Senior Manufacturing & Supplier Quality Engineer

As the leading transit bus manufacturer in the United States, GILLIG buses play a critical role in the environmental and social initiatives in communities across our nation.  GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched reputation in the industry for quality, reliability, durability, service, and support.  From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built in Livermore, CA. 

WHY GILLIG

• Leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions including battery electric, hybrid electric, near-zero CNG and clean diesel transit buses


• Renowned for its inclusive team/family-oriented culture


• Stable, successful, and growing organization – a Bay Area business for over 132 years!


• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)


• Excellent compensation including company paid medical premiums, generous retirement plan and other comprehensive benefits

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:

The Quality Engineering team drives supplier performance and stable, scalable manufacturing operations using an APQP-based approach that emphasizes defect prevention, process capability, and robust product and process design. By partnering with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations, the team ensures consistent quality from supplier sourcing through production and customer delivery, enabling reliable launches and sustained Right-First-Time performance.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL

We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Manufacturing and Supplier Quality Engineer who will be a key member of the GILLIG Quality team.  As the Senior Manufacturing and Supplier Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for working closely with the internal engineering team, manufacturing, purchasing, and suppliers to ensure we continue to manufacture the highest quality transit bus and receive the highest quality products from our suppliers.

The Senior Manufacturing and Supplier Quality Engineer reports to the Director of Quality Engineering.

Manufacturing Quality Management

• Lead manufacturing quality strategy and align KPIs (FPY, RTY, DPPM, COPQ) to business goals


• Define and implement process controls, CTQs, and SPC limits with Production Engineering


• Own PFMEAs, control plans, and standard work for new and existing GILLIG processes


• Drive defect reduction through data analysis, root cause, and corrective action closure (NCR/MRB)


• Implement, train and mentor engineers and technicians on advanced quality methods and systems, incorporating automation and modern technologies (DOE, SPC, 3D scanning, digital measurement, ai enabled vision systems, torque traceability, MES)


• Lead cross-functional reviews to monitor performance, risks, and continuous improvement actions

Supplier Quality Management

• Manage supplier quality performance using metrics (PPM, delivery, audit results, COPQ) and structured reviews


• Lead APQP and PPAP with suppliers to ensure robust launch readiness and risk mitigation


• Drive supplier process capability and improvement using Lean Six Sigma methodology and structured audits


• Partner with Purchasing on supplier selection, development, and performance management


• Oversee supplier readiness for launches (run-at-rate, capacity, validation)


• Ensure effective containment, 8D resolution, and compliance with quality systems (calibration, traceability, ESD)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic Engineering; Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic engineering preferred


• Minimum of 5 years of progressive quality experience in product development/sustaining engineering for a manufacturing company in a regulated industry


• Demonstrated ability in 8D problem solving, Six Sigma methodologies, and Lean principles


• Proficient in industry standards and procedures, e.g. TS-16949, ISO 9001, and APQP


• Extensive hands-on experience in vehicle mechanical and electrical system troubleshooting


• Skill using electrical test equipment to resolve complex issues, ensuring compliance within standards (SAE, NEC, NFPA, etc.) and harness/schematic design


• Experience working with 2D and 3D CAD packages


• Fluent in GD&T standards


• Demonstrated problem solving, troubleshooting, root cause analysis


• Savvy in designing, testing, and validating components/systems


• Demonstrated use of SQL database, charts or other quality tools for reporting

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.


• Ability to work on their feet in a factory environment for extended periods of time


• Must be able to navigate manufacturing environment, comfortable around heavy machinery, tools, etc.


• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment, (i.e. safety glasses, bump caps, hearing protection, etc.)


• Prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer


• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk and occasionally kneel or squat


• The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.


• 10-25% Travel required


• Standard start time: 5:00 am (negotiable)

EXPECTED COMPENSATION

$75,000 - $160,000/annual salary + premium benefits  

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job classification, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

GILLIG is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and respects the unique talents, experiences, and perspectives of our employees and the people we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

GILLIG is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.