Staff Engineer

About our group:

We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Senior/Staff Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) who can leverage AI-driven quality analytics, predictive insights, and automation to enhance supplier performance. This role combines strong traditional quality engineering skills with the ability to apply modern AI/ML tools to improve supplier reliability, reduce defects, and optimize supply chain risk management.

About the role - you will:

Supplier Quality Management

• Manage end-to-end supplier qualification and periodic audits.

• Support NPI and supplier readiness for scale
• Develop and maintain supplier quality requirements, control plans (SPC & equivalent) , and process validation criteria 
• Deep understanding of supplier manufacturing processes to enable fast and accurate problem solving
• Lead root cause analysis, corrective action, and problem-solving activities (8D, FMEA).
• Drive supplier performance improvements and process capability.

AI & Data Analytics

• Use AI/ML tools to identify defect trends, predict quality risks, and recommend corrective actions.
• Build and maintain dashboards using analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, Azure ML, Tableau).
• Develop data-driven models to forecast supplier performance and quality issues.
• Automate repetitive quality tasks using AI copilot or rule-based algorithms.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with factory SQE, engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and operations to align supplier quality strategies.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) by ensuring supplier readiness and process capability.
• Partner with suppliers to implement statistical process control (SPC), PFMEA, and robust process controls.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion AI-enabled quality systems and drive digital transformation within the supply chain.
• Introduce tools such as computer vision, automated inspection, or anomaly detection where applicable.
• Facilitate Six Sigma projects to reduce cost of poor quality

About you:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Materials, or related fields).
• 3–8 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or process engineering.
• Strong knowledge of quality tools (MSA, FMEA, 8D, SPC).
• Familiarity with AI or data analytics tools
• Experience working with manufacturers of disk drive/semiconductor related components.
• Able to travel frequently within or outside Japan at short notice
  
  

Preferred

• Experience using predictive analytics for defect reduction or supplier risk management.
• Background in AI-assisted inspection or computer vision.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Knowledge of ISO9001 standards.

Your experience includes:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and supplier negotiation skills.
• Proactive mindset, comfortable working with new technologies, and AI tools.
• Good project management and cross functional leadership.
• Proactive and able to work independently

Location:

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Travel: None