Supply Base Engineer

Supply Base Engineer - Japan Position Overview We are seeking a highly motivated Supply Base Engineer (SBE) to join QuEra's Hardware Engineering team in Japan. This role will be responsible for developing and managing relationships with key suppliers in Japan, working closely with the US SBE team to ensure robust quality systems and drive continuous improvement across the supply base. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supplier management, manufacturing processes, and cross-functional collaboration to support product development and lifecycle requirements. Key Responsibilities Supplier Development Management Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers that meet technical, quality, and business requirements. Develop and support partnerships with Japanese suppliers Act as the primary technical interface between engineering teams and suppliers, ensuring alignment on specifications, manufacturability, and timelines. Work with the engineering team to ensure documentation packages are complete and up to date, including 3D models, drawings, assembly procedures, test procedures, test reports, etc. Monitor supplier performance through KPIs (quality, delivery, cost) and implement corrective actions when needed. Support supplier business reviews and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Quality Compliance Partner with Quality Engineer to establish supplier quality standards, inspection criteria, and audit plans. Ensure suppliers comply with industry regulations, safety standards, and internal policies. Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for supplier-related issues. Risk Management Collaborate with the US SBE Team and Supply Chain Team to identify high risk items and develop mitigation plans Identify acceptable alternate components Help supply chain team identify and manage risks and develop mitigation plans for critical components. Collaborate with sourcing and procurement teams to negotiate contracts and optimize total cost of ownership. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with QuEra internal stakeholders to ensure supplier readiness during new product introduction (NPI). Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and manage supplier transitions with minimal impact to production. Act as a liaison between internal teams and suppliers during issue resolution. Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. 6+ years of experience in supplier quality, supply base engineering, or sourcing in a manufacturing environment. Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, optical assembly, electronics assembly, etc.). Proficiency with quality tools (PPAP, FMEA, SPC, 8D, CAPA). Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 30%). Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Japanese Preferred Experience with optical systems, precision metrology systems, high performance test equipment, or similar Working knowledge of PLM/ERP/MRP systems and supplier performance dashboards. Lean Six Sigma certification or experience with lean manufacturing principles. QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Supply Base Engineer 供給基盤エンジニア 勤務地：茨城県つくば市 職務概要 QuEra Computing社の日本拠点ハードウェアエンジニアリングチームでは、高いモチベーションを持つ供給基盤エンジニア（SBE）を募集しています。本ポジションは、日本国内の主要サプライヤーとの関係構築および管理を担当し、米国SBEチームと緊密に連携しながら、堅牢な品質管理システムの維持とサプライチェーン全体での継続的な改善を推進します。本ポジションの候補者は、製品開発を支援し、ライフサイクル要件を満たすために、サプライヤー管理、製造プロセス、そして部門横断的な連携において豊富な経験を有 ... (truncated, view full listing at source)