GPS Supplier Quality Engineer

Role Summary The GPS Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is a senior individual contributor who owns end-to-end supplier quality for a portfolio of diesel and gas engine, purchased drive unit, transmission, and CCA/Reman components. This role serves as the technical liaison between GM Purchasing, Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Plant Quality, and the external supply base, ensuring robust Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), flawless launches, and stable current production performance across global GPS programs.

Lead end-to-end supplier quality for assigned propulsion components (ICE, transmission, e-drive, and CCA/Reman), from sourcing through launch and field performance. Assure supplier understanding of and compliance with GM 1927, APQP, PPAP, Run@Rate, and GPDP deliverables; review and approve Control Plans, PFMEAs, Process Flows, MSA and capability studies. Conduct on-site assessments of supplier manufacturing processes, BIQ/GMS implementation, and quality management systems; drive closure of gaps via formal action plans. Lead structured problem solving (8D, 5-Why, Red X, DMAIC) for supplier-caused issues impacting plants, launches, warranty, JD Power, or safety; ensure robust containment, verified root cause, and systemic corrective actions, including read-across. Implement and monitor supplier part qualification and certification (PPAP, Run@Rate), including sample submission, capacity verification, and ongoing performance tracking. Lead or approve Part-Specific Supplier Quality Statements of Requirements (SQ SOR) and Part-Specific Quality & Process CG content based on lessons learned, warranty, and launch issues. Act as escalation owner for Controlled Shipping Level 1 and Level 2 (CS1/CS2): define requirements, approve 3rd-party sort, validate data (GM 1927-66 I-charts), and drive exit criteria. Partner with GPS plants (engine, transmission, and CCA/Reman operations) to protect production: support emergency containment, shutdown/startup readiness, SD/SU audits, and restart verification. Use line, field, and warranty data (PRTS, Warranty Cube, GCA, DRR, JD Power) to identify chronic issues, prioritize work, and measure effectiveness of corrective actions. Mentor level 6 SQEs and act as technical coach on APQP/PPAP, CS1/CS2, problem solving, and use of GM 1927 standards; model Level 7 behaviors in ownership, judgment, and cross-functional leadership. Represent GPS SQ in sourcing, Tech Reviews, M7 discussions, and Executive reviews; provide clear quality risk assessments and recommendations tied to supplier performance and readiness.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Manufacturing, Materials, Chemical) or related technical field (e.g., Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry), or equivalent experience. Minimum 5+ years of experience in quality, manufacturing, and/or engineering, with significant exposure to powertrain, e-drive, or CCA/Reman components. Demonstrated expertise with core supplier quality processes: APQP, PPAP, Run@Rate, PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA, capability analysis, and IATF 16949-based QMS. Strong print reading and GD&T skills, including gage design/function and understanding of dimensional strategies for castings, machined, and assembled components. Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional problem solving using quantitative tools (Red X, DFSS/DMAIC, SPC, DOE) and to close issues through verified, sustainable corrective actions. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple programs and supplier decks simultaneously, exercising independent judgment and influencing without direct authority. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills with experience interfacing directly with suppliers and senior internal stakeholders. Willingness and ability to travel up to ~25–50% as required by program and issue demands.

Prior GPS Supplier Quality, Plant