Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer role, based in India, is responsible for managing supplier relationships and ensuring the quality and delivery performance of suppliers. This role covers supplier performance management, new product development, project order quality oversight, supplier audits, and support for sourcing initiatives across India. The position reports to the Global Sourcing Leader in India.

The primary objective of this role is to ensure suppliers consistently meet requirements related to quality, delivery, cost, and compliance. The role works closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to prevent defects, drive continuous improvement, enhance supplier capabilities, and support current and future business needs.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

· Monitor supplier performance, identify gaps, and initiate improvement actions.

· Monitor supplier risks and recommend/implement necessary actions.

· Manage open order fulfillment to meet plant requirements; provide weekly updates and coordinate with plant buyers.

· Lead corrective action implementation to prevent recurrence of issues.

· Conduct supplier audits and manage associated corrective actions.

· Lead new product development activities with suppliers, working with global and plant teams.

· Align supplier inspection practices with plant standards to ensure First Time Through (FTT) for samples and production parts.

· Collaborate with global subject matter experts in castings, machining, and welding to implement robust manufacturing practices.

· Support new supplier identification, capability assessment, and BCC localization.

· Train suppliers on Celeros’ requirements in quality, HSE, and performance.

· Maintain the supplier quality TeamSite, including updates on certifications and audit reports.

· Report any HSE non-compliance and stop work as required by Celeros or regulatory standards.

· Drive improvement projects focused on lead time reduction, cost optimization, defect prevention, capacity enhancement, and risk mitigation.

· Monitor supplier compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including trade embargoes, conflict minerals, and raw material origin.

· Build and maintain strong supplier relationships in support of Celeros’ business objectives.

· Perform additional responsibilities as assigned from time to time based on need

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Knowledge of pumps and valves.

· Understanding of manufacturing processes for pump and valve components, including casting and forging; digital manufacturing experience is a plus.

· Strong communication skills in English (written, verbal, and interpersonal).

· Proficiency in basic computer skills, especially Microsoft Office applications.

· Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with supplier teams nationwide and act as a liaison between plant purchasing teams and suppliers.

· Strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with problem-solving tools.

· Ability to work independently as a self-driven contributor within a team environment.

· Ability to learn and train others, particularly in supplier training.

· Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.

· Hands-on experience inspecting machined casings and pump/valve parts; experience managing an inspection team is an advantage.

· Experience working with 3D models is an advantage.

· Ability to communicate in Tamil and/or Hindi is preferred.

Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical or Metallurgical preferred), completed as a full-time 4-year program from a UGC-recognized university in India.

· Minimum 8–10 years of experience in manufacturing industries such as foundries, valve or pump OEMs, fabrication units, or machine shops supplying pump/valve components. Supplier quality or development experience preferred.

· Audit experience is essential: must be a qualified ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor certified by an external agency. Lead Auditor certification is preferred.

· ASNT Level II certification in MT, PT, RT, and UT is preferred.

· Green Belt or Black Belt certification is preferred.

· Hands-on experience with measuring instruments is essential; experience with CMM inspection is preferred and familiarity is required.