Supplier Quality Engineer I

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Position Overview

The Supplier Quality Engineer role in KEJ reports to the Supplier Quality Engineering Manager.  This position will have the specific responsibility for improving the supply base. This role also is the liaison between KEJ and any specific supplier with quality related communications. Significant knowledge of PCB assembly and construction is integral to this role.

Quick Summary

The person in this role will be responsible for the entire supplier quality function for an assigned commodity.  The responsibility will include but not limited to the following:

• Perform supplier audits identifying strengths and weakness of any specific supplier.
• Communicate Kimball’s quality expectations to the supply base.
• Lead the supply base through the process and product development cycle using accepted aerospace, commercial, medical, and automotive documented methods.
• Develop trusted relationships and partnerships with key suppliers.
• Lead all quality related communications between Kimball and the supply base.
• Support all Customer Focus Team with a technical resource for all assigned commodity related supplier quality issues.
• Develop an expertise in various products outside assigned commodities to support peers during absences and vacations.

To be successful the candidate must lead by example, be open-minded, be able to give logical explanations of technical issues to all levels of the organization with in Kimball and the supply base.  Possess good verbal and written skills, possess good listening skills.   Accept, encourage and lead continual improvement in all aspects of the role.

Basic Background Requirements

• 5 years of PCB construction/assembly experience preferred
• 7 years of quality related experience preferred
• 5 years of experience in supplier quality preferred
• Significant knowledge of assigned commodity preferred
• Certification KEJ IPC 610/J-STD-001 Certification, or the ability to obtain certification
• Computer skills (Word, Excel, Power Point, Minitab)
• Excellent knowledge of ISO-9001, IATF-16949, ISO 13485, ISO 17025, ISO 14001 and AS9100,
• A bachelor degree in a technical field, or ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, Equivalent years of experience in above disciplines is preferred.

Key Performance Objectives

Short Term: (0-3 months)

• Identify key suppliers and meet supplier counter-parts
• Work with peers and supervisor to identify systemic improvements needed within the required body of knowledge.
• Develop a gap analysis on training needs to become an independent contributor on the required body of knowledge.
• Identify and meet all CFT teammates and request areas where supplier quality can better support the CFT within.
• Work with the quality system personnel to understand and embrace systemic requirements of the SQE role.

Mid Term: (4-6 months)
 

• Reach out to the supplier counter parts to develop the partnership/relationship necessary to accommodate change and positive improvement.
• Develop a plan to incorporate the areas of improvement identified in the Short Term objectives.
• Take a leadership role in areas related to quality on the process development and the launch of new product within and outside the assigned commodity.
• Identify training needs based upon the gap analysis performed from the short term objectives.
• identify training from internal sources whenever possible.
• Work with supervision to identify necessary means of reporting progress and improvement initiatives.

Long Term:  (6 months +)
 

• Using initiative and positive attitude become the “go-to-person” to other personnel for the assigned commodity and any other role within quality.
• Maintain VERY quick and effective communication with all CFT’s concentrating on supporting their activities completely.
• Implement improvement plans identified in Mid Term objectives.
• Work with supervision to obtain any missing training identified in Mid Term objectives.
• Exceeding expectations with both internal and external customers.
• Perform any specific tasks requested by supervision within the supplier quality role.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Kimball Electronics we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status, veteran status, medical condition or disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We will consider for employment qualified candidates with arrest and conviction records, consistent with applicable law (including, for example, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance for roles based in San Francisco).