Supplier Quality Engineer - VOC

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Job Overview

The Quality Engineer - Voice of Customer (VOC) plays a pivotal role within our Manufacturing division at Surface, focused on elevating supplier quality through in-depth analysis of customer and field feedback. This position is integral to maintaining and enhancing the quality standards of components supplied for the world’s largest front-end loader, reflecting our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. The role demands a proactive approach in identifying quality challenges and opportunities by leveraging VOC insights, ensuring that supplier performance aligns with our industry's rigorous demands. As a key contributor to Joy Global Longview Ops under the Quality business unit, the Quality Engineer acts as a vital link between supplier operations and end-user expectations, driving continuous improvement initiatives and fostering robust supplier partnerships. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence product reliability and customer trust by promoting quality best practices and data-driven decision-making throughout the supply chain.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, field service, and supplier management to translate customer experiences and feedback into actionable quality enhancements. Your expertise will support strategic supplier quality goals, complementing the company's broader mission to deliver superior, durable products. This is a dynamic position requiring strong analytical skills, a keen attention to detail, and a customer-centric mindset, all contributing to the ongoing reputation of Surface as an industry leader.

Key Job Responsibilities

Own supplier‑related Juhin / Product Issues as a Project Manager or Technical Lead, including problem definition, root cause analysis, interim containment, permanent corrective actions, and recurrence prevention.

•  Investigate customer‑impacting issues through Komatu’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, ensuring timely response, effective containment, and sustained resolution.
•  Interface with Customer Quality and VOC teams on quality escapes, warranty claims, and field issues, ensuring robust corrective actions and feedback into manufacturing and design processes.
•  Ensure lessons learned from VOC and field failures are captured and deployed to prevent recurrence in current and future products including support for Region’s task force
•  Lead and facilitate structured root cause analysis and corrective action activities using 8D, A3, 5‑Why, and Fishbone methodologies.
•  Verify effectiveness of corrective actions through data analysis and validation, ensuring actions are sustained and systemic.
•  Drive disciplined closure of quality issues and recurrence prevention across suppliers and internal stakeholders.
•  Lead discussions with suppliers on quality issues, root cause identification, and development of robust mitigation and corrective action plans.
•  Collaborate with suppliers to develop, maintain, and improve Inspection and Control Plans to ensure ongoing quality conformance.
•  Lead escalation of supplier containment activities including holds, controlled shipping, sorting, rework, deviation management, and risk mitigation to protect the customer.
•  Identify and prioritize supplier quality risks using VOC data, warranty trends, incoming inspection results, and SPC signals.
•  Develop, maintain, and fulfill warranty metrics and VOC reporting requirements across the Komatsu business.
•  Drive actions to reduce Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) through targeted supplier and process improvements and cost recovery
•  Ensure VOC and field learnings are fed back into design reviews, DFMEAs, and supplier technical requirements.
•  Support ISO 9001 internal audits, ensuring compliance and effective corrective action closure.
•  Coach suppliers and internal stakeholders on quality tools, standards, and best practices to strengthen problem‑solving capability.
•  Partner cross‑functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Customer Quality to drive alignment and sustainable improvement.
•  Champion a culture of quality excellence, continuous improvement, and proactive change leadership across the Longview facility

Qualifications/Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent technical discipline).

•  Minimum of 3 years of experience in quality, manufacturing, engineering, service, or a related field demonstrating the competencies required for this role.
•  Proven experience developing, implementing, and sustaining quality control processes in a manufacturing or assembly environment.
•  Hands-on experience with mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical assemblies, preferably in heavy equipment or industrial machinery.
•  Demonstrated ability to lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities using structured problem-solving methods (8D, A3, 5-Why, Fishbone, Six Sigma).
•  Working knowledge of quality methods, statistical tools, and corrective/preventive action systems.
•  Experience working within a Quality Management System (QMS); familiarity with ISO 9001 requirements preferred.
•  Experience with SAP Quality Module (QM) or similar ERP quality systems preferred.
•  Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze quality data and KPIs to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
•  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and levels of the organization, as well as with customers and suppliers.
•  Background in surface mining machinery or equivalent heavy industrial equipment preferred.
•  Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification or experience preferred.
•  Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing and shop-floor environment.

Additional Information

Join our team at Surface and contribute to a culture of quality and excellence where your expertise in Voice of Customer will make a tangible difference. We value leadership, critical thinking, and a focus on continuous improvement, offering a supportive environment to grow your career within the Manufacturing division.

 

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment 

At Komatsu we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions.  We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose.  We are authentic, ambitious, and innovative in our pursuit of Diversity & Inclusion.  United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.  

 

Company Information 

Komatsu is a world leader in manufacturing construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment.  Founded in 1921, Komatsu has a long history of quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence.  Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu facilities, distributors and dealers are in more than 140 countries and employ more than 60,000 people.  Komatsu offers a diverse and challenging work environment, where you can grow your skills and career, and contribute to a sustainable, clean-energy future.  If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, be a part of something big and join a team that is shaping the world! 

If you want to learn more about Komatsu, please visit our website at https://www.komatsu.com/ .