Job Description Summary
Drive quality for assigned suppliers, including quality plan implementation. Select suppliers through qualification processes. Own supplier results, drive improvements utilizing supplier scorecards. Own supplier audits, ensuring compliance, and driving improvement plans where needed. Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market
Job Description
The Aero Lead Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for driving quality at GE Vernova Gas suppliers by implementing comprehensive quality plans. This role includes selecting suppliers through supplier approval process and leads Qualification Process for serial production, as well as managing supplier performance using detailed scorecards. The engineer will also oversee supplier audits, ensuring compliance and spearheading improvement initiatives as necessary.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Approval
- Partner with Sourcing and Engineering to qualify, approve, and develop suppliers in alignment with the sourcing strategy and long-term business needs. Many of these parts and assemblies will be associated with the Aero gas turbine such as the compressor, combustor and turbine modules. Will also include diversified parts (small parts) as part of scope
Product and Process Qualification
- Define and execute product and process qualifications following Gas Power requirements for various complex parts and assemblies to ensure readiness for serial production.
- Review and approve Manufacturing Process Plans (MPP), Product and Process Quality Plans (PQP), control plans, and inspection plans for assigned components.
- Ensure CTQ (critical-to-quality) requirements, customer requirements, and regulatory requirements are correctly translated into supplier process controls and inspection methods.
- Validate first article inspection (FAI) and ongoing product verification; monitor process capability and drive corrective actions where performance is not meeting targets.
Deviation & Nonconformance Management
- Manage and approve Supplier Deviation Requests (SDRs) ensuring that the risk is assessed, documented, and controlled.
- Drive the evaluation and disposition of supplier nonconformances in coordination with Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing and Field teams.
- Lead and own containment, rework and recovery actions at supplier facilities, assembly sites and wind farm sites and ensure effective closure and documentation of issues.
Continuous Improvement & COPQ Reduction
- Analyze Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) data, field feedback, and assembly/shop issues to identify systemic improvement opportunities at suppliers.
- Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and FMEA (design and process) with suppliers to implement robust corrective and preventive actions.
- Conduct quality system, product and process audits at supplier sites; verify compliance with GE Vernova QMS requirements, GE Vernova procedures, and applicable industry standards.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant technical field from an accredited university or college.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of engineering drawings (GD&T) and specifications
- Experience and knowledge of complex machining, heat treat and various welding processes
- Experience conducting audits (holistic, quality system, process, and/or product).
- Demonstrated ability to manage and develop vendors/suppliers.
- Previous experience in Supplier Quality or Manufacturing/Process Quality (preferably with general manufacturing processes, machining, heat treat and welding).
- Strong technical, oral, and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional and global team environments.
Desired Characteristics
- Master’s degree in engineering from an accredited college or university.
- Experience with Gas Turbines (specifically with compressor, combustor and turbine modules)
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve complex problems; ability to document, plan, and execute projects.
- Quality training and/or related work experience (e.g., ISO 9001).
- Root Cause Analysis training in a recognized methodology (e.g., 8D, PSR, RCA or equivalent).
- Strong capabilities in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), error proofing (Poka-Yoke), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
- Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent quality certification.
- Hands-on expertise with fabrications, welding, machining, and NDT inspection.
Note
To comply with US immigration and other legal requirements, it is necessary to specify the minimum number of years' experience required for any role based within the USA. For roles outside of the USA, to ensure compliance with applicable legislation, the JDs should focus on the substantive level of experience required for the role and a minimum number of year