Job Details

Job Title: Supplier Quality Engineer – Castings

Location: Simpsonville, SC | Travel up to 50%

Reports to: Supplier Quality Manager

Employment Type: Full-time

Seniority Level: Mid-Level

Industry: Manufacturing | Industrial Machinery | Metal Casting

Job Function: Quality Assurance | Supplier Management | Engineering

Job Summary:

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) – Castings plays a critical role in protecting product quality and customer satisfaction by ensuring the performance and compliance of external suppliers, primarily focused on castings, forgings, and machined components. This role is responsible for supplier qualification, surveillance audits, production part approvals (PPAP), issue resolution, and supplier development initiatives. The SQE serves as a key technical liaison between Dodge and its global supplier base and must be proficient in applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies and casting expertise to drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Supplier Qualification & New Product Launch

• Lead supplier qualification activities for new and existing suppliers.
• Ensure suppliers meet Dodge's technical, quality, and compliance requirements.
• Execute Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) to support new product or supplier launches.

2. Supplier Audits & Risk Assessments

• Conduct risk-based surveillance audits of supplier manufacturing facilities (e.g., foundries, machine shops, forging facilities).
• Identify quality risks and drive gap-closure plans and continuous improvement efforts.
• Monitor supplier manufacturing maturity and adherence to Dodge standards.

3. Supplier Development & Performance Monitoring

• Develop and implement supplier development plans based on assessments, KPIs, and non-conformance data.
• Utilize Lean Six Sigma and root cause analysis tools to enhance supplier capabilities.
• Coach internal teams and supplier personnel through improvement initiatives.
• Monitor and report on supplier quality performance and share findings with stakeholders.

4. Quality Issue Resolution

• Lead resolution of supplier-caused quality issues and non-conforming materials.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain.
• Support containment, corrective actions, and preventive actions at supplier sites.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the technical interface between Dodge and its supply base.
• Represent the "Voice of the Supplier" internally and the "Voice of Dodge" to the supplier.
• Collaborate with Category Management, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Plant Operations.

6. Castings & Technical Expertise

• Apply technical expertise in castings and metallurgy to evaluate supplier capabilities and product conformity.
• Support product launches, supplier transitions, and engineering changes with in-depth material knowledge.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering (with casting/forging experience)
• Minimum 5 years of experience in foundries, forging shops, or similar industrial environments
• At least 3 years in a quality engineering or supplier quality role
• Strong understanding of casting processes, machining, and metals manufacturing
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple global suppliers and cross-functional initiatives

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 50%, including internationally
• Comfortable working in industrial environments (foundries, steel mills, forging shops, etc.)
• Must be able to walk, climb, reach, and work in tight or elevated spaces
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs as needed
• Extended periods of sitting, standing, or computer use

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in maintaining product excellence and customer satisfaction
• Work with a collaborative global supplier base and cross-functional internal teams
• Utilize your technical expertise in castings to drive real-world improvements
• Join a trusted industrial leader with a strong culture of quality and innovation

RBC Bearings offers a competitive benefit package.

RBC Bearings is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.