Supplier Quality Manager

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, transfer crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We’re searching for a Staff Supplier Quality Manager to join Aurora’s Supplier Quality Management team. The Staff Supplier Quality Manager is responsible for Supplier development and maintenance of autonomous vehicle hardware such as Lidars, radars, cameras, as well as photonics technology suppliers. They will be in charge of driving the quality requirements development of sourced parts, sharing these requirements with suppliers, and managing APQP and PPAP submission from suppliers to Aurora. 

In this role, you will:

• Support Supplier Quality activities related to Aurora External hardware supplier quality developments, Supplier manufacturing interactions (APQP/PPAP).
• Assess and develop new and existing suppliers, evaluating their capabilities in alignment with ISO-9001, IATF-16949, and other company standards and project requirements.
• Lead suppliers through the PPAP process, ensuring timely submission and approval of required PPAP elements, documentation, validations, and samples.
• Conduct on-site supplier audits (process and quality system audits) to ensure compliance with automotive and industry standards, identifying areas for improvement.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, and manufacturing, to establish clear expectations and resolve technical challenges.
• Guide suppliers in the implementation of corrective actions and process improvements, following up to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of these measures.
• Utilize quality tools (e.g., FMEA, Control Plans, Process Capability Analysis) to assess, monitor, and verify supplier quality performance.
• Support APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) activities, driving alignment with timelines and deliverables.
• Address any quality issues through root cause analysis and problem-solving, facilitating sustainable solutions to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Lead supplier quality process and procedural improvements in addition to documentation development, alignment, and approvals.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in supplier quality, with a strong focus on electrical, electro-mechanical, or optomechanical components and photonics.
• Proven experience with PPAP processes and requirements in an automotive or autonomous vehicle industry setting.
• Proven experience in both submitting as well as receiving Part Submission Warrants (PSW) 
• Knowledge of APQP, FMEA, 8D problem-solving, and other automotive quality tools and standards.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and developing suppliers in compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards.
• Experience with multi-tier supply chain and supplier quality management
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in quality-related software and statistical analysis tools.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience working with photonics, optical components, or sensor technology.
• Familiarity with autonomous vehicle systems, specifically in Lidar, Radar, and camera-based components.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP) certification.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience managing supplier relationships and driving cross-functional collaboration.

The base salary  range for this position is $135,000-$216,000 per year.  Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

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#Mid-Senior