Supplier Quality Engineer

Responsible and / or accountable for Supplier Quality's participation in the selection, management, development, problem solving, and assurance of defect-free performance of the direct material supplier chain, especially in the New Product Development and Change Management (VPI, VPCR) processes for critical projects. The objective of this work is to collaborate with the supplier and other resources at Cummins, leading the use of quality improvement tools and methods to achieve zero defects performance. Leads the use of knowledge in manufacturing technology, product definition, and product function to achieve this outcome by coaching, mentoring, and leading others and adapting the core supplier quality competencies to specific industries and products. As a staff advisor, demonstrates deep experience in a focused area (Functional / Core / Technical) and provides leadership in this area globally, across Business Units, &/or within a Category. As a local expert, provides training and consults with others to develop their capabilities and to assure their success in difficult situations.

Leads, Executes and / or mentors others in Supplier Quality's participation in the supplier evaluation, selection, and strategic sourcing and development processes within a Supplier Quality Category. 
Leads and is accountable for our most business-critical supplier corrective action opportunities including containment, fault tree analysis / identification of assignable cause, root cause analysis, permanent corrective actions, and overall effectiveness of the problem-solving process including using lessons learned to improve the Category's Supplier Quality Standard Work. 
Ensures the Category's suppliers select and use quality tools effectively and are tailored for their specific industry and our products, especially the Advanced Product Quality Planning process. Collaborates and coaches SQIEs and leads suppliers to understand and meet all product requirements including compliance with the Cummins Supplier Handbook. 
Oversees and leads the Supplier Quality Category's efforts for all risk levels of new product introduction and current products to reduce supplier related issues, improve process capabilities, and ensure timely project launches.
Accountable for determining that all requirements are met by the supplier for new or changed products and the execution of the Production Part Approval Processes and the Advanced Product Quality Planning processes. Accountable to develop and execute Supplier Quality initiatives including Early Supplier Engagement, Zero Defects Mentality, and breakthrough safe launch strategies for Supplier Quality participation in New Product Development and Change Management (VPI, VPCR) for our highest priority business critical projects and programs. 
Leads and Analyzes the measurement of supplier quality performance according to established procedures and is responsible to drive appropriate improvements to meet established targets. 
Responsible to lead, coach, and mentor Global Supplier Quality resources in the drive to achieve zero defectives with Supplier Quality Category suppliers through manufacturing, process, and product knowledge focused on change control processes (VPI, VPCR) and continuous improvement activities. 
Utilizes Cummins product cross Category, cross-functional, and manufacturing technology knowledge in the execution of their role with Category suppliers, and ensures Category SQIEs represent their assigned suppliers' technical processes and capabilities in internal discussions such as Drawing Quality Reviews, manufacturability reviews, etc.
Performs as the local technical expert for one or more SQIE Functional / Core specialties, including leadership roles such as Supplier Quality manufacturing plant or distribution center liaisons, Supplier Quality representatives to plant operating teams, and leaders of urgent, important, and quick resolution of major plant quality spills and related problem solving, etc.
Communicates with and influences key external stakeholders and business leaders.
Collaborates with industry peers within their area of expertise.
Sets strategic direction for a SQSW or specific a SQIE Functional / Core process.
Advises and transfers knowledge, coaches and mentors less experienced engineers.
Advises leaders regarding the identification and resolution of complex problems.