Supplier Quality Engineer, Battery Cell

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead supplier qualification and approval for raw materials (cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator, foils, and related materials). Drive supplier corrective actions using the 8D methodology, including containment, root cause analysis, and corrective action closure. Manage Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) using AIAG core tools. Plan and conduct supplier risk, QMS, product, and process audits; maintain supplier scorecards tracking Quality and Delivery performance. Develop and administer Safe Launch plans, including enhanced inspection controls and agreed exit criteria, to protect early production material. Support material specification development and Special Characteristic agreement with R&D and Engineering; verify material certifications and lot traceability back to raw materials. Ensure supplier measurement systems are capable and traceable and manage supplier process and material change notifications. Partner with Supply Chain & Procurement on supplier risk assessment, new supplier onboarding, and sub-tier supplier management. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 2+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering or a closely related quality function. Technical background in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline. Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills (8D, 5-Why, fishbone, etc.). Experience with AIAG core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA). Experience with raw material sourcing, supplier qualification, or incoming quality management. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain & Procurement, and Manufacturing & Operations. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Six Sigma experience (Green Belt or Black Belt level) or equivalent process improvement experience. Experience in battery cell manufacturing or battery materials. Working knowledge of cell chemistry and materials specifications. Experience with APQP/PPAP processes. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: 10–20% travel for domestic and/or international supplier site visits; may flex up or down based on program needs and timelines. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS AND EEO: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. An individual must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Our Next Energy Inc. (ONE) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.