Supplier Quality Engineer, Drive Unit

About This Role

This role is a critical frontline defense against quality issues within Tesla's supply chain, requiring rapid identification, containment, and resolution of supplier quality concerns to protect manufacturing lines. It demands exceptional problem-solving abilities, decisive action, and effective communication to ensure only high-quality parts reach production.

Responsibilities

• Drive containment actions and develop sorting/rework methodologies to ensure parts meet quality standards, applying creative problem-solving to error-proof processes.
• Solve problems under pressure by clearly assessing situations and providing actionable next steps.
• Prioritize tasks effectively using hypothesis testing and Risk Priority Number (RPN) evaluation.
• Break down complex tasks into manageable steps and lead implementation from the frontlines.
• Identify and champion kaizen initiatives that reduce part costs, enhance quality standards, or improve ergonomics in manufacturing processes.
• Own and drive Supplier Quality KPIs including SCAR containment metrics, sort closure rates, aging MRB tickets, and related performance indicators.
• Coordinate effectively with suppliers to ensure timely sort initiations by managing PO releases, communicating Clean Shipment Dates, and conducting thorough Verification of Effectiveness for SCARs.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging manufacturing and engineering trends impacting product quality.
• Follow issues through to completion, with flexibility to support different production shifts or commodities as per business needs.

Requirements

• Understanding of components function and structure for Battery Module/Pack or Drive Unit
• Strong foundation in manufacturing and quality methodologies including OEE, 8D problem solving, Pareto Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and measurement system analysis
• Exceptional interpersonal skills for building collaborative relationships across functional teams, with the confidence to direct supplier activities at the management level
• Proactive, results-driven mindset with passion for improving processes, enhancing part quality, and driving operational excellence
• Natural curiosity, a hand on approach and willingness to learn new skills with a focus on quick implementation
• Practical experience with Quality Systems, PPAP/APQP processes, understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and various inspection methods
• Strong technical communication abilities, particularly in translating complex engineering concepts into clear, actionable information for diverse audiences

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent experience

Nice to Have

• Supplier sourcing or process audit experience
• Practical experience with data analysis and visualization using tools like SQL, Tableau, Python

Skills

* Required skills

Benefits