Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer, Global Material Transitions

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

At Watlows Advanced Technology Center in St. Louis, Missouri, we bring together engineering, quality, and supply chain expertise to support Watlows operations around the world. Part of a global thermal solutions leader founded in 1922, our heaters, sensors, and controls power industries like semiconductor, aerospace, energy, and industrial equipment.

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We are hiring a: Senior Supplier Quality Engineer, Global Material Transitions

St. Louis, MO OR Columbia, MO

Watlow is seeking a Senior Supplier Quality Engineer, Global Material Transitions who will serve as our enterprise Supplier Quality Engineering lead for global direct material transfers between suppliers and plants. This individual will evaluate and audit new suppliers, own the approval and release of new materials across many simultaneous projects, and help our global supply base build the capability to meet Watlows expectations. They will work closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, and other cross-functional partners, and will report to the Senior Supplier Quality Engineering Manager. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on supplier quality experience, strong auditing skills, and the ability to keep many projects moving at once. This role includes up to 50% domestic and international travel.

What youll do:

• Supplier transitions: Serve as the enterprise SQE lead on Supply Chain projects, evaluating and auditing new suppliers for global direct material transfers between suppliers and plants.
• Material approval & release: Lead the evaluation, approval, and release of new materials across numerous simultaneous projects, partnering with internal cross-functional teams.
• Supplier development: Deploy Watlow requirements to suppliers, identify gaps, and work alongside them to build the capability to meet expectations.
• Performance management: Use supplier performance data and sourcing strategies to target improvement areas and drive better supplier performance.
• Change control: Make sure suppliers understand and apply Watlows change control requirements through annual training and conformance audits.
• Corrective action: Lead major and escalated supplier corrective actions, ensuring a thorough 8D is defined and executed by the supplier and appropriate action is taken on the Watlow side.
• Continuous improvement: Continuously improve and implement updates to SQE operating procedures.

What youll need to succeed?

• B.S. degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years in a Supplier Quality, Quality Assurance, or Supply Chain role
• 5+ years in an engineering/design or manufacturing/process role
• Expertise applying and executing 8D, PPAP, APQP, control plans, and other quality tools
• Auditing experience, including quality system elements, process audits, and on-site PPAP reviews
• Strong problem-solving skills and expertise with root cause corrective action tools
• Working knowledge of a registered ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
• Ability to lead, coach, and communicate with all levels of a suppliers organization, from operator to President/CEO
• Capable of representing the supplier quality function during customer audits and project work
• Desire and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50%

Preferred qualifications:

• Project management experience, including phased launch processes and integration of SQE activities
• Oracle ERP experience; development of quality management tools a plus
• A supplier advocate who stays focused on Watlow and customer needs
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts and tools
• Ability to understand and apply engineering specifications, prints, drawings, and standards
• Ability to recognize potential safety issues during supplier visits
• Comfort communicating directly with customers in audits and report outs
• Familiarity with Watlow products: heaters, sensors, and controls

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us.The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.