Supplier Quality Engineer

Belvac is the world leader in the design and production of continuous motion rotary machinery. We provide beverage canmakers with high-speed trimming, necking, base reprofiling and reforming, shaping, bottom rim coating, flanging and inspection technology. Over the years, we have been responsible for numerous advances in canmaking technology. This technology has enabled our customers to steadily increase line speeds and improve quality and productivity, while significantly reducing materials costs.  Belvac was founded in 1962 in Lynchburg Virginia. Philosophies of quality, pride, craftsmanship, and work ethic set extremely high standards and quickly drove Belvac to become the world leader in its industry revolutionizing many manufacturing processes.   For over forty years Belvac has turned innovative ideas into world class machinery.  Serving both the Can Making and Plastics industry.sts.

General Function:             To assist in supplier development and assurance of quality for the North American based supply chain.  This individual will provide key technical interface between the Supplier and Belvac’s Supply Chain Organization, Quality, and Engineering to ensure that components achieve the highest level of quality, meeting design requirements and delivery and strive for a zero defect rate.

Monitors and ensures Suppliers are maintaining quality performance levels  to designed specifications.

Primary Responsibilities:

• It is the responsibility of all Belvac Production Machinery, Inc employees to be aware of and work with Belvac’s current documented Quality Management system as it pertains to their job requirement.
• Responsible for minimizing the cost and improving the quality of purchased components and services by primarily ensuring that the skills and techniques developed for use in the manufacturing of Belvac’s products are shared with all parties associated with the supply chain, both internal and external. 
• Responsible for the prevention and timely resolution of supply chain related quality issues in accordance with Belvac’s Quality Management System. 
• Assigns supply chain corrective and preventive actions. Reviews all root cause and corrective/preventive actions submitted by supply chain to ensure optimum effectiveness.  Consistently follows-up on supply chain corrective/ preventive actions and audit findings to ensure continuous improvement on all aspects of outsourced manufacturing.
• The SQE travels to vendor sites to inspect their manufacturing/inspection resources and/or products destined to Belvac customers.  Performs diversified vendor facility audits to determine their suitability as a particular product source. 
• Provides oral and/or written reports to Belvac’s management regarding opportunities to enhance the manufacturability of products.  Participates in and may lead team meetings regarding supply chain quality performance.
• Provide weekly written reports to the Director, Quality Assurance regarding current activities.

• Utilizing proper reporting methods, identify and report discrepancies or opportunities for improvement both internal and external.
• Assists with developing and management of certified vendors, providing Dock-to-Stock products.
• Assist product and development engineering regarding manufacturability and inspectability issues.
• Review new product drawing to ensure proper dimensioning and tolerance schemes are applied.

• Coordination and documentation of new product manufacturing and inspection projects; (FA samples, PPAP, etc.).
• Assists with the planning of manufacturing engineering projects to match vendor resources according to project requirements.
• Reviews product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards and customer contract requirements and related specifications.  Also makes specific manufacturing process decisions and proposes design changes to enhance manufacturability.
• Assists in selection/management of outside supplier sources capable of meeting technical requirements and assists with negotiation of contracts for completion of these requirements.
• Assists in project management to include RFQ (request for quote), supplier selection, fixturing, tooling, patterns, first article inspections, production startup, inventory, and logistics.
• Develops, evaluates and improves manufacturing/inspection methods.
• Confers with planning and design staff concerning product design and tooling to ensure efficient production methods.
• Confers with management, engineering and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, production schedules and other considerations to facilitate production processes.
• Support/perform inspection activities as required.
• Assist in CMM programming as required.
• Performs Inspection Training at supplier sites when needed and internally to Belvac as assigned
• Other duties may be assigned.

Continuous Improvement Skills:

• Excel, Microsoft Office, Access
• SPC Software
• RFCA and ERP data bases
• Advanced PC skills
• Developing spreadsheet to gather and analyze Quality problems
• Sorting and analyzing data
• Preparing TQM charts and graphs
• Advanced SPC knowledge
• Knowledge and application of statistics
• Demonstrated ability to identify and solve quality problems
• Quality Systems Management Audits
• Lean Six Sigma problem solving skills
• PDCA/ DMAIC methodology

• Pareto
• Cause-effect charting
• Histograms
• 8 Disciplines
• 5  WHY
• Working in teams and inter-departmentally

• Develop, plan and implement inspection technique and methods training
• 5S Improvement and Audit

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, Industrial, Manufacturing or Quality Assurance.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification (Black Belt preferred)
• Five years of technical manufacturing in a quality oriented environment required.
•  Project management and technical experience desired. 
• Good working knowledge of manufacturing and metalworking equipment. 
• Proficient knowledge of GD&T as applied to technical drawings. 
• Proficient in the use of computers including ERP systems, MS Windows, Microsoft Office tools, Word, Excel, Access, and a clear understanding of ISO 9001 standard requirements.

Travel:

Up to 70% domestic and international travel

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.