Commodity Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Description

About the Team 

The Senior Semiconductor Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for driving supplier quality excellence, supporting new product introduction (NPI), and ensuring robust manufacturing processes across the supply base. This role plays a critical part in supplier qualification, development, and continuous improvement, particularly within advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-related processes.

What can you look forward to as Commodity Supplier Quality Engineer:

• Evaluate and develop suppliers involved in semiconductor manufacturing processes, including: Wafer fabrication (front-end processes: lithography, etch, deposition). Assembly & packaging (back-end processes: wire bonding, die attach, encapsulation). Cleanroom manufacturing environments (ISO Class standards)
• Assess supplier capability in: Process control in high-precision environments (SPC, yield management, defect density reduction). Contamination control and ESD protection requirements. Advanced materials and microelectronics manufacturing
• Qualification of suppliers for Semiconductor-grade components, sub-systems and high-reliability applications.
• Conduct supplier assessments including initial screening audits and VDA 6.3 process audits.
• Lead supplier development activities to achieve required performance levels in alignment with ZF Global Quality Directive (DQ83).
• Drive supplier capability improvement in yield, process capability (Cp/Cpk), and defect reduction.
• Manage suppliers under escalation (including Top Management Focus) and implement structured recovery plans.
• Lead and manage APQP (Gate 1–5) activities for new and existing suppliers.

Your Profile as Commodity Supplier Quality Engineer:    

• Degree in Electronics / Mechanical / Material Engineering or its equivalent.
• Minimum 6+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing, or process engineering
• Experience in Semiconductor, electronics, automotive or high-reliability manufacturing processes (preferred)
• Strong knowledge of: APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plan, Problem-solving tools (8D, Ishikawa, 5 Why, etc.), Process audits (VDA 6.3, IATF 16949)
• Semiconductor-specific knowledge (preferred): Wafer fab or IC packaging processes, Cleanroom operations and contamination control, Yield improvement and defect analysis, Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• Experience working with global suppliers

Why you should choose ZF in Northville?

• Benefits over legal minimums.
• A supportive collaborative team environment.
• Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities.
• Innovative products and technologies.