Sr. Engineer, Supplier Quality Assurance - Batteries

Fluence • Arlington, VA

3d

About The Position

As part of the Global Supplier Quality team, the Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is tasked with managing the quality and reliability of Battery and BESS equipment and fostering ongoing improvement to meet Fluence’s standards. This role will conduct supplier qualification audits, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to new product development and launch activities. The SQE collaborates closely with engineering, procurement, and operations teams to make sure that supplier quality performance satisfies Fluence’s requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of Supplier Quality or Quality Engineering experience in electrical equipment, power electronics, or energy storage.
• Experience with Batteries and BESS equipment, with knowledge of battery cell and module manufacturing and operational performance.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, 8D, CAPA.
• Demonstrated experience in NPI supplier engagement (prototype to ramp-up).
• Knowledge of grid compliance standards (UL 9540A, IEEE 1547).
• Strong background in reliability and environmental validation testing.
• Experience with VDA 6.3 auditing and/or IATF 16949 preferred.
• Excellent communication and ability to influence global suppliers across Americas, EMEA, APAC.

Nice To Haves

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent is a plus.
• Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP) or a similar certification.
• Expertise in supplier risk management and capability assessments within the energy storage or electrical industry.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949 quality management systems, especially within battery or energy storage manufacturing.
• Experience with global supplier performance in regions like Asia and Europe, ensuring consistent quality across various locations.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple suppliers and projects across global regions.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier qualification, audit processes, and risk assessments in accordance with VDA 6.3, ISO 9001, and IATF 16949 frameworks.
• Review and approve PPAP documentation for BESS components, including DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, Dimensional Results, Process Studies, Laboratory Certifications, and Part Submission Warrants (PSW).
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by collaborating with Engineering on DFMEA and design reviews for inverters, transformers, and battery systems. Ensure supplier readiness for pilot builds, production ramp-up, and site deployments.
• Validate First Article Inspections (FAI) and monitor the resolution of outstanding issues prior to Start of Production (SOP).
• Drive corrective actions (8D, RCCA) for supplier Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), particularly those involving safety-critical failures; monitor supplier KPIs such as DPPM, NCR aging, CAPA effectiveness, and On-Time Delivery using Salesforce dashboards.
• Ensure suppliers comply with grid standards and regulatory requirements, including UL, IEC, CE, IEEE, NFPA, REACH, and RoHS.
• Verify reliability and environmental testing (vibration, thermal cycling, humidity, salt spray) is conducted in alignment with BESS operating conditions.
• Support suppliers in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) to enhance yield and reduce field-related issues.
• Collaborate with Service teams to facilitate effective feedback loops from field failures to supplier process improvements.
• Manage documentation and change control, ensuring timely submission of PPAPs, PCNs, and audit evidence.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 40%.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level