Supplier Development & Quality Engineer

Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom

The Supplier Development & Quality Engineer will support supplier selection, qualification, improvement, and monitoring framework. The candidate shall drive supplier performance on quality and delivery and conducts supplier Audits. This position drives the development, implementation, and institutionalization of essential global processes through the analysis of global and regionally derived operational and supplier quality data, best practice, and benchmarking.

Additionally, the SQDE will support the Dundee site in local Quality Assurance activities as delegated by the Dundee Quality Manager in support of Smiths Interconnect Quality Assurance for Space, Aerospace, and other customers, products, and processes. Key elements of the quality engineering role include, but are not limited to:

Responsibilities:

Monitor analyze and continuously improve the supplier & internal quality performance of Smiths Interconnect both externally and internally through continuous improvement/excellence activities based on sound quality management/quality assurance fundamentals which focus on process management/control, built in quality, and relentless drive to continually improve.

Interface as required, with aerospace, defense, aviation, and other customers on corrective actions and problem solving.

Develop improvement plans utilizing DMAIC/LEAN methodologies and guide actions to drive improvement in Supplier’s KPIs (key performance indicators) and Supplier process capability.

Participate in regular contract review activities as assigned.

Participate in, and represent quality in assigned new product introductions, ensuring built in quality. Facilitate process qualifications for both product performance and manufacturability.

Work with global quality assurance team to identify and implement global best practices, which strive to achieve global standardization and operational excellence.

Facilitate and lead corrective action processes to ensure that identified causes are addressed, and systems are globally improved to prevent recurrence through implementation of robust, and where passible irreversible corrective actions.

Support Global teams in Supplier Qualification and issue resolution.

Coach, council, and mentor site level and business unit team, enabling supplier quality system goal improvements.

Lead continuous improvement in Supplier’s sites & internally using Lean and Six Sigma methods. Lead and mentor teams in problem solving and root cause identification efforts.

Manage PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans and other supplier documentation submission for Global Strategic Suppliers.

Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Experience in related Engineering or Quality field in a manufacturing setting. Aerospace, defense, space experience preferred. Will consider other regulated industry experience such as medical devices and automotive.

Demonstrated performance in quality assurances & supplier quality roles.

Strong communication skills and ability to work independently in achieving objectives through influence.

Possess the interpersonal skills required to be effective in influencing at all levels of a geographically distributed business.

Must have cross functional experience in Quality Assurance in a high precision, regulated manufacturing setting.

Must have solid understanding of QMS Processes. Experience in QMS audit processes. Certification as QMS Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor preferred.

Must have solid understanding of ISO 9000. AS9100D, OSHAS 18000, and ISO 14000 are preferred.

Experience preparing and auditing customer qualifications such as FAIRs, FARS, PPAP, etc. is preferred

Experience and familiarity with Performance / Process Excellence and Built In Quality models is highly desirable, as are formal Lean and 6-sigma certifications.

Knowledge and utilization of quality management tools, such as; Value Stream Mapping, capability studies, MSA, SPC, Control Plans, Kaizen, 5S, Statistical Analysis, SMED, Root Cause analysis tools, Corrective Action Systems, VOC, QFD, Error Proofing, Robust Design, FMEA, and Cause and Effect Diagrams.

Formal Lean and 6-sigma black belt (or other advanced problem-solving method) certifications are preferred.

Proven capability to lead cross functional, global teams in problem solving, process improvements, and solution implementation.

Experience in supplier development is desirable.

Experience working in Design area with Design Teams is preferred.

Bachelor’s degree in Quality or a Technical Discipline (i.e. IE, EE, ME, QE) is required or commensurate experience.

Additional certification such as BB/MBB, CQE, CQM, and / or ISO Lead Auditor is highly desirable.

Bilingual preferences: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian should be highlighted on resume.

Travel: up to 25% (internationally)

Impact and Scope:

Lead area quality assurance initiatives including, but not limited to new product introductions and global quality interfaces with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders in aerospace, healthcare, defense, & space industries.

Key Internal and External Relationships:

Partnering with Plant Management, Sales, Engineering to improve manufacturing, quality and business processes.

Diversity & Inclusion

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

About Smiths

At Smiths we apply leading-edge technology to design, manufacture and deliver market-leading innovative solutions that meet our customers' evolving needs, and touch the lives of millions of people every day. We are a FTSE100, global business of around 23,000 colleagues, based in 55 countries. Our solutions have a real impact on lives across the planet, enabling industry, improving healthcare, enhancing security, advancing connectivity and supporting new homes. Our products and services are often critical to our customers’ operations, while our proprietary technology and high service levels help create competitive advantage. We welcome colleagues with a curious mind, who are happy with responsibility, enjoy a challenge and are attracted by the idea of working at a business with an almost 170-year history of innovation, and five global divisions, all experts in their field.