Supplier Quality Associate

Supplier Quality Associate

Department: Purchasing

Location: Erie, PA

Description

Essential Job Functions:

Align with our company culture, mission, values, philosophy, and policies and procedures by exemplifying our

C.L.E.A.R Principles.

• Curiosity- look for a better way as a solutions-oriented problem solver.
• Leadership- take ownership and be the catalyst of change.
• Enthusiasm- be motivated and passionate` about your work.
• Accountability- deliver on commitments and act with integrity.
• Respect- be present, listen and engage with inclusive open, honest, and direct communication.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform preliminary reviews of PPAP submissions for completeness and compliance with AIAG and

customer-specific requirements.

• Support the management of supplier corrective action requests (CARs), including tracking open issues

and reviewing 8D reports.

• Collaborate with the Supplier Quality / Development Engineer(s) to escalate non-conformance and

repeat issues.

• Assist in the preparation and execution of supplier audits and performance reviews.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of supplier approvals, scorecards, and audit findings.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding quality issues, missing documentation, and deadlines.
• Help coordinate and track Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) milestones with suppliers.
• Use tools such as 5-Why, Ishikawa (Fishbone Diagrams), and Pareto Analysis for problem-solving

support.

• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements in all supplier

quality activities.

• Monitor supplier performance and provide feedback to suppliers.
• Lead re-sourcing efforts in support of corporate quality, delivery, and productivity goals.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Establish relationships with various suppliers across all commodities/categories.
• Provide technical support to the supplier during the development of new custom and outsourced

finished parts.

• This includes supporting plastic injection molding, die casting, coatings, outsourced lamps,

wiring/harnessing, and electronics components & assemblies.

• Work together with the department Supplier Quality / Development Engineers team to help source

parts at the appropriate supplier from a technical perspective.

• Help coordinate supplier audits and/or self-assessments to assure that the suppliers can produce

various parts per the drawing/technical requirements.

• Position required compliance with the Technology Control Plan and the Federal Export Control Policy

established for the Corporation.

Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and documentation review.
• Basic understanding of quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949).
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); knowledge of quality systems or ERP software is a

plus.

• Familiarity with AIAG Core Tools (PPAP, APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC).
• Exposure to GD&T and measurement systems preferred.
• Problem-solving skills with experience in corrective action methodologies (8D, 5-Why, etc.).

REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate degree or higher in Engineering, Quality or a related technical field (bachelor's preferred).
• 1 - 3 years in quality or supplier-facing role in the automotive or manufacturing industry.