Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer (New Product Introduction) at Polaris

Job description

At Polaris Inc., we have fun doing what we love by driving change and innovation. We empower employees to take on challenging assignments and roles with an elevated level of responsibility in our agile working environment. Our people make us who we are, and we create incredible products and experiences that empower us to THINK OUTSIDE. Position Overview As a Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer, you will lead suppliers through the New Product Introduction (NPI) process to ensure high-quality components and assemblies are successfully launched into production. You will partner closely with engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, and supplier development teams to validate manufacturability, drive quality planning activities, and proactively mitigate risks before production launch. This role supports a variety of commodities and manufacturing processes across the supplier base, including electronics, castings, machined components, and assemblies. The ideal candidate brings a strong supplier quality foundation, proven problem-solving skills, and the ability to quickly learn new products, technologies, and manufacturing processes. You will play a key role in assessing supplier readiness, improving supplier performance, and helping deliver reliable, high-quality Polaris products. Key Responsibilities Manage supplier execution of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities for assigned suppliers, components, and manufacturing processes. Collaborate with suppliers and internal engineering teams during design reviews to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA). Review high-risk designs and components to ensure accurate identification of Key Product Characteristics and appropriate application of GD&T principles. Assess supplier PFMEAs and control plans to confirm risks are addressed and controls are fully implemented. Promote supplier use of SPC and continuous improvement tools to monitor and reduce process variability. Conduct process and production readiness assessments at supplier facilities and drive closure of identified gaps. Support supplier onboarding by assessing prospective suppliers and aligning with sourcing and supplier development teams. Perform supplier quality system audits, initiate corrective actions, and support supplier development activities. Ensure timely and accurate PPAP execution, including review, disposition, and support to achieve compliance for pre-production and production builds. Review engineering drawings and specifications for manufacturing feasibility and compliance with quality and commodity requirements. Lead or support cross-functional problem-solving activities to address quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions. Collaborate with purchasing, engineering, plant quality, and suppliers to reduce non-conformances and supplier PPM. Review supplier process change requests and coordinate cross-functional evaluation and validation activities. Provide input on supplier suitability for future business awards and support continuous improvement of supplier quality systems. Desired Competencies Critical Thinking: You analyze information objectively, evaluate alternatives, and apply sound judgment to solve complex problems and make informed decisions. Collaboration: You work effectively across functions and organizational levels, building strong relationships to achieve shared goals. Technical / Functional Expertise: You apply technical and professional knowledge to drive quality improvements and maintain expertise within your discipline. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field. Minimum 5 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Experience supporting supplier quality activities within one or more manufacturing environments, such as electronics, castings, machining, fabricated components, assemblies, or other technical commodities. Working know