Supplier Quality Development Engineer – Welding, Mechanics

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Germany.

📋 Description

• Ensure the quality of suppliers for the designated commodity.

• Conduct initial and follow-up audits (both generic and specific processes) at suppliers within the commodity panel, ensuring compliance with Wabtec guidelines on defined actions from these audits.

• Manage the Production Part Approval Process (PPAPs) along with initial sample releases and First Article Inspections (FAIs) at suppliers connected to the introduction of new parts.

• Supervise process re-qualification at key suppliers to uphold quality standards and foster ongoing supplier development.

• Execute supplier development initiatives in collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders such as Engineering, Supply Chain, and Purchasing.

• Engage in Top Offender meetings and Quarterly Business Reviews/Quarterly Quality Reviews with primary suppliers for the assigned (sub-)commodity.

• Collaborate with Product Line/Site Quality, Engineering, and Project Management to resolve critical supplier issues, ensuring thorough root cause analysis at suppliers and identifying necessary internal improvements related to significant supplier concerns.

• Independently handle dedicated supplier commodity audits, Quarterly Quality Reviews, and strategic planning for the most problematic suppliers.

• Guarantee the implementation and effectiveness of corrective and preventive measures at suppliers for significant issues.

• Assist in a robust Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) recovery process from suppliers in partnership with Commodity Lead Buyers and Product Line/Site organizations (Quality, Purchasing, Project Management).

• Regularly assess and report on the status and progress of these critical supplier issues to the Supplier Quality Department (SQD).

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years of experience as a Quality Engineer.

• Practical experience with CNC cutting, bending, milling, press-brake operations, fabrication, and/or testing & validation.

• Comprehensive manufacturing experience with mechanical systems, fabrication processes, welding, and assembly.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, including welding schematics.

• Strong documentation and organizational skills; ability to maintain precise records and meet reporting obligations.

• Competence in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Familiarity with design principles applicable to railway products, systems, and operational environments.

• Experience with welding processes (TIG, MIG, arc), cutting, grinding, drilling, and assembling components into prototypes, fixtures, or final assemblies.

• Preferred experience with EN 15085.

• Knowledge of assessment methodologies and experience in conducting internal/external audits (ISO 19011, ISO 9001).

• Strong organizational abilities and capacity to manage workload independently.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Willingness to travel up to 30% to supplier locations and Wabtec sites.

• Legal authorization to work in the EU (visa sponsorship is not available).

🏝️ Benefits

• Compensation according to the collective bargaining agreement.

• Permanent employment opportunity.

• Vacation pay included.

• Christmas bonus provided.

• Contribution towards capital-forming benefits.

• Company pension scheme available.

• 30 days of vacation per calendar year.

• Access to a company cafeteria.

• Company bike leasing program offered.

• Subsidy for the Germany Ticket.

• Opportunities for further training and professional development.