Supplier Advancement Engineer

at  JTEKT North America

TITLE Supplier Advancement Engineer
COMPANY JTEKT North America DEPARTMENT JNA Purchasing (100-100-6503)
LOCATION MOR or TBD CLASSIFICATION Salaried Exempt
REPORTS TO Manager – Supplier Advancement GRADE 105

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must be knowledgeable of IATF, PPAP, APQP, SPC, FMEA and control plan formation and a variety of manufacturing processes.
• Must possess excellent planning, organization and time management skills. Must be thorough, detailed and possess good analytical skills.
• Able to communicate and deal effectively with suppliers, customers and all functional areas.
• Able to create and effectively use detailed technical documentation.
• Work and make informed decisions without close supervision.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science in engineering or a technical field of study
• Previous supplier quality, product, and/or manufacturing engineering experience in an automotive environment
• Previous experience with electronic products and associated manufacturing processes is preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Manage and resolve all significant, repetitive quality and delivery issues associated with problematic suppliers.
• Review manufacturing processes, perform Kaizen, and support cost reduction projects.
• Develop new and existing suppliers for a variety of commodities. Development will include design reviews, periodic APQP reviews, PPAP runoffs, and high-volume production trials to support new programs.
• Review and approve supplier corrective actions, process controls, error proofing, gauging methods, and PPAP documentation to resolve quality issues.
• Provide timely, detailed, and documented data and analysis regarding supplier investigations and assist the supplier in determining root causes and monitor all corrective actions.
• Assure supplier and JNA conformance to safety, quality, health, and environmental management systems and perform ongoing audits to maintain compliance. Support commodity reviews and develop strategies for suppliers.
• Work with other engineers and buyers to identify, develop, implement, monitor and formally track supplier mid and long-term improvement plans including: process, quality systems, and cost reductions.
• Proactively develop new suppliers and/or components in support of JNA’s sourcing projects. This could include the identification and development of possible global suppliers.
• Manage the approval status of PPAPs for all components being developed. Also, manage supply chain for new development programs.
• Work daily overtime and Saturday and/or Sundays when directed by immediate supervisor or, as necessary, to complete essential job duties. Includes working remotely, as appropriate, and visiting various JNA facilities including primary office.
• Provide timely, detailed and documented data and analysis regarding supplier initiatives and issues. Resolve repeated quality issues by using analytical problem-solving techniques.
• Assist suppliers in implementing FMDS, JPS, and operations improvements.
• Manage all PCR, MOC, and ECRs for assigned suppliers and obtain, review, and approve applicable documents.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is mostly performed in a normal office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards, and with substantial time spent working on a computer. Requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment.
• The performance of this position may frequently require exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as mandatory eye, foot, and hearing protection.
• Travel by automobile and plane required approximately 50-60% of time