POSITION SUMMARY

The Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) – Plant Quality will act as the first line of defense for quality issues in our manufacturing facilities that require additional support or escalation. The SDE primary responsibility will be to assist with root cause analysis using NFI quality systems and methodology to process Non-Conformance Products (NCPs) for any damaged or non-conforming components impacting production. The SDE will collaborate closely in support of plant Supplier Quality (SQ) teams to ensure that any quality issues are promptly identified, investigated, and resolved to maintain NFI high quality standards.

In addition to managing NCPs, the SDE Plant Quality will support the First Article Inspection (FAI) process and coordinate on-site supplier support as needed. The SDE will also support the follow up of Supplier Corrective Action Notices (SCANs/8Ds) and process Supplier Chargebacks. In this critical role, your ability to analyze and resolve supplier-related issues, while driving continuous improvement and fostering robust supplier relationships.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

1. Ensure Suppliers meet the highest quality standards that result in a competitive advantage to NFI Group and its subsidiaries.
2. Support quality incident investigations using NFI methodology to determine the root causes of quality issues in manufacturing facilities.
3. Support the quality team with NCPs for damaged or non-conforming products, ensuring timely supplier responses, resolution, documentation, communication and follow up with the SDE Team.
4. Assist the quality team in the FAI process to verify that initial samples meet all specifications and quality standards before full-scale production begins.
5. Work with the SDE Team to request and manage on-site supplier support when necessary to resolve quality issues and improve supplier processes.
6. Support the quality team with SCANs, performing 8D analysis and follow up with suppliers and ensuring that corrective actions are implemented, validated and effective.
7. Process supplier chargebacks related to non-conforming products, ensuring accurate and fair financial accountability for quality issues.
8. Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain by identifying opportunities for process enhancements and working with the SDE Team and suppliers to implement best practices.
9. Interface with Operations, Quality, Production Control, Purchasing Managers, Sourcing Managers, Project Managers, and Engineering for the development and release of Best-in-Class Suppliers that support Commodity Strategies.
10. Play a crucial role in monitoring Supplier Scorecards and working with the SDE Team to drive suppliers to achieve their performance goals by assisting them to enhance their internal processes and controls.
11. Provide assistance to Suppliers in order to meet and/or exceed NFI Group's expectations and requirements as stated in the Supplier Manual.
12. Report summary status of Supplier Quality Performance Metrics to Leadership including: Incidents (NCP's), Quality Rejects, PPM, On-Time Delivery and Scorecard Performance.
13. Visit Suppliers to assess their quality systems, resolve performance issues and improve their systems.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Bachelor's in engineering or related field
• 3-5 years of professional experience working with quality management systems and continuous improvement methods & tools.
• Strong manufacturing and production process systems experience
• Demonstrated experience in problem solving (8-D Methodology) and root cause analysis (RCCA).
• Demonstrated experience in Process Audits.
• Knowledgeable and hands on experience in application of Lean and Six Sigma (or alternative advanced problem-solving methods) including: Value Stream Mapping, Control Plans Sampling Plans, Kaizen, 5S, Statistical Analysis, SMED, 5 Why's, Root Cause Analysis, Error Proofing, Cause and Effect Diagrams, Pareto Analysis, etc.
• Knowledge and application of AIAG quality tools (PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, etc.)
• Be available for travel 10% - 20%.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM:

• Eligible for benefits on first day of employment:
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Dental plans - basic dental option with a $0 paycheck contribution available
• Vision plan
• Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, and Short Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Competitive wages
• Ongoing training and development through a variety of initiatives

OUR WHY:

We exist to move people. Our mission is to design and deliver exceptional transportation solutions that are safe, accessible, e­fficient and reliable.

NFI Group is a leading independent global bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite of mass transportation solutions. News and information is available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.nfi.parts, www.alexander-dennis.com, www.arbocsv.com, and www.carfaircomposites.com.