Engineering Manager- Supplier Quality

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

Manager, Quality - Supplier
Position Summary

The Manager, Quality - Supplier is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of supplier quality systems and processes supporting Watlow's North America manufacturing operations. This role provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure supplier performance meets customer and Watlow quality standards while driving a proactive culture of quality excellence.

The Manager, Quality - Supplier serves as the subject matter expert in advanced quality methodologies and supplier quality systems. This position is accountable for the performance and results of quality engineering professionals and aligns supplier quality strategies with overall business objectives and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Supplier Quality Management

Develop and execute supplier quality strategies aligned with business and operational priorities.

Lead, coach, and develop Quality Engineering team members in alignment with the Watlow Way and Coaching Forward principles.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives across supplier networks to enhance product quality, reliability, and performance.

Implement and train teams on business and quality systems that support the Semiconductor business unit.

Supplier Quality Systems & Technical Expertise

Serve as subject matter expert in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), PQP, CRAMs, Plan of Record (POR), and Copy Exact methodologies.

Develop, apply, and maintain supplier quality standards for processes, materials, and end products.

Design and implement inspection, testing, and evaluation methods for products and production equipment.

Lead root cause analysis efforts and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) implementation.

Coach teams on structured problem-solving methodologies including Cause Chains, 5-Why, Ishikawa diagrams, 8D, RCCA, A3 systems thinking, creative problem solving, and trade-off curve development.

Audit, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Obtain, implement, and track supplier(s) performance improvement plan(s), in order to ensure cost, quality, and on time delivery performance is in line with internal and external customer expectations.

Perform and support internal process audits, host and support customer process audits.

Lead analysis and disposition of failed or returned materials and approve corrective actions.

Research and implement best-in-class quality systems and tools to improve performance across one or multiple manufacturing locations.

Ensure supplier compliance with Watlow quality standards and customer-specific requirements.

Education, Experience and Certification Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field required.

Minimum of 10 years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment.

Minimum of 5 years in a leadership or management role overseeing teams and supplier quality programs.

Or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree preferred.

Semiconductor industry experience preferred.

Aerospace industry experience preferred.

This job description provides the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position. This job description is not designed to cover or contain an exhaustive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required for this position. Watlow may require team members to do other duties as assigned.

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us.The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.