Supplier Quality Engineer - WHA

Job Description

Job Description

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Overview :

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring wiring harness assemblies sourced from suppliers meet the quality standards and specifications required by the organization. This role involves managing supplier quality performance, conducting audits and inspections, driving corrective actions, and working closely with both internal teams and suppliers to resolve quality issues. The Supplier Quality Engineer will also support continuous improvement initiatives, fostering strong supplier relationships, and ensuring that quality requirements are embedded throughout the supply chain for wiring harness assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions : Investigate supplier nonconformances (e.g., mis-crimps, insulation damage, routing errors).  Facilitate 8D / 5-Why, Fishbone Diagram, FMEA) problem-solving with suppliers to address root causes and implement corrective / preventive actions to underlying causes of defects or failures.  Verify effectiveness of corrective actions through follow-up audits and production part checks.
• Technical Quality Control : validate supplier processes for :
• Crimp height, pull force, and terminal fit verification
• Wire stripping, sealing, and over-molding
• Harness electrical testing (continuity, shorts, resistance, hipot)
• Ensure compliance with Saronic specific workmanship standards.
• Implement statistical process control (SPC) on key wiring parameters.
• Supplier Quality Assurance (Audits & Assessments) Oversight :  Develop and implement quality assurance processes and procedures for suppliers to ensure they meet the company's quality standards and regulatory requirements, and internal procedures with a focus on crimping, soldering, over-molding, and harness assembly standards.  Qualify and approve wiring harness suppliers through audits, capability assessments, and compliance checks using key metrics (e.g., defect rates, on-time delivery, etc.) and take corrective actions as needed (IATF 16949, AS9100, ISO 9001, etc.).  Manage supplier scorecards and monitor ongoing performance (PPM, OTD, quality escapes).  Work with suppliers to address any non-conformances identified during audits.
• Quality Documentation and Reporting : Maintain accurate records of supplier quality performance, audits, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives. Prepare and present regular reports to senior management and cross-functional teams on supplier quality metrics, trends, and performance improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Work closely with internal teams, including procurement, manufacturing, engineering, and logistics, to address quality concerns related to supplier components or materials. Ensure that product design, specifications, and supplier capabilities are aligned to meet quality and production requirements. Provide technical support and guidance to design teams on harness layout, connector selection, and strain relief strategies.  Train internal teams and suppliers on harness quality requirements and standards.
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives : Participate in and drive continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing supplier quality, reducing defects, and improving overall supply chain performance. Utilize tools such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen to identify and eliminate inefficiencies on critical harness dimensions.  Support dual-sourcing and risk assessments for critical harness suppliers.
• Risk Management and Compliance : Identify potential risks in the supply chain related to product quality or supplier performance. Work with suppliers and internal teams to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, certifications, and company quality standards (ISO, TS16949, etc.).
• New Supplier Qualification : Support the evaluation and qualification of new suppliers, ensuring that their quality management systems and processes meet the company’s standards. Participate in supplier selection, quality assessments, and qualification audits to ensure fit with organizational requirements.

Qualifications

Physical Demands

Benefits

This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person” : (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in  8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) .

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.