Supplier Quality & Continuous Improvement Engineer

Hutchinson; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Hutchinson in Grand Rapids, MI seeks a Supplier Quality Engineer to support Purchasing, conduct supplier audits, and drive continuous improvement in the supply base. You will analyze supplier performance, coordinate corrective actions, and help qualify new supplier materials within a structured NPD process.

The role emphasizes root cause analysis, cross-functional collaboration with Engineering and Manufacturing, and a strong focus on defect prevention and quality improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering and 6+ years related experience or equivalent.
• Experience with supplier audits and quality systems.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with PPAP, 8D, Lean/Six Sigma methods.

Responsibilities

• Support Purchasing to ensure supplier performance is regularly reported and corrective actions are implemented.
• Maintain and update supplier audit system and schedule.
• Conduct supplier audits to drive standardization and continuous improvement.
• Monitor and improve supply chain performance including on-time delivery and quality.
• Promote root cause analysis with suppliers to prevent recurrence of non-conformances.
• Help resolve supplier technical issues to ensure continuity of supply.
• Assist in evaluating and qualifying new supplier materials (PPAP).
• Drive Zero Defects mentality within the supply base.
• Log MCN and MCN debits.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Project management experience

Lean/Six Sigma knowledge

8D/PPAP knowledge

ERP/office software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

MAPICS

Excel

Lotus

Word

Job description

Hutchinson in Grand Rapids, MI seeks a Supplier Quality Engineer to support Purchasing, conduct supplier audits, and drive continuous improvement in the supply base. You will analyze supplier performance, coordinate corrective actions, and help qualify new supplier materials within a structured NPD process.

The role emphasizes root cause analysis, cross-functional collaboration with Engineering and Manufacturing, and a strong focus on defect prevention and quality improvement.