1. SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER – New Product Introductions
Summary
The Supplier Quality Engineer – NPI is responsible to assess supplier capabilities and assure that supplier quality
systems are effective and proactively implemented to facilitate flawless launch of new products.
Main Responsibilities:
• Work very closely with Supply Chain Management, Product Engineering, and plant Supplier Quality
Engineers to facilitate the supplier development process for New Product Introductions (NPI). This involves:
o Conducting Supplier Assessments to qualify new suppliers
o Analyzing supplier capabilities to meet requirements
o Analyzing supplier DFMEAs, PFMEAs, and Control Plans for adequacy and effectiveness, and in turn
assisting suppliers to develop/improve to the degree necessary
o Identifying “key product characteristics” with Product Engineering on key components/assemblies
and assuring that Supplier Quality systems, FMEAs, and control plans effectively address those
characteristics
o Develop sampling plans, capability study requirements, and “safe launch” control plans with
suppliers as needed
o Facilitate Supplier Feasibility sign-offs for new programs
o Consult or otherwise obtain involvement from others when necessary to assess technical aspects of
suppliers’ processes as they relate to quality
• Active participation in NPI Core Teams for all new launches
• Facilitate the First Article Inspection (FAI) process for new components. This includes:
o Overseeing Supplier’s FAI inspections/testing/submission materials to assure all requirements are
met
o Following-Up with WM/MEP plant QA & Product Engineering to assure verification of critical items
o Resolution of issues – Supplier corrections and/or temporary deviations
• Hands-On participation in resolution of NPI supplier quality issues through Stage Gate 6 of new product
introductions (approximately 6 months after SOP). This involves:
o Requesting Supplier Corrective Actions (8D) and Assessing Adequacy

2. o Participating in Supplier Corrective Action activities to the degree necessary to assure effective
solutions are in place
o Working with plant Supplier Quality to validate supplier corrective actions were effective
• Assist (but not own) plant Quality Assurance functions in developing incoming inspection procedures that
are congruent with key product characteristics and supplier systems
• Further develop and Improve WM/MEP’s Supplier Quality Systems:
o Quality Requirements & Expectations
o Supplier Assessment/Qualification
o First Article Sample Submission Process
o Supplier Metrics for New Product Launches
• Requirements:
o 4 year degree
o 5-8 years of exp