Supplier Quality Engineer – Plant Resident, STA – Engine, Transmissions

Ford Motor Company

Supplier Quality Engineer managing supplier quality and warranty issues for Ford’s Chennai automotive manufacturing operations. Driving APQP/PPAP, containment, root-cause analysis, and defect reduction across engine and transmission suppliers.

Posted 9/3/2026full-timeChennai • 🇮🇳 IndiaMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Supplier Quality Management, utilizing methodologies such as 8D and 5-Why for problem-solving. Proficient in APQP, PPAP, and automotive manufacturing processes, ensuring quality assurance and compliance with industry standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Supplier Quality ManagementAPQPPPAPRoot Cause AnalysisStatistical Process Control (SPC)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical EngineeringAutomotive EngineeringManufacturing EngineeringSupplier Technical Assistance (STA)8D Problem Solving5-Why AnalysisRoot Cause AnalysisData AnalysisGD&TLean Manufacturing

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsCommunication SkillsTeam CoordinationLeadership

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPointProcess Flow DiagramsMeasurement System Analysis (MSA)Gage R&R

Certifications & Qualifications

Lean Manufacturing CertificationSix Sigma Certification

Industry Keywords

Automotive IndustrySupplier Quality Reject (QR)IATF 16949Transmission SystemsPowertrain EngineeringCastingForgingHeat TreatmentWeldingAssembly

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the key technical and quality interface between the Ford manufacturing plant and the supply base.
Resolve external supplier part-quality issues reported at the Ford plant and in warranty.
Communicate quality issues to external suppliers, Site STA Engineers, and product development teams.
Lead critical supplier processes to drive Supplier Quality Reject (QR) performance.
Support QR procedures, concern binning, threshold QR reviews, dispute resolution, incoming quality support, QR/PPM data accuracy, and part quality confirmation for suppliers with repetitive containment failures.
Participate in Whiteboard and Variable Reduction Team (VRT) meetings as needed.
Drive resolution of external supplier process 3MIS warranty concerns through supplier notification and containment.
Lead containment of special-cause supplier process 3MIS warranty projects.
Align with VRT on Supplier Process BSAQ Glidepath values.
Provide early notification to the STA Site team regarding potential supplier-process-related stop shipments and support containment and root-cause ownership for Prevent Action Closure (PAC).
Monitor daily production reports and notify STA management of issues requiring intervention.
Coordinate between STA and plant management and lead supplier preparation for Global Quality reviews.
Lead structured problem-solving using 8D, 5-Why analysis, fault-tree analysis, and data-driven root-cause validation.
Participate in quality review meetings and support resolution of supplier-driven warranty and field-quality concerns.
Support APQP, PPAP, launch, ramp-up, and current production activities.
Travel to external suppliers as needed to follow APQP/PPAP.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
Minimum of 6 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Supplier Technical Assistance (STA), Manufacturing Engineering, Product Quality, or Powertrain Engineering within the automotive industry.
Experience supporting suppliers serving major automotive OEMs.
Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), Gage R&R, GD&T, and IATF 16949 requirements.
Experience in transmission, driveline, axle, or powertrain component manufacturing processes including casting, forging, heat treatment, gear machining, welding, and assembly.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills utilizing 8D, 5-Why, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies.
Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills, including data analysis, dashboards, issue tracking, and executive-level presentations.
Ability to travel and work directly with supplier manufacturing locations.
Preferred: Experience with engine or transmission systems and components.
Preferred: Knowledge of CQI special-process requirements.
Preferred: Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma certification or practical application experience.
Preferred: Experience supporting transmission or engine supply chains for global automotive manufacturers.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Full-time employment with Ford
Hybrid workplace arrangement
Opportunity to travel to external supplier manufacturing locations on a need basis