Supplier Quality Engineer, Battery Cell
Our Next Energy (ONE)Position Summary Our Next Energy (ONE) is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to support our Battery Cell Manufacturing supply base. This role owns supplier quality for raw materials used in cell production — including cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator, and foil suppliers — ensuring incoming material quality, driving supplier qualification, and resolving nonconformances in partnership with Engineering, Supply Chain & Procurement, and Manufacturing & Operations. The role administers ONE's supplier quality requirements and supports a zero-defect mindset across the supply base. Key Responsibilities Lead supplier qualification and approval for raw materials (cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator, foils, and related materials). Drive supplier corrective actions using the 8D methodology, including containment, root cause analysis, and corrective action closure. Manage Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) using AIAG core tools. Plan and conduct supplier risk, QMS, product, and process audits; maintain supplier scorecards tracking Quality and Delivery performance. Develop and administer Safe Launch plans, including enhanced inspection controls and agreed exit criteria, to protect early production material. Support material specification development and Special Characteristic agreement with R&D and Engineering; verify material certifications and lot traceability back to raw materials. Ensure supplier measurement systems are capable and traceable and manage supplier process and material change notifications. Partner with Supply Chain & Procurement on supplier risk assessment, new supplier onboarding, and sub-tier supplier management. Required Qualifications 2+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering or a closely related quality function. Technical background in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline. Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills (8D, 5-Why, fishbone, etc.). Experience with AIAG core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA). Experience with raw material sourcing, supplier qualification, or incoming quality management. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain & Procurement, and Manufacturing & Operations. Preferred Qualifications Six Sigma experience (Green Belt or Black Belt level) or equivalent process improvement experience. Experience in battery cell manufacturing or battery materials. Working knowledge of cell chemistry and materials specifications. Experience with APQP/PPAP processes. Core Competencies Cross-functional collaboration — works effectively with Engineering, Supply Chain & Procurement, Manufacturing & Operations, and Quality. Collaborative problem solving — takes a collaborative approach to problem solving and issue resolution with supply base. Constructive feedback — gives and receives feedback calmly and professionally. Problem-solving mindset — maintains a solution-oriented approach, especially under pressure. Growth mindset — open to learning, coaching, and continuous improvement. Clear written & verbal communication — conveys technical requirements unambiguously across a global supply base. Diplomacy / conflict resolution — holds suppliers accountable on quality and cost while preserving the relationship. Relationship building — develops long-term, partnership-based supplier relationships. Active listening — surfaces root causes and supplier constraints accurately. Ownership & follow-through — drives issues to closure on defined timelines. Adaptability — comfortable with ambiguity and shifting priorities across multiple suppliers. Travel Requirements 10–20% travel for domestic and/or international supplier site visits; may flex up or down based on program needs and timelines.