Supplier Quality Engineer

Parallel Systems is pioneering autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles designed to transform freight transportation by shifting portions of the $900 billion U.S. trucking industry onto rail. Our innovative technology offers cleaner, safer, and more efficient logistics solutions. Join our dynamic team and help shape a smarter, greener future for global freight.

Supplier Quality Engineer

Parallel Systems is seeking a hands-on Supplier Quality Engineer to build and own the supplier quality function from the ground up. This is a foundational role at a critical moment as we are actively scaling to produce our first customer vehicles in 2026. The person we hire will be the quality authority across our supply chain and contract manufacturing operations, with the opportunity to grow into leading a small quality team as we scale.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in structured quality methodologies (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and corrective action) and is equally comfortable reviewing a supplier's process capability data as they are standing on a shop floor resolving a build defect. This role requires someone who can operate independently, make quality decisions confidently, and communicate clearly with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and internal engineering teams.

Responsibilities:

• Own the end-to-end PPAP process for all production parts - issue APQP kickoff letters, track supplier progress against all 18 elements, review submissions, and issue formal dispositions

• Conduct First Article Inspections on new parts and drawing revisions, at supplier facilities and at our contract manufacturer partner

• Manage the Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) process - issue SCARs, drive 8D root cause investigations, verify corrective action effectiveness, and escalate where suppliers fail to respond

• Review and disposition Supplier Change Notifications (SCNs) for all proposed changes to parts, processes, materials, and sub-suppliers

• Maintain and enforce Parallel's Approved Vendor List (AVL) - including qualification of new suppliers and suspension of underperforming ones

• Serve as Parallel's quality authority at our contract manufacturing partner - conducting stage gate inspections, reviewing build records, and signing off vehicle acceptance

• Classify and disposition build defects found during vehicle assembly - authorizing rework on functional and safety-critical issues

• Review weekly material consumption and build quality reports from the contract manufacturer and drive resolution of any discrepancies or quality concerns

• Complete the pilot build first-off inspection process and define the sub-assembly inspection criteria, in-process checkpoints, and defect log format that will govern the customer vehicle builds

• Configure and maintain Parallel's quality processes in Odoo — including incoming inspection control points, FAI checklists, PPAP checklist templates, NCR and SCAR workflows, and build defect tracking

• Maintain the NCR log and ensure all incoming quality failures are logged, investigated, and closed with appropriate corrective actions

• Execute Parallel's supplier quality agreements and Quality Self-Assessments with new and existing suppliers

• Build and maintain supplier quality scorecards and lead quarterly business reviews with Tier 1 suppliers as the supply base matures

What success looks like

• In 30 days: You have reviewed all active supplier relationships, identified the parts requiring immediate PPAP attention, completed a first walkthrough of the contract manufacturing build facility, and have a clear picture of the open quality gaps across both suppliers and our assembler.

• In 60 days: APQP kickoff letters have been issued to all Tier 1 critical suppliers. The FAI process is live and firing on new part receipts. The NCR log and SCAR workflow are active in Odoo. The Build Quality Plan has been agreed with our contract manufacturer and the pilot build first-off inspection is underway or complete.

• In 90 days: PPAP submissions are in progress for all critical parts. Quality agreements are executed with top suppliers. Build quality reporting from our contract manufacturer is running weekly. You are the recognized quality authority across the supply chain and contract manufacturing program.

Basic qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, or related field

• 4–7 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or a related role in a hardware production environment

• Hands-on experience running APQP and PPAP — including reviewing and dispositioning full 18-element submissions

• Proficiency with FMEA (DFMEA and PFMEA), control plans, and process capability analysis (Cpk, SPC)

• Experience issuing and managing corrective action requests (SCAR / 8D) with external suppliers

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and material specifications

• Comfortable working independently in a fast-moving, resource-constrained startup environment

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in automotive (IATF 16949 / AIAG APQP/PPAP), aerospace (AS9100), rail, or heavy industrial manufacturing

• Experience with contract manufacturer oversight — conducting build inspections, stage gate reviews, or vehicle/system acceptance

• Familiarity with functional safety standards relevant to transportation (EN 50128, IEC 61508, or equivalent)

• Experience working with Odoo, SAP, or equivalent ERP quality modules

• CQE (Certified Quality Engineer) or equivalent certification

• Experience building or scaling a quality function in an early-stage hardware company

We are committed to providing fair and transparent compensation in accordance with applicable laws. Salary ranges are listed below and reflect the expected range for new hires in this role, based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and location. Final compensation may vary and will be determined during the interview process. The target hiring range for this position is listed below.

Target Salary Range:
$84,000—$117,000 USD

Parallel Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any discriminatory factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We work to build an inclusive environment in which all people can come to do their best work.

Parallel Systems is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Parallel Systems will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact your recruiter.