Advanced Supplier Quality Engineer

Position Summary/Objective:

The Advanced Supplier Quality Engineer (ASQE) is responsible for ensuring suppliers are prepared to meet quality, capacity, timing, and production-readiness requirements for new automotive product launches.

This position serves as the primary quality and launch interface between Muth and assigned suppliers from sourcing through production launch. The ASQE proactively monitors supplier progress, identifies risks to program timing, conducts onsite supplier readiness assessments and Run at Rate evaluations, and drives corrective actions when supplier performance or readiness does not meet expectations.

The position requires a hands-on individual who is comfortable working directly with suppliers on the manufacturing floor to resolve issues, improve timing, and ensure successful launches.

• Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manage supplier quality and production readiness for new automotive programs from supplier nomination through SOP and Safe Launch.
  • Develop and maintain supplier readiness plans aligned with overall APQP and customer program timing.
  • Monitor supplier tooling, equipment, component, validation, capacity, and production-readiness timing.
  • Conduct regular supplier status reviews and identify potential delays before they impact Muth or customer milestones.
  • Escalate supplier timing, quality, capacity, or technical risks when recovery plans are not sufficient.
  • Conduct onsite Supplier Readiness Reviews
    , process audits, production trials, and Run at Rate
  • Verify that suppliers have appropriate manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, staffing, training, inspection methods, capacity, packaging, traceability, and contingency plans in place before launch.
  • Review and approve supplier APQP documentation, including validation documentation.
  • Ensure supplier special characteristics and customer-specific requirements are properly incorporated into supplier manufacturing controls.
  • Review supplier capacity and validate that demonstrated production rates support Muth and customer volume requirements.
  • Work directly with suppliers to develop recovery plans when tooling, components, testing, or production timing is behind schedule.
  • Coordinate expedited activities and onsite support for suppliers identified as high‑risk to program timing.
  • Lead supplier corrective actions using structured problem‑solving methodologies such as 8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa, and containment/corrective action plans
    .
  • Support supplier manufacturing process improvements and mistake‑proofing activities.
  • Support Safe Launch activities and establish enhanced supplier controls when launch risk warrant additional inspection or monitoring.
  • Track suppliers launch KPIs and communicate supplier readiness status to Program Management, Quality, Purchasing, Engineering, and Manufacturing.
  • Participate in customer launch and supplier readiness meetings when required.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of supplier visits, assessments, Run at Rate results, open issues, recovery plans, and action‑item closure.
  • Support supplier development activities for suppliers requiring improvement in quality systems, manufacturing controls, capacity, or launch management.