Automotive Supplier Quality Engineer – Contract

TRIGO Group; Greenville, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

TRIGO Global Quality Solutions is seeking a contract Supplier Quality Engineer to lead supplier development and crisis management. You will conduct audits to IATF 16949 and VDA 6.3, support APQP/PPAP, and drive corrective actions in high-volume automotive environments.

This on-site role welcomes mid-to-senior level experts for short-term engagements. Ideal candidates have 10+ years in automotive quality/operations, strong leadership, and English fluency (Spanish a plus).

Qualifications

• 10+ years manufacturing experience, mid to senior level.
• Strong background in Automotive Tier 1 Quality and/or Operations.
• IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements knowledge.
• VDA 6.3 familiarity (certification preferred).
• APQP & PPAP experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and structured problem-solving.
• English required; Spanish fluency is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier development and crisis management activities.
• Conduct QMS and process audits to IATF 16949 and/or VDA 6.3 standards.
• Support APQP, PPAP, and Automotive Core Tools implementation.
• Develop and implement corrective and systemic action plans.
• Drive operational and quality improvements with limited oversight.
• Present findings and progress updates to plant and corporate leadership.
• Serve as TRIGO's primary contact at supplier sites.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Automotive Tier 1 Quality/Operations

IATF 16949

VDA 6.3

APQP & PPAP

Leadership

Structured problem-solving

English language proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Automotive Supplier Quality Engineer - Contract

TRIGO Global Quality Solutions is seeking contract SQE lasting up to 6+months. You will work closely with suppliers to fix quality issues, review production processes, and make sure all automotive standards are met before parts reach our assembly lines.

We are open to both mid-level and senior-level consultants, ideally from Automotive Tier 1 manufacturing environments, who are interested in flexible, project-based work supporting supplier development, operational improvement, and crisis management initiatives.

This opportunity is well-suited for professionals who enjoy solving complex manufacturing challenges and driving measurable results in high-volume environments.

Position Overview

As a Supplier Quality Contractor, you will serve as TRIGO's on-site representative supporting automotive suppliers and OEM customers. Assignments may range from short-term containment and recovery efforts to longer-term quality and operational system improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead supplier development and crisis management activities
• Conduct QMS and process audits to IATF 16949 and/or VDA 6.3 standards
• Support APQP, PPAP, and Automotive Core Tools implementation
• Develop and implement corrective and systemic action plans
• Drive operational and quality improvements with limited oversight
• Present findings and progress updates to plant and corporate leadership
• Serve as TRIGO's primary contact at supplier sites

Qualifications

• 10+ years (mid to senior-level) manufacturing experience
• Strong background in Automotive Tier 1 Quality and/or Operations
• Working knowledge of:
• IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements
• VDA 6.3 (certification preferred)
• APQP & PPAP
• Proven leadership and structured problem-solving experience
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred (equivalent experience considered)
• English required; Spanish fluency strongly preferred

Ideal Candidate

• Former Quality Engineers, Supplier Quality Engineers, Quality Managers, Operations Leaders, or Plant-level leaders from Tier 1 automotive suppliers
• Professionals seeking project-based 1099 consulting work
• Individuals who can confidently lead teams, hold accountability, and influence change

About TRIGO Global Quality Solutions

Founded in 1997, TRIGO provides quality control and supply chain services to the automotive, aerospace, and heavy transportation industries. With 10,000 professionals in 25+ countries, TRIGO is a trusted partner to leading global manufacturers.