Quality Engineer

Job Summary

NetApp is dedicated to innovation in hardware, firmware, and software development, maintaining its leadership in system design. To support this innovation, we rely on suppliers to meet stringent international and industry standards for quality and reliability.

As a Supplier Quality Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring supplier product quality, driving continuous improvement, and leading supplier qualification efforts. You will be responsible for developing and executing supplier quality strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring supplier compliance with NetApp’s high-quality standards. This role requires leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to work independently while mentoring junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement supplier quality assurance strategies, ensuring alignment with NetApp’s product and business goals.
• Lead the creation, review, and optimization of supplier test procedures for storage system products.
• Plan and execute supplier quality testing across the product lifecycle, including:

o Environmental and reliability testing for supplier products.

o Root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for supplier-related issues.

o Supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with NetApp standards.

• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to resolve quality issues, drive improvements, and ensure timely delivery of certified components.
• Review and approve supplier test plans, ensuring alignment with NetApp’s product requirements.
• Work closely with tool engineers to define quality requirements and testing protocols for supplier products.
• Lead debug efforts for root cause analysis in the event of supplier product failures in the field.
• Facilitate technical discussions and supplier reviews to evaluate and improve quality processes.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, sharing expertise and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Drive the adoption of industry best practices and continuous improvement initiatives within the supplier quality domain.

Job Requirements

Skills:

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and prioritization skills to manage complex projects and supplier relationships.• Deep understanding of design engineering, quality assurance principles, and system testing methodologies.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment to meet aggressive goals and high-quality standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead problem-solving efforts, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and familiarity with JIRA and Confluence.
• Advanced knowledge of supplier audit processes, quality tools (e.g., Six Sigma, FMEA,SPC), and industry standards.
• Ability to mentor and train junior engineers, fostering technical growth and collaboration.

Responsibilities:

• Lead structured and unstructured tasks with minimal supervision, applying deep expertise to solve complex problems.
• Drive supplier qualification and certification efforts, ensuring alignment with NetApp’s technical and business requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, and external resources to meet project quality goals and timelines.
• Serve as a technical leader in supplier quality discussions, providing insights and recommendations to enhance processes.

Interactions:

• Regular interaction with management, technical teams, and suppliers to align on quality goals and strategies.
• Act as a key contributor and leader in cross-functional teams, influencing decisions and driving initiatives.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and team members.

Education & Experience

• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Experience:

o 5+ years of experience in supplier quality, hardware engineering, or related fields.

o Proven track record of completing multiple complex technical tasks and leading supplier quality improvement initiatives.

o Experience in supplier audits, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation