Supply Quality Engineer

About the role

You will oversee supply chain quality within a high-tech manufacturing environment. This role requires a hands-on approach to managing multiple stakeholders and complex projects while ensuring production readiness for advanced AI systems. You will serve as the critical link between supplier capabilities and internal production demands. The position demands rigorous analysis to uphold the highest standards of product quality and reliability. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to resolve issues before they impact manufacturing schedules. This role is essential for driving continuous improvement across the entire supply chain. Success in this position will directly contribute to the reliability and performance of Graphcore's AI infrastructure.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute APQP tasks including risk assessments, FMEA, and control plan creation to address quality risks in supplier components.
• Develop and maintain quality plans to ensure adherence to internal standards and customer specifications for all supply partners.
• Verify supplier performance during NPI phases to guarantee production readiness and alignment with Graphcore's stringent requirements.
• Monitor production metrics such as yield and cycle time to identify trends and drive process improvements with data-backed insights.
• Create standard operating procedures to enhance process consistency and operator efficiency across manufacturing workflows.
• Provide training and education to production staff on quality procedures and expectations to ensure compliance and understanding.
• Engage in Kaizen events to document and refine manufacturing workflows, focusing on waste reduction and efficiency gains.
• Analyze incoming material inspection data to detect non-conformances and initiate corrective actions with suppliers promptly.
• Coordinate with engineering and procurement teams to implement design changes or process updates based on quality feedback.
• Conduct supplier audits to assess compliance with quality management systems and contractual obligations.
• Track and report on quality metrics to management, highlighting areas of concern and opportunities for strategic improvement.
• Facilitate communication between supply chain partners to resolve discrepancies and streamline issue resolution.

Requirements

• Ability to collaborate across various organizations with factory operatives and engineering leadership to ensure alignment on quality objectives.
• Proficiency in quality tools including APQP, FMEA, SPC, control plans, and ISO audits to assess and improve supplier processes.
• Experience leading management and engineering teams through structured root cause analysis methods like 8D or 5-why to solve complex issues.
• Capability to act as the voice of the customer and represent the company within the supply chain to ensure requirements are met.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a focus on continuous improvement to drive operational excellence and quality outcomes.
• Capacity to deliver results under pressure and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of quality management systems and regulatory requirements relevant to high-tech manufacturing.
• Willingness to travel domestically for supplier visits, audits, and stakeholder meetings as required by the role.

Nice to have

• Background in semiconductor or server manufacturing with a focus on supplier quality to leverage industry-specific knowledge.
• Certification or practical experience in Lean or 6-sigma methodologies to apply structured improvement techniques.

Skills & tools

• APQP
• FMEA
• SPC
• Control plans
• ISO audit
• 8D
• 5-why
• Lean
• 6-sigma

Practical notes

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, FSAs, HSAs, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. The company also provides flexible working arrangements. This is a full-time position based in Austin, Texas, United States. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for this role at this time. No relocation assistance is available for this position. The role requires participation in periodic travel to supplier sites and internal meetings. Applicants must be able to commit to the full duration of the engagement as specified in the employment terms. The position is part of the Graphcore Quality Team, working within the framework of the company's mission to build processors for machine intelligence.