Supplier Quality Engineer

Location:

Michigan City, Indiana, United States

Job ID:

R0116902

Date Posted:

2026-01-12

Company Name:

HITACHI GLOBAL AIR POWER US, LLC

Profession (Job Category):

Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: 

Full time

Remote:

No

Job Description:

Hitachi Global Air Power:

We build the machines that power industry. We are Hitachi Global Air Power (“HGAP”), a leading global industrial compressed air manufacturer driving the innovations that keep the world moving.

From our headquarters in Michigan City, Indiana, our compressed air solutions power manufacturing operations all around the globe: from food and beverage to life-saving pharmaceuticals and cutting edge semi-conductor chips. Our portable compressors provide the air power to build roads and bridges, lay pipelines and aid in oil and gas mining and production.

We are a team of innovators, engineers, and quality experts with a shared vision to create the next generation of efficient, environment-forward compressed air solutions that meet the demands of today, while boldly contributing to a sustainable, circular economy. With more than 58 years of legacy and trusted performance through our brands - Hitachi, Sullair, and Champion (Australia), we are proud of our reputation for reliability, durability, and performance and groundbreaking engineering.

Join us in building a future where your work has an impact. At Hitachi Global Air Power, you will be part of a global network that is shaping the future of industrial power.

Summary of the position:

Looking for an enthusiastic self-motivated Supplier Quality Engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate is comfortable performing a wide range of tasks from administrative to tactical to strategic.

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for establishing and maintaining a professional proactive relationship between the organization and the quality department for each supplier.  This person will be the lead for supplier system, product, and product approvals.  In addition, this person will be responsible for working with key suppliers on obtaining complete problem resolution with the goal of zero defects through continuously improving the suppliers’ internal processes. 

The position will be located at the Hitachi Michigan City, IN manufacturing location.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Quality Key Contact and Account owner for assigned suppliers/commodities.
• Conduct Quality Management System Audit, Process Audit and Product Audit to Support Supplier Selection and Approval Process.
• Conducts supplier quality audits of potential new suppliers and current suppliers: Quality Management System, Process Audit and Product Audit.
• Training Expert and Owner of Supplier Onboarding Process for Quality (Supplier Quality Manual, PPAP workbook, SQE procedure, SCAR).
• Executes a supplier improvement strategy for the organization.
• Support Supplier Cost related Improvement Workshops in collaboration with Procurement.
• Owner of the APQP Process with assigned suppliers/commodities:
• Act as Quality voice in Technical and Feasibility review with supplier.
• Responsible for PPAP process and approval with Suppliers.
• Drive Supplier Quality issues, Complaint Handling / Problem Solving (8D’s) / Chargeback process.
• Define and drive Supplier Improvement Plans, Supplier Escalation Process (e.g. Focus Supplier Programs)
• Organize and Perform Suppliers Quality Scorecard Reviews, Complaint reviews and other management reviews.
• Participates in Supplier Transitions, New Product Development (NPD) and Cost Reduction Projects with responsibility for successful supplier quality performance.

• Communicates supplier performance to the organization and supply chain base by maintaining supplier quality performance data and metrics.
• Leads team with Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supplier on root cause analysis for quality issues on purchased products.

• Executes improvement and maintenance plans for Supplier Quality processes and documents (Supplier Quality Manual, Supplier Assessment, Process Audits, Corrective Action Process, Supplier Assessment Surveillance, etc.).
• Travel to assigned suppliers, as necessary (domestic and international). Up to 50% travel.

Qualifications:

Education:

•            Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Engineering or Technical Field is preferred).

•            Six Sigma and/or ASQ Certifications are preferred.

• B.S. degree (or equivalent) in Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, or related field
• At least 3 years of experience within (Supplier) Quality and supplier APQ processes
• Fluent in English

Professional experience:

• Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14000 and OHSAS 18001 management systems. Certification as Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor Assessor preferred. IATF 16949 and other Automotive Standards is a plus.

• Working Knowledge of specific Products and Processes as required (e.g. Fabrication, Machining, Molding, Wire harness, Stamping, …)
• Working knowledge related to APQP process, including but not limited to: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, CP, MSA, SPC, Gage R@R and 8D.
• Ability to work across cultures and countries effectively.

• Thorough knowledge of Problem-Solving tools (5-Why, Ishikawa/Fishbone Diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis).
• Process and System Auditor Skills - mandatory.
• Knowledge in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and Advanced knowledge reading technical drawings and specifications.
• Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in Supplier Quality Assurance in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with suppliers to resolve problems using problem solving methods/tools.

• ASQ Certifications Preferred – CQA, CQE, CQM, CSQP.
• Knowledge and experience with Continuous Improvement Methodologies (6 Sigma, Lean Mfg. etc.). Green Belt/Six Sigma Black Belt certification – a plus.

Key behaviors:

• Ability to think critically, anticipating/recognizing problems and resolving in a timely manner.
• Ability to lead both internal and supplier cross functional teams.

Competencies:

Values: Integrity, Accountability, Inclusion, Teamwork, Innovation

Direct reports:

• N/A

The successful candidate is responsible for complying with Hitachi Global Air Power US Code of Ethics and related policies. In performing the job, the incumbent shall take all steps necessary to comply with our safety rules and requirements and must actively support the organization's efforts to meet and exceed its goals of creating and maintaining a safe workplace.

This description is to serve as a guide. It is intended to be flexible and will continue to evolve over time with business needs and demands and may be updated periodically and at the Company's discretion.

Hitachi Global Air Power US is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate based on race, religion, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or other protected categories under applicable law, whether in recruitment, employment, promotion, transfer, compensation, or other conditions of employment.