboration with global teams.
- Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes related to assigned component commodities.
- Strong understanding of quality systems and structured problem‑solving tools.
Preferred / Recommended Experience
- Experience in supplier site assessments, APQP, PPAP, SPC, GD&T
- Experience in quality systems, tools, and techniques.
- Project management and cross‑functional coordination experience.
- Supply risk or crisis management experience.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Commodity & Technical Experience
- Powertrain component development experience (Transmission and Axle)
- Knowledge of Engine and Transmission assembly processes and systems:
- Fuel, cooling, exhaust, lubrication, valve train.
- Hands‑on experience with:
- Ferrous and aluminium casting
- Machining, forging, heat treatment
- Welding, coating, plating
- Exposure to plastic injection moulding and stamping processes.
- Experience with CQI requirements:
- CQI‑9 (Heat Treatment)
- CQI‑23 (Injection Moulding)
- CQI‑15 (Welding)
CQI‑11 (Plating