Salary: $90,000 - $105,000 annually, plus benefits  

Position Summary

As a Senior SQA Engineer, you will ensure the quality of purchased parts throughout the entire process — from concept through to series production — for assigned suppliers and projects. This role involves working independently, collaborating within teams, or leading small project teams. You will also support regular travel within the USA and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Quality Management

• Audit and assess suppliers, contributing to the nomination process.
• Lead Supplier Quality Assurance activities including APQP, PPAP, and surveillance visits.
• Conduct series process and part approvals during product launches.
• Create and manage customer quality requirements to ensure clear communication across the supply chain.
• Generate goods receiving inspection documentation for pre-production and production phases.
• Manage supplier quality performance, including verifying and implementing corrective actions in the pre-series phase.
• Oversee quality implications of product and process changes.
• Resolve part quality issues using 8D methodology and other automotive tools.
• Collaborate closely with procurement, design, and systems engineering teams to ensure parts are cost-effective, fit for purpose, and meet quality standards.

Continuous Improvement & New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Own, complete, and hand over CI projects to operations.
• Identify and implement improvements benefiting the manufacturing technical center (MTC) and production performance (PP).
• Maintain an active shop-floor presence, promoting lean principles.
• Mentor operators to support a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with operations and manufacturing engineering to ensure smooth NPI transition to production.
• Contribute to DFM and PFMEA activities for new projects.
• Support all functions to achieve Right First Time (RFT) targets.

Operational Support & Performance Monitoring

• Report project status internally and to customers.
• Liaise with Quality Engineers to improve Total Cost of Quality, On Time In Full (OTIF) delivery, and other KPIs.
• Support day-to-day operational issue resolution and react promptly to manufacturing issues.
• Act on manufacturing performance metrics.
• Promote teamwork and knowledge sharing across functions.

Leadership & Coaching

• Supervise and coach the Supplier Quality Assurance Engineering team.
• Develop and introduce new quality-focused processes and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• Proven experience in quality engineering or supplier quality management.
• Strong understanding of IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001, CGMP, and relevant standards.
• Proficiency in quality tools and methodologies.
• Mechanical knowledge to understand product specifications and requirements.
• Experience with casting and machining, including machining precision components with complex routings and multiple operations.
• Strong analytical skills and root cause analysis ability.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with suppliers and internal teams.
• Detail-oriented mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in NPI, SQA, or related roles; automotive sector preferred.
• Practical experience with APQP.
• Lean manufacturing, 8D, 5 Why, Six Sigma knowledge.
• Lead Auditor certification in IATF 16949 and/or ISO 9001.
• Understanding of niche volume manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes (casting, molding, assembly, fabrication) and measurement techniques.
• Knowledge of geometric design and tolerancing.
• Data analysis skills.
• Strong problem-solving and self-management abilities.
• Commitment to ethical standards and professional integrity.

Skills & Behaviors

• Excellent problem-solving capability.
• Self-motivated; able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong communication skills, including cross-cultural communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Resilience, tenacity, and a focus on results.

Working Here

At Ricardo, every voice matters. We foster inclusion, collaboration, and a culture where your expertise makes a difference. Your ideas will help us deliver innovative solutions that contribute to safer and more sustainable communities worldwide.

Work-Life Balance

We are open to discussing flexible work arrangements. Well-being is at the heart of our culture, enabling everyone to thrive.

Benefits

We value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your physical and mental well-being.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Ricardo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other legally protected status.