Since 1873, Kohler Co. has been improving the lives of its customers with exceptional products and services.

Our diversity of products and powerful portfolio of brands lead the way in design, craftsmanship and innovation.

We offer a breadth of products and services, including plumbing fixtures, furniture, tile and stone, and primary and backup power systems, as well as award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.

Sr Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Description:
Primary Function
To be PA Supplier Quality's person responsible for minimizing the variability of purchased materials by utilizing Supplier Quality Management (SQM) principles. The occupant will support new product development (NPD) project releases for pending Kohler product designs as well as addressing Supplier Quality related issues for product already in the field.

Specific Responsibilities
Participate in development of Qualification & Verification Test Plans, Capability Studies and subsequent Control Plans.
Leads development of DFMEA & PFMEA and PPRs for new and existing products
Participate in supplier qualification activities, quality system assessments, and process/facility audits and surveys as necessary. Maintains the relationship with the supplier for the purpose of achieving procured quality objectives.
Communicate, clarify and facilitate supplier PPAP submissions.

Supplier development, assistance and training.
Initiate quality system improvements via application of quality engineering methods and/or supplier quality management principles.
Support internal manufacturing operations via investigation, analysis, and obtaining supplier corrective action for purchased product failures.
Assist with identification of Significant Quality Characteristics - both for internal manufacturing operations and supplied product.
Develop supporting process and product performance data, reports, recommendations, and initiate corrective actions for all listed responsibilities.
Special projects, tasks and activities as assigned.

Relationships and Contacts

Supervisory Relationships:
Reports to the PA Supplier Quality Manager

Organizational Relationships:
Frequent contact with PA Quality personnel.
Frequent contact with PA Design Engineering.
Frequent contact with PA Purchasing.
Frequent contact with Kohler remote locations.
Occasional contact with Division Industrial Engineering.
Occasional contact with Production Supervision.


External Relationships:
Frequent contact with Suppliers.


Skill Level:

Perform Supplier Quality related duties of considerable scope and complexity with only general direction by supervision. Should be capable of independently applying fundamental quality engineering techniques for disciplined problem solving and have had exposure to advanced product and process related technologies. Position will often require development of original solutions to problems encountered.

Project planning skills, quality planning, process evaluation, and design critique capabilities are important. Ability to explore, define, and prioritize opportunities for improving design or manufacturability of processes is key. Must be able to use metrics, set meaningful goals, and demonstrate ability to positively impact the objectives set for them.


Education and Experience

Bachelor degree in an Engineering or technical discipline from an ABET accredited university, and minimum 6 years work related work experience in a Supplier Quality & New Product Development environment with demonstrated results. Past results should include successful leadership of an Engineering or Quality team.

Experience with QS-9000 processes for Advance Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is preferred. Excellent planning skills, problem solving ability, strong oral and written communication skills, competence in inspection techniques, and strong computer skills are all needed. ASQ certification as an Engineer and/or Auditor, or Black Belt certification is highly desirable.

Minimum Education Required: Bachelor

Years of Experience Required: More than 5 years

Expected Travel Time: About 25%

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