Supplier Quality Engineer – Restraint Systems (Airbags)

Ford · Naucalpan de Juarez, MEX · onsite The Ford Purchasing team adds critical value to the entire organization by sourcing high-quality parts and services globally while ensuring optimal cost and on-time delivery. As a Supplier Quality Engineer, you'll be the critical link between Ford and interior component suppliers, driving flawless product launches and sustained part quality across manufacturing sites. Responsibilities Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned interior component supplier sites, owning quality performance from new product launch through ongoing production. Lead new program launch readiness by managing the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), resolving supplier quality issues, and escalating critical risks to leadership promptly. Conduct on-site supplier evaluations and assessments to proactively identify and resolve manufacturing capacity or process risks before they impact production. Drive continuous improvement initiatives at supplier sites using proven quality methodologies to elevate performance and reduce defects. Lead root-cause problem-solving for supplier-related quality issues, including risk assessments and corrective action planning. Partner with global engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure critical safety and quality characteristics are properly controlled and verified throughout the supply chain. Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience in supplier quality/manufacturing environments. Experience: 3 to 7 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or a related automotive/manufacturing field. Technical Background: Hands-on experience with one or more automotive interior manufacturing processes, such as restraint systems (airbags). Quality Expertise: Familiarity with quality systems and tools such as Process Failure Mode Effect Analysis (PFMEA), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility (Gage R&R), and root-cause problem-solving methodologies. Skills: Strong project management capability, experience managing supply chain risk or crisis situations, and clear communication skills (including proficiency in English) to collaborate effectively with global teams. Software/Tools: Proficiency with standard quality and data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel, Minitab, or equivalent statistical software.