Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

Leviton; Illinois; On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision coverage

401K with matching

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Leviton seeks a Senior Supplier Quality Engineer to safeguard the quality of our supply chain in Illinois. You will drive supplier performance, manage investigations, and lead CAPA activities while collaborating with Buyers, Engineers, and Production teams.

The role requires 5+ years in supplier quality, ISO 9001 knowledge, and strong data-driven problem solving. Travel up to 50% is expected; you will influence design changes and qualification efforts to ensure component quality and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering; ISO 9001 knowledge required.
• 5+ years supplier quality experience in manufacturing.
• ISO Lead Auditor (preferred) and Six Sigma or CQE preferred.
• ERP experience, ideally Oracle EBS; strong QA tooling experience.
• Lean, Six Sigma, Poka-Yoke, and continuous improvement familiar.

Responsibilities

• Drive supplier quality performance to meet quality, delivery, and reliability metrics.
• Lead complex supplier quality investigations using 8D, RCA, and CAPA.
• Develop supplier quality relationships and conduct site visits for improvement.
• Provide quality leadership for new products, changes, and qualifications.
• Audit supplier quality systems and processes to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with suppliers to define inspection strategies and QC plans.
• Lead supplier development focusing on process capability and waste reduction.
• Deliver training on quality systems and tools to suppliers.
• Manage quality risks to sustain supply and customer satisfaction.
• Plan short- and long-term supplier quality plans aligned with business goals.

Skills

Quality engineering tools

Statistical analysis

Root cause analysis

Risk assessment

Cross-functional leadership

Process improvement

Documentation & reports

Supplier collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in material/engineering

ISO 9001 knowledge

Lead Auditor certification (preferred)

Six Sigma / CQE (preferred)

Lean manufacturing principles

Tools

Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS)

Job description

About Leviton

At Leviton, we build what's next to light, power, and connect everyday spaces, from electrical to lighting, to data networks, and energy management. With over 115 years of history, Leviton develops thoughtful solutions that help make its customers' lives easier, safer, more efficient, and more productive. We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. We ASK questions, EMBRACE challenges, SEEK new perspectives, and ANTICIPATE what comes next. It's about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly changing world.

About The Role

The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring the quality and performance of Leviton's supply chain by providing advanced supplier quality engineering support. This role participates in supplier selection activities, including supplier evaluations and quality system assessments, and collaborates with Buyers, Commodity Managers, Engineers, Product Managers, Project Managers, and Manufacturing personnel to qualify new suppliers and manage the quality of existing materials, components, and assemblies.

Leveraging expertise in quality systems, supplier quality, and continuous improvement methodologies, this position drives supplier performance through data analysis, root cause investigations, corrective and preventive actions, and supplier development initiatives. The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer works closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve quality issues, reduce risk, and support product quality, reliability, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Drive supplier quality performance to achieve or exceed established quality, delivery, and reliability metrics, including DPPM, OTD and other key performance indicators.
• Lead complex supplier quality investigations utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies, including 8D, Root Cause Analysis, and corrective and preventive action processes to eliminate recurrence and improve supplier capability.
• Develop and strengthen supplier quality relationships and performance through ongoing collaboration, communication, and site visits to drive continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence.
• Provide quality leadership for new product and design changes, ensuring robust component qualification, first article approval, validation activities, and process readiness.
• Evaluate supplier quality systems, manufacturing processes, and production performance through on-site audits, process assessments, and in-process and end-of-line source inspections.
• Collaborate with suppliers to establish inspection strategies and quality control plans that support product quality, process capability, and compliance with Leviton specifications and critical characteristics.
• Lead supplier development initiatives focused on process capability, defect prevention, waste reduction, and operational excellence through the application of Lean, Six Sigma, Error Proofing (Poka-Yoke), Measurement System Analysis, and related continuous improvement methodologies.
• Deliver supplier training on quality systems, quality tools, and best practices to strengthen supplier capability and drive sustainable improvement.
• Lead supplier quality performance and development initiatives to drive continuous improvement, enhance supplier capability, and achieve quality objectives.
• Manage supplier quality risks to ensure continuity of supply and minimize the impact of quality issues on manufacturing operations and customer satisfaction.
• Establish and execute short- and long-term supplier quality plans that align with business objectives and drive continuous improvement across the supply base.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned commodity categories and manufacturing processes, providing technical guidance to suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of quality excellence and continuous improvement by driving a "Zero Defects" mindset throughout the supplier base.
• Serve as a strategic quality partner in supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing supplier management processes, conducting supplier assessments, quality system evaluations, and process audits to ensure compliance with Leviton requirements.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of quality engineering tools and methodologies, including SPC, DOE, Process Capability (Cp/Cpk), AQL, Root Cause Analysis, and statistical problem-solving techniques.
• Strong understanding of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, First Article Inspection (FAI), and supplier quality management processes.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies, including Poka-Yoke, SMED, and 5S.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T, and quality requirements.
• Proficiency in the use of precision measurement equipment, including calipers, micrometers, and CMMs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify risks, evaluate data, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence suppliers and lead cross-functional teams.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical and quality requirements, prepare professional reports and business correspondence, and manage confidential information with discretion.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Material Science, Electrical/Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering required
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
• Certified ISO Lead Auditor certification, preferred
• Six Sigma Green Belt or ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification, preferred
• Knowledge and practical application of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Minimum of 5 years Supplier Quality Engineering, Supplier Development or related quality experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing supplier quality performance, conducting root cause investigations, and driving corrective and preventive actions across the supply base.
• Experience utilizing ERP systems, preferably Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS)
• Strong facilitation, interpersonal communication, and relationship management skills
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate effectively within a matrixed, cross-functional environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Experience planning and conducting supplier quality management system (QMS), process, and compliance audits
• Experience working directly with suppliers to improve quality performance, process capability, and manufacturing effectiveness.

Travel

• This role requires up to 50% travel.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance programs
• 401K plans with employer-matching contributions
• Tuition reimbursement
• PTO
• Paid holidays
• Volunteer time off

Pay Range

NY/WA - $130,000 - $145,000 | NC - $110,000-$125,000 | IL - $120,000-$135,000

EEO Statement

Leviton is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Leviton is committed to transparency and security in the recruitment process and will never ask for financial information, payment, or government identification numbers during the application process. For any questions, or to ensure the legitimacy of a job posting, visit the Leviton career site, or contact us at 631.812.6544.