Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (Hybrid)

About Smiths Interconnect:

Smiths Interconnect, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance interconnect solutions. Our products are used in mission-critical applications across industries such as aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and industrial markets. At Smiths Interconnect, we are committed to innovation, quality, and providing cutting-edge solutions that connect the world’s most demanding systems.

Smiths Interconnect is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We serve millions of people every year, to help create a safer, more efficient and productive, and better-connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defense, space & aerospace and general industrial. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs c.16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries. 

Job Purpose:

Under the direction of the Global Supplier Quality Manager, this position will execute supply base improvement strategies. The candidate’s goal is to improve supplier quality working towards zero defects through continuously improving supplier’s internal processes.

The Global Supplier Quality Engineer will support supplier selection, qualification, improvement, and monitoring framework. The candidate shall drive supplier performance on quality and delivery and conducts supplier audits. This position drives the development, implementation, and institutionalization of essential global processes through the analysis of global and regionally derived operational and supplier quality data, best practice and benchmarking.

Responsibilities:

• Define, monitor, analyze, and continuously improve supplier quality performance for the business unit, both externally and internally, through Performance Excellence activities.
• Develop improvement plans utilizing DMAIC/LEAN methodologies and guide actions to enhance suppliers' key performance indicators (KPIs) and process capabilities.
• Coach, counsel, and mentor site-level and business unit teams to strengthen supplier quality systems, supplier management practices, and goal achievement.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives at supplier sites using Lean and Six Sigma methods. Mentor and guide teams in problem-solving and root cause analysis efforts.
• Collaborate with the Global Quality Team to identify and implement global best practices.
• Manage PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and other supplier documentation submissions for Global Strategic Suppliers.
• Assist in new product and process qualifications to ensure both product performance and manufacturability throughout the New Product Integration process.

Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline. 
• 5 years of experience in a Process or Quality Engineering role.
• Strong knowledge of supplier quality management systems, including ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar standards, and their application in a manufacturing environment.
• Expertise in quality tools and methodologies such as DMAIC, Lean, Six Sigma, FMEA, Control Plans, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis tools and software (e.g., Minitab) for data-driven decision-making and process capability improvement.
• Advanced Excel skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead supplier audits and assessments, including experience with APQP and other supplier documentation processes.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes across diverse commodities, such as precision machining, injection molding, and surface treatments.
• Proven ability to coach and mentor cross-functional teams in supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to drive corrective actions and process improvements collaboratively with suppliers.
• Knowledge of new product qualification processes, including design for manufacturability (DFM) and New Product Introduction (NPI) strategies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in global and multicultural environments.
• Proficiency in project management tools and practices to manage supplier improvement plans and initiatives effectively.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish a plus. 
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally. 

Travel %:  Up to 25% (Ability to travel internationally is required).

Security: US Citizen or Permanent Resident Required

Identified Training:

• Process Auditing (Preferred)
• Lead Internal ISO 9001 Auditor Certification (Preferred)
• Formal Problem-Solving Training (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)