Supplier Quality Engineer

Komatsu is an indispensable partner to the construction, mining, forestry, forklift, and industrial machinery markets, maximizing value for customers through innovative solutions. With a diverse line of products supported by our advanced IoT technologies, regional distribution channels, and a global service network, we tap into the power of data and technology to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance. Komatsu supports a myriad of markets, including housing, infrastructure, water, pipeline, minerals, automobile, aerospace, electronics and medical, through its many brands and subsidiaries, including TimberPro, Joy, P&H, Montabert, Modular Mining Systems, Hensley Industries, NTC, and Gigaphoton.

Job Overview

The position will lead in establishing system to direct and monitor supplier quality and on-time delivery. To work with suppliers, procurement, purchasing and design engineering to improve the reliability of purchased products with the effect of reducing impact to productivity at manufacturing and warranty expense related to purchased component failure. To improve vendor recovery for poor quality and late delivery as relating to internal production.

This position will be expected to increase vendor recovery for non-conforming materials impact on production and reduce costs incurred as a result of field failures of purchased components.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Implement and administer supplier performance measures including delivery, quality, and responsiveness using established processes (i.e. PPAP, APQP, FMEA, DOE, SPC, CPK, etc.) Act as liaison between NMO and suppliers for development and improvement of manufacturing processes for new components and new suppliers. Evaluate and approve suppliers based on Komatsu Supplier Qualification process.

• Perform process audits at suppliers' locations based on past quality performance, based on NMO inspection and field failures, and delivery performance and part criticality using established auditing techniques.

• To work with vendors to identify quality problems in their processes and assist in implementing process improvements using standard quality improvement tools.

• Provide regular status reports to management regarding supplier quality, delivery performance and improvement progress and plans.

• Additional duties as may be assigned by the Quality Manager

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in technical field plus 5 years verifiable experience in Quality Assurance or Associates degree in a technical field plus 10 years verifiable experience in Quality Assurance. Experience should be at a technician level or higher.

• Experience in creating and administering supplier qualification/rating process.

• Knowledge of practical manufacturing techniques, quality improvement tools and all factors affecting product/program cost.

• Approximately 50% travel domestically and internationally to work with suppliers through interpreters.

• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack up analysis, fit analysis and general evaluation of fabricated and machined metal components and their operational function.

• Experience utilizing statistical process control, performance indicators and process capability techniques within a manufacturing environment.

• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Access, Excel) required.

• Must comply with all environmental, quality and safety rules, practices and standards.

Additional Information

Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Nearest Major Market: Columbia

Nearest Secondary Market: South Carolina