Metallurgist_Senior Supplier Quality Professional

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Metallurgist with a strong background in supplier quality management to join our team at Hitachi, Ltd. This role will be critical in ensuring the quality and reliability of metallic components and materials sourced from our global supplier network, directly impacting the performance and reputation of Hitachi's diverse product portfolio.

How you’ll make an impact

• Lead and execute supplier quality audits, assessments, and qualification processes for metallic material and component suppliers, ensuring adherence to Hitachi's stringent quality standards and specifications.
• Conduct in-depth metallurgical analysis, failure investigations, and root cause analysis on supplier-provided materials and components to identify and resolve quality issues.
• Develop, implement, and monitor supplier quality improvement plans, collaborating closely with suppliers to drive continuous improvement in material and process quality.
• Review and approve supplier material certifications, test reports, and process control documentation to ensure compliance with relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO, ASTM, JIS) and internal specifications.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and manufacturing teams to define material specifications, establish critical quality characteristics, and ensure effective communication of requirements to suppliers.
• Provide metallurgical expertise and guidance to internal teams and suppliers on material selection, heat treatment, welding, and other metallic processing techniques.
• Participate in the development and implementation of advanced quality planning (AQP) activities with suppliers for new product introductions and process changes.
• Maintain accurate records of supplier performance, audit findings, and corrective actions, and generate regular reports for management review.
• Stay abreast of new metallurgical technologies, material trends, and quality management methodologies to continuously enhance Hitachi's supplier quality processes.​
• Responsible to ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures, and guidelines.
• Living Hitachi Energy’s core values of safety and integrity, which means taking responsibility for your own actions while caring for your colleagues and the business

Your background

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in metallurgical engineering, with at least 5 years specifically focused on supplier quality management within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proven expertise in various metallurgical testing techniques (e.g., SEM, EDS, XRD, mechanical testing, NDT) and their interpretation.
• Strong Understanding of Microstructure analysis of Aluminium & SGI casting, Forging, Alloy Steels along with proficiency in various Heat treatment processes.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949) and their application in supplier quality processes.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting supplier audits, root cause analysis, and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Familiarity with common metallic materials, their properties, processing, and failure mechanisms.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively interact with internal stakeholders and external suppliers globally.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required to supplier sites.
• Proficiency in both spoken & written English language is required