Senior Supplier Quality Engineer, Metals
Description
Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.
Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.
Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Supplier Quality
- Act as primary quality authority for suppliers producing machined components as well as coupling/UQD assemblies
- Perform ISO/IATF based supplier assessments, process audits, and capability evaluations
- Drive supplier development in process control, yield improvement, and waste reduction
- Own supplier performance metrics and corrective action effectiveness
- Quality Engineering
- Supplier reviews development of robust PFMEAs
- Review and validate supplier control plans and process flows
- Review and approve supplier PPAP submissions
- Submission of customer PPAPs
- Review and approve supplier 8D corrective actions
- Ensure alignment between PFMEA, Control Plan, and inspection methods
- Machining Process Expertise
- Apply deep expertise in turning, milling, drilling, grinding, and CNC processes
- Identify quality non-conformance contributors such as tool wear, surface integrity, residual stress, and distortion considerations
- Ensure dimensional stability through machining and downstream processes.
- Application of appropriate measurement techniques at suppliers including CMM, surface roughness, gauges, and optical systems in supplier quality control processes.
- Coupling & UQD Assembly Expertise
- Validate assembly processes for couplings and UQDs including tolerance stack-up and sealing performance
- Review torque, force, and alignment controls
- Ensure robustness of leak testing and functional validation processes
- Drive error-proofing and traceability in assembly operations
- APQP, Launch & Production Support
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- Lead APQP activities with focus on machining and assembly readiness
- Ensure PFMEA coverage of machining and assembly risks
- Validate process capability and measurement systems
- Support prototype, pilot, and production launches; proactively address manufacturing risks observed.
- Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
- Lead 8D problem solving for machining and assembly issues
- Perform root cause analysis on dimensional, surface, and functional failures
- Drive systemic corrective and preventive actions
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Engineering, Sourcing, Program Management, Plant Quality and Operations (as applicable)
- Provide data‑driven inputs into design, sourcing, and supplier strategy decisions.
- As needed, communicate supplier risks to leadership.
Keys to Success
Supervisory Responsibilities
Requirements and Preferred Skills
Required Qualifications
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- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Materials, or Metallurgical Engineering,
- Quality certification in quality engineering by ASQ or an equivalent organization
- 8+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering
- IATF 16949 or ISO auditor certification.
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
- Experience with coupling assemblies or UQDs; Experience with leak-critical systems or sealing technologies
Key Competencies and Experience
- Machining processes: CNC, milling, grinding, honing
- Metals processing: Heat treatment (carburizing, induction hardening)
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- Dimensional control: GD&T interpretation, Tolerance stack up.
- Measurement & Metrology Skills: CMM, surface roughness measurement, thread, bore, and form measurements, MSA
- Advanced knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, SPC, and control plans
- Experience in setting up sampling plans (i.e. AQL based)
- Supplier development and influence capability
- Solid experience with supplier corrective action (8D) processes
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; risk identification and mitigation in manufacturing processes
Work Environment & Travel
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- This position is based in Tiawan and will be expected to spend 50-65% of their time at supplier locations, in manufacturing environments, requiring the ability to work in shop floor conditions.
- Domestic and international travel required.
Senior-Level Expectations
This role goes beyond ensuring compliance—it is expected to:
- Serve as a subject matter expert in machining and assembly quality engineering
- Ensure supplier processes are capable, controlled, and production-ready
WHY GATES?
Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.