Principal Supplier Quality Engineer- EMD

At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make “good things, for life.” As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we’re powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there’s always a better way. We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together.
The GE Appliances philosophy, backed by three simple commitments defines the way we work, invent, create, do business, and serve our communities: we come together, we always look for a better way, and we create possibilities.
Interested in joining us on our journey?
The Principal Supplier Quality Engineer serves as the technical authority for supplier quality across critical, high-impact electromechanical supplier domains (e.g., heating systems, valves, switch controls, and air-moving components), influencing supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing development. This role defines and drives supplier quality strategy, including approval to the Approved Supplier List, establishment of part qualification standards, and deployment of systemic improvement initiatives across the supply base. As a key technical leader, the Principal SQE partners with Engineering, Sourcing, and Manufacturing to influence critical business decisions such as dual sourcing strategies, tariff mitigation, and supplier capability development.
The Principal SQE leads complex problem solving, establishes robust quality and change management frameworks, and ensures effective execution across programs and suppliers. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this role sets technical direction and provides expert guidance across teams, shaping long-term supplier quality strategies that directly impact business performance, risk mitigation, and customer satisfaction across a global supply chain.PositionPrincipal Supplier Quality Engineer- EMDLocationUSA, Louisville, KY
How You'll Create Possibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Serve as the technical authority for Electromechanical Devices (EMD) Supplier Quality, establishing standards, best practices, and technical direction across the SQ organization
Define and drive EMD supplier quality strategy, including NPI qualification approaches, drawing interpretation standards, and capability development across global teams
Partner cross-functionally and with global organizations (Haier, GEA, Mabe, F&P) to align and advance EMD supplier quality strategy and performance
Influence supplier selection, qualification, and long-term capability development through deep technical expertise in EMD design and manufacturing processes
Lead complex, cross-functional problem solving and systemic improvement initiatives, including application of 9-step, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies for NPI and change management
Establish and scale robust quality frameworks for supplier process control, risk assessment, and change management across the supply base
Provide technical leadership in critical part risk reviews, supplier change evaluations, and design/process trade-off decisions
Guide and influence supplier development, including manufacturing process optimization, technology adoption, and quality system maturity
Identify and introduce emerging technologies, processes, and suppliers to enhance business capability and competitiveness
Champion the use of data and quality metrics (e.g., supplier scorecards, performance trends) to drive enterprise-level improvement in quality, delivery, and cost
Influence global sourcing strategies, including dual sourcing, supplier transitions, and “fix-or-exit” decisions for underperforming suppliers
Provide technical oversight and guidance on PPAP, audits, and qualification processes, ensuring consistency and rigor across teams rather than direct ownership of execution
Lead complex supplier-related initiatives (e.g., transfers, major process changes, systemic quality issues) that require cross-functional coordination and executive visibility
Translate complex technical issues into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for senior leadership
Mentor and develop engineers by providing technical guidance and elevating organizational capability in supplier quality practices
What You'll Bring to Our Team
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) or equivalent experience
Minimum of 7 years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, or Supply Chain within a manufacturing environment
Deep expertise in statistical methods for process and product development, with demonstrated ability to apply, coach, and standardize tools such as Gage R&R, Process Capability, SPC, PFMEA, and DOE
Advanced proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and tolerance analysis, with ability to guide others on proper application
Recognized expertise in structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma, root cause analysis), including leading complex, cross-functional issue resolution
Demonstrated experience influencing supplier selection, qualification, and long-term capability development across a global supply base
Proven ability to influence technical decisions in a highly matrixed organization without direct authority
Demonstrated capability to define and implement quality strategies, standards, and best practices across programs or supplier domains
Strong project leadership skills, with experience managing complex, global initiatives
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear business recommendations
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in Engineering or MBA
10+ years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, or Supply Chain within a manufacturing environment
Deep experience with electromechanical systems and associated manufacturing processes
Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent, with demonstrated application in complex environments
Experience mentoring or coaching engineers and influencing technical development across teams
Demonstrated ability to develop executive-level communications and influence senior leadership decisions
International supplier development experience
Experience with Lean manufacturing, APQP, and advanced product/process development methodologies
Our Culture
Our work is centered on our People and Culture as reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy and we recognize the importance of reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D). This underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute, while positioning our organization to adapt seamlessly to the evolving needs of our workforce and communities.
This reflects our dedication to creating solutions that: Empower colleagues by fostering an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute. Strengthen communities where we live and work. Reinforce a culture of belonging, purpose, and engagement. Reflect the diversity of the communities we serve through our workforce, products, and practices.
By further embedding Zero Distance into our People and Culture framework, we will continue to build a deeply connected organization. We are cultivating a culture of engagement, belonging, and connection, because while attracting new talent remains a priority, retention is a cornerstone of our strategy.
GE Appliances is a trust-based organization. It is important we offer our employees the flexibility they need to do their best work while balancing the needs of the business and individuals. When you join GE Appliances, you will have the opportunity to work with your leader to create a flexible work arrangement that balances the needs of the individual, team, and organization.
GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.