Supplier Quality Engineer

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionWorking hours require flexibility to collaborate with China and Thailand suppliers across time zones. 
Saturday on-site work may be required during critical periods.
Position Summary:We are in the early stages of setting up our U.S. EV component manufacturing operations and are looking for a hands-on, system-minded Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE). This role will be critical in building supplier quality processes, identifying defects on-site, and actively driving resolution and charge-back with suppliers — particularly those based in China and Thailand.

The ideal candidate is not just a “reviewer” but an active on-the-ground owner, who discovers problems early, escalates with facts, and follows through until resolution. A proactive attitude, strong ownership mindset, and willingness to work flexibly — including Saturdays — are essential.
Key Responsibilities:1/ Build Supplier Quality Infrastructure

• Establish initial supplier quality workflows: IQC standards, SCAR/NCR process, charge-back documentation, visual inspection guides
• Take care of the supplier evaluation, change management and drive the CIP on quality.
• Support integration into ERP/SAP or manual processes during setup phase.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, warehouse, and procurement to define inspection and defect handoff procedures.

2/ Lead On-Site Defect Discovery & Response

• Conduct daily line walks and warehouse audits to actively identify supplier-related defects.
• Immediately isolate issues, trace root causes, and initiate feedback to suppliers with clear documentation (photo, lot, defect rate, etc.).
• Ensure quick turnaround and follow-up on defect impact, disposition, and closure.

3/ Supplier Coordination (China & Thailand Focus)

• Serve as the main quality interface with overseas vendors.
• Conduct bilingual (or assisted) quality reviews and document control (PPAP, FA, CP, PFMEA).
• Host or join calls outside regular U.S. hours, and escalate urgent issues even during weekends if required.

4/ Defect Accountability & Charge-Back

• Maintain real-time defect logs and COPQ (cost of poor quality) records.
• Calculate and initiate supplier charge-backs based on defect impact (rework, scrap, downtime, shipping).
• Coordinate with procurement and finance to ensure transparent, evidence-based claim process.
• Track monthly charge-back recovery status and push for long-term improvements from suppliers.

5/ Continuous Improvement & Project Support

• Analyze recurring issues, propose preventive actions, and verify effectiveness.
• Participate in supplier qualification, project ramp-ups, and ECN readiness reviews.
• Prepare supplier quality scorecards and recommend sourcing decisions where needed.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 5+ years’ experience in SQE, supplier development, or quality engineering.
• Familiar with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, 8D, and ISO/IATF quality systems.
• Strong track record working with Chinese and/or Thai suppliers.
• High initiative, strong communication skills, and ability to push accountability without escalation.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and on Saturdays when business needs require.

  Skills:

• Mandarin or Thai ability is a strong plus.
• Prior experience in EV parts (busbar, battery components, machining, or PCBA).
• Experience in charge-back, COPQ analysis, and supplier contract claim handling.
• Familiarity with SAP or MES systems(or other similar one).

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to shape the supplier quality system from the ground up.
• Cross-cultural and cross-border project ownership.
• Competitive compensation and potential for fast growth in a fast-scaling operation.