Staff Engineer, Vitreous Supplier Quality

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location: Hybrid at Kohler, WI

Opportunity

Provide Comprehensive Purchased Products/Raw Material Quality support for Vitreous category. Completes engineering/supplier quality assignments by following prescribed procedures.

Specific Responsibilities

• Lead Vitreous Products/Raw Material NPD & Supplier Quality activities to meet business expectations from quality approval & Deliverable standpoint.

• 8D ,CAPA analysis for Raw Material ,Product specific issues reported from Plant & Market.

• Lead the cross-functional Print & Process Review process for purchased products for local market product including organizing attendees, defining timelines, understanding of key characteristics and GD&T callouts, expected process control and recording of decisions and agreements. (DFM, PPR, Sample trials, Process Qualification, VTP Feedback & PPAP are some of the key requirements of this role)

• Coordination with suppliers & expert feedback to remove potential technical road blocks. - Use GD&T (Geometric dimension & tolerance) & tolerance stack up knowledge during drawing /design PPR reviews with suppliers.

• Establish and implement consistent supplier selection and assessment processes, including input into the Qualified Supplier List. Conduct quality assessments of potential suppliers, drive recordable improvements based on results and assist Procurement in determining appropriate suppliers to quote for purchased products. Conduct on-site audits of existing key suppliers on a regular or as requested basis.

• Support the CPD (Continuous Product Development) activities within the VPE (Vitreous, Plastics & Electronics)

• Ensure compliance to Global SQR system, Project recording & Dashboard creation for VA/VE projects

• Conduct PPAP’s for local market purchased products/drawings changes including process flow, PFMEA, MSA, capability studies, dimensional conformance, AAR, performance testing and documented control plans in accordance with the Product Policy requirements.

• If necessary, assign and follow-up appropriate SCAR for interim approved PPAP’s to achieve full PPAP approval, including communicating additional controls, as necessary, to provide conforming product during this temporary acceptance timeframe.

• Utilize existing data (warranty & shop floor) to assist in the risk assessment.

• Identify and pursue opportunities for supplier development in quality systems, products, and processes. Utilize proven methodologies such as ISO9001, SPC, Lean and Six Sigma to drive recordable improvements in quality, cost and delivery.

• Monitor and communicate supplier response and follow-up activities on any non-conforming products including investigation, sorting, analysis, disposition, deviation, and corrective action.

Skills/Requirements

• BS or MS Technical Mechanical Engineering

• 5+ Hands-On Experience of Leading & Coordinating NPD, CPD Projects in a Global MNC in Supplier Quality Assurance & Supplier Development Profile. Basic Manufacturing process knowledge is must to have.

• Localization /Alternate sourcing and VA/VE.

• Designing implementing and monitoring of the quality management system to ensure sustainable product /component development end to end quality.

• Experience in defining, monitoring and improve KPI`s at supplier (PPM & NC reduction)

• Working experience of PPAP, Process Qualification & Six Sigma DMAIC tools

• Well versed with measuring instruments like CMM, Hight gauge, VMM etc.

• Demonstrated ability to drive solid engineering solution to complex problems through RCA.

• In depth knowledge of Raw Material manufacturing processes of Vitreous Products like toilets ,lavs , bathtub, etc. is added advantage.

• Demonstrated expertise to apply Quality Tools, Six Sigma Methodologies to Manufacturing processes. (Minitab software usage is an added advantage)

• Customer complaint handling experience needed with thorough understanding of metrices like UFR &CCU (Include 8D as deemed needed)

• Field return parts /products analysis.

• Understand Product drawings and inferences of various symbols.

• Individual must be a team player and able to communicate to all levels within the business.

• Flexibility on Traveling – Extensive travelling for SQA related activities.

• Good Planning and Organizing Skills, to Ensure effective Project Management.

• Quick Decision Making

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-NR2

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

The salary range for this position is $98,900 - $125,600. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k.

Why Choose Kohler?

We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.

About Us

It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com . Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.