Supplier Quality Engineer III

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, turboexpanders, services, and solutions for the liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied hydrogen (LH2), and industrial gases industries. Applications include fueling stations, marine engines, peak shaving, power generation, virtual pipelines, carbon capture, geothermal power and well stimulation. We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with $1.5 B USD in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Summary/Objective:

Detail-oriented supplier quality engineer with 5+ years of experience. Supplier Quality Engineers are responsible for ensuring product quality and compliance through robust quality systems, metallurgical validation, and continuous improvement across manufacturing and supplier base. Lead root cause analysis, process controls, and material evaluation to support zero-defect delivery. The components include high Precision machining, investment and aluminum alloy Casting, evaluating suppliers process, ensuring that they meet quality standards.

Responsibilities:

       1) Quality Systems & Compliance

• Implement and maintain QMS per ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 requirements.
• Develop Control Plans, Inspection Plans, Work Instructions, and SOPs.
• Conduct internal audits and support customer/supplier audits.
• Manage Nonconformances, Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), and maintain NCR logs.
• Lead submissions, dimensional reports, material certs
• Ensure calibration of measuring equipment; maintain ISO 17025 alignment for lab practices (if applicable).

2) Metallurgy & Materials Engineering

• Validate raw materials per ASTM/ASME/ISO standards (e.g., chemical composition, mechanical properties).
• Plan and execute metallurgical testing:
• Mechanical: Tensile, Yield, Elongation, Hardness (Rockwell, Vickers, Brinell), Impact (Charpy), Fatigue.
• Microstructure: Grain size, phase identification, inclusion rating; metallography (etching, polishing).
• Advanced: SEM/EDS, XRD (if available), microhardness, fracture analysis.
• Corrosion: Salt spray (ASTM B117), humidity, pitting, intergranular corrosion (IGC).
• Heat Treatment: Validate cycles; monitor TPI, quench media, tempering charts; hardness profiles and case depth (for carburizing/nitriding).
• NDT: UT, MT, PT, RT; interpret results per ASNT/ISO standards.
• Review and approve Mill Test Certificates (MTC), heat numbers, and traceability.
• Provide failure analysis with formal reports and containment/corrective actions.
• Define acceptance criteria for castings/forgings/weldments and monitor metallurgical process capability.

3) Manufacturing Quality & Process Control

• Establish SPC on critical characteristics; analyze Cp/Cpk, trends, and special-cause variation.
• Conduct MSA (GRR) for gauges and measurement systems.
• Utilize GD&T for inspection and product acceptance; validate measurement methods.
• Lead root cause analysis using 8D, DMAIC, 5-Why, Fishbone, Is/Is-Not.
• Drive process improvements (Poka-Yoke, standardization, error-proofing).
• Support first article inspection (FAI) and process validation.
•  

4) Supplier Quality

• Qualify suppliers; conduct process audits and capability assessments.
• Define incoming inspection criteria; manage supplier NCRs and corrective actions.
• Align supplier metallurgical processes (melting, refining, heat treatment) to specifications.
• Monitor supplier performance (PPM, OTD, responsiveness) and lead improvement programs.
• 5) Customer & Documentation
• Interface with customers for quality issues, concessions, and deviations.
• Prepare and maintain Quality Plans, Metallurgical Reports, Control Plans, and PPAP dossiers.
• Track KPIs and present monthly dashboards.

Authority

• Stop/hold production for quality or metallurgical nonconformance.
• Reject or quarantine incoming material / in-process parts that fail specifications.
• Approve/sign-off material certifications and release for production.
• Issue supplier NCRs and require corrective actions.
• Approve Control Plans, inspection methods, and gauge selection.
• Request special process validation (e.g., weld, heat treatment) and additional testing.
• Escalate risks to management and customers as needed

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Responsibility to Visit local supplier facilities/locations on an as needed basis to improve relationships, follow up on corrective action validation and/or due to quality spill.
• Responsibility to organize and lead visits/audits at Suppliers plants in case of major Quality issues
• Responsibility to improve the performance and effectiveness of the IMS.
• Audit potential and current suppliers QMS or manufacturing processes.
• Coordinating Process Audits activities within the Supplier Quality Assurance.
• Organizing and leading regular Quality Management meetings, also performing regular technical visits to Suppliers for continuous development.
• Assist company to perform cost reduction program with suppliers, eliminate non-quality cost
• Facilitate supplier design reviews encompassing supplier design simulation, testing, and validation activities to ensure delivered quality at both the proto-type and product launch phase

Education, Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor’s in Metallurgical/Materials/Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• 3–7 years in quality engineering; metallurgy experience mandatory for this role.
• Experience with ISO 9001/IATF 16949; familiarity with ASTM/ASME/ISO standards.
• Computer skills, Well versed with MS office.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and ability to travel
• Experience as Auditor
• Experience of IMS / ISO quality system
• Willing to work with people in an international environment
• Experience in machining and component manufacturing industry
• Strong knowledge of Production Part Approval Process.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment:

Your work environment includes your working hours. For instance, your job may be the regular Eight thirty-to-Six type or moreover, this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop, computers, another important factor that contributes to your work environment is to what extent you can grow as a professional in your job.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.