Supplier Development Engineer

New Flyer is North America’s heavy-duty transit bus leader, providing sustainable mobility solutions through transit buses, technology, and infrastructure. New Flyer is a subsidiary of NFI Group, a leading independent bus and coach manufacturer and a leader in electric mass mobility solutions. Building on its 90+ year legacy of innovation, New Flyer is the only manufacturer offering all three types of zero-emission transit buses, with over 1,900 zero-emission buses delivered to date. Proudly serving all 25 of the largest transit agencies in North America, New Flyer actively supports over 35,000 heavy-duty transit buses currently operated by approximately 500 agencies.

Position Summary

The Supplier Development Engineer (SDE) – Plant Quality will act as first line of defense for supplier quality issues in our manufacturing facilities that are requiring additional support or escalation. The SDE primary responsibility will be to assist with getting the necessary response from suppliers and also requesting on site support as necessary.  The SDE will collaborate closely with plant Supplier Quality (SQ) teams to ensure that any quality issues are promptly identified, investigated, and resolved to maintain NFI high quality standards.

The SDE Plant Quality will support the First Article Inspection (FAI) process and coordinate on-site supplier support as needed. The SDE will also handle the implementation on containment, follow up and closure of Supplier Corrective Action Notices (SCANs/8Ds), and Supplier Chargebacks. In this critical role, your ability to analyze and resolve supplier-related issues, coupled with your strong communication skills, will be essential in driving continuous improvement and fostering robust supplier relationships. This position requires a proactive problem-solver who can thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and contribute to NFI ongoing quality assurance efforts.

This role involves 10% to 20% travel.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Ensure Suppliers meet the highest quality standards that result in a competitive advantage to NFI Group and its subsidiaries.

• Conduct thorough quality incident investigations using NFI methodology (SCAN Process) to drive issue resolution in the supplier processes.

• Assist in the FAI process to verify that initial samples meet all specifications and quality standards before full-scale production begins.

• Request and manage on-site supplier support when necessary to resolve quality issues and improve supplier processes.

• Implement the necessary containment for supplier issues establishing clean points for incoming material

• Follow up and closure of SCANs, performing 8D analysis in collaboration with suppliers and ensuring that corrective actions are implemented, validated and effective.

• Process supplier chargebacks related to non-conforming products, ensuring accurate and fair financial accountability for quality issues.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain by identifying opportunities for process enhancements and working with suppliers to implement best practices.

• Interface with Operations, Quality, Production Control, Purchasing Managers, Sourcing Managers, Project Managers, and Engineering for the development and release of Best-in-Class Suppliers that support Commodity Strategies.

• Report summary status of Supplier Quality Performance Metrics to Leadership including: SCAN Closure, Cost Recovery, and Plant Supplier Quality Metrics.

Requirements

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Bachelor’s in Engineering or related field;

·       3-5 years of professional experience working with quality management systems and continuous improvement methods & tools;

• 3-5 years of experience working in the area of supplier management and improvement.  This could be in the area of Supplier Quality or Supplier Development.
• Strong manufacturing and production process systems experience required;
• Demonstrated experience in problem solving (8-D Methodology) and root cause analysis (RCCA).
• Knowledgeable and hands on experience in application of Lean and Six Sigma (or alternative advanced problem-solving methods) including: Value Stream Mapping, Control Plans Sampling Plans, Kaizen, 5S, Statistical Analysis, SMED, 5 Why’s, Root Cause Analysis, Error Proofing, Cause and Effect Diagrams, Pareto Analysis, etc.
• Knowledge and application of AIAG quality tools (PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, etc.)
• Solid interpersonal communication skills needed to communicate to all levels of NFI Group and with leaders at Supplier organizations and representatives;
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint;

Benefits

WHY JOIN US:

• Be part of a team leading the world’s electrification of mass mobility
• Competitive Wages and comprehensive benefit package with Immediate benefit eligibility
• Paid holidays and vacation
• 401K with generous company match

·       Passionate about creating a better product, a better workplace, and a better world

• Inclusive workplace culture that values and empowers team members.
• On-the-job training in a continuous learning environment (we’ve invested 8.6M in 2022)
• Advancement opportunities within our family of companies