Supplier Quality Specialist

As a Supplier Quality Specialist, you will be a key contributor to DeepDrive's growth in China and a critical partner in building a world-class supplier network for one of the most innovative electric drive technologies in the industry. You will work closely with suppliers, local and global engineering teams, and our headquarters in Germany to ensure successful product industrialization, supplier readiness, and manufacturing excellence.

This role offers a unique opportunity to take ownership of supplier quality activities across strategic projects, influence supplier development strategies, and drive quality performance from prototype to series production. If you are passionate about advanced EV technology, enjoy solving complex manufacturing challenges, and want to make a direct impact on the future of sustainable mobility, DeepDrive offers an exciting platform for personal and professional growth in a dynamic international environment.

This role reports directly to our Procurement Manager in China.

Supplier Development for Key Projects

• Lead supplier quality development activities for strategic and critical projects

• Design, implement, and oversee project quality planning for key products and components

• Conduct supplier selection and evaluate suppliers' technical capabilities and manufacturing readiness

• Drive technical discussions with suppliers regarding purchased-part quality planning, critical characteristics, and key process controls

• Provide technical guidance on component process development, process verification, and capability evaluations

• Guide and monitor supplier APQP activities to ensure successful product and component industrialization

• Support the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles throughout process development.

• Review and approve supplier tooling and mold designs

• Conduct PPAP and QAPP evaluations for new projects

• Coach suppliers in the effective use of quality tools and methodologies, including FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, Poka-Yoke, and 8D problem solving

On-Site Supplier Technical Support

• Provide on-site technical support during product and component development phases

• Lead the resolution of complex quality issues and critical supplier-related concerns

• Drive implementation of corrective and preventive actions to ensure sustainable improvements

Supplier System and Process Audits

• Develop and execute an annual supplier audit program, including quality system and manufacturing process audits

• Monitor and follow up on corrective action plans resulting from audit findings

• Drive continuous improvement within supplier quality management systems with a focus on zero-defect performance

Supplier Quality Improvement

• Develop supplier quality improvement plans based on performance metrics, quality trends, and issue severity

• Monitor and analyze supplier quality performance on a monthly basis

• Evaluate the effectiveness of improvement initiatives and recommend further actions

• Lead annual supplier quality reviews and promote best practices across the supplier base

Supplier Training and Capability Development

• Develop annual supplier quality training plans

• Create and deliver training materials covering quality tools, methodologies, and customer requirements

• Assess training effectiveness and ensure suppliers understand and implement quality requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, manufacturing, supplier quality, quality assurance, or a related discipline [Team Lead: confirm if automotive-industry experience specifically is required]

• Demonstrated, hands-on experience applying APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and 8D problem solving in a supplier or manufacturing environment

• Track record of leading supplier audits and driving measurable improvement in supplier quality performance

• Native or fluent Mandarin and professional working proficiency in English, both verbal and written

• Experience managing multiple supplier projects concurrently and independently

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to supplier sites

• Be part of a rapidly growing company shaping the future of electric mobility.

• Work on breakthrough EV drive technology with leading global automotive customers

• Collaborate closely with international teams across China and Germany

• Take ownership of strategic supplier quality initiatives with high visibility and impact

• Grow your career in a fast-paced environment where innovation, accountability, and personal development are highly valued

• Help build and scale DeepDrive's supplier quality footprint in China