Supplier Quality Engineer

SMP Automotive Global; Alabama; On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. in Tuscaloosa, AL, is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to ensure supplier quality meets customer, manufacturing, and company requirements while driving continuous improvement across the supplier base.

You will collaborate with suppliers and cross‑functional teams on new product launches, quality issue resolution, and supplier development, leveraging APQP/PPAP, IATF 16949, and AIAG Core Tools to achieve defect reduction and on‑time delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field (or relevant experience).
• 3+ years in Supplier Quality or automotive quality roles.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA.
• Experience in an IATF 16949-certified manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage and improve supplier quality performance through KPI monitoring, audits, scorecards and development.
• Lead supplier corrective actions and escalation for quality, delivery and capacity concerns.
• Support supplier selection, qualification, onboarding, and risk assessment.
• Lead APQP activities for new product launches and engineering changes.
• Review and approve PPAP submissions per customer and company requirements.
• Verify supplier readiness through process reviews, trials, and launch audits.
• Conduct supplier process audits using IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, and internal standards.
• Drive supplier improvement initiatives focused on defect reduction and process capability.
• Lead containment, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for supplier-related issues.
• Review 8D responses and verify effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Support manufacturing by resolving supplier quality issues impacting production.
• Coordinate containment to minimize disruptions and customer impact.
• Participate in cross-functional investigations and warranty reduction initiatives.
• Maintain supplier quality documentation (audits, PPAPs, CAPA, performance records).
• Support internal, customer, and third-party quality audits.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Supplier collaboration

Influence and accountability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Quality management software

Job description

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to join our team in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This position is responsible for ensuring supplier quality performance meets customer, manufacturing, and company requirements while driving continuous improvement throughout the supplier base.

The Supplier Quality Engineer will work closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to support new product launches, resolve quality issues, improve supplier performance, and ensure purchased components consistently meet quality and delivery expectations.

What You'll Do

• Manage and improve supplier quality performance through KPI monitoring, audits, scorecards, and supplier development activities.
• Lead supplier corrective actions and escalation activities related to quality, delivery, and capacity concerns.
• Support supplier selection, qualification, onboarding, and risk assessment activities.
• Lead supplier APQP activities for new product launches and engineering changes.
• Review and approve supplier PPAP submissions in accordance with customer and company requirements.
• Verify supplier manufacturing readiness through process reviews, production trials, and launch audits.
• Conduct supplier process audits utilizing IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, and internal standards.
• Drive supplier improvement initiatives focused on defect reduction, process capability, error-proofing, and continuous improvement.
• Lead containment, root cause analysis, and corrective action activities for supplier-related quality issues.
• Review supplier 8D responses and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Support manufacturing operations by resolving supplier quality issues that impact production or customer requirements.
• Coordinate supplier containment activities to minimize production disruptions and customer impact.
• Participate in cross-functional investigations, customer concern resolution, and warranty reduction initiatives.
• Maintain accurate supplier quality documentation, including audits, PPAPs, corrective actions, and performance records.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party quality audits.

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field, or relevant work experience.
• 3+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related automotive quality role.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA.
• Experience working in an IATF 16949-certified manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

Preferred:

• 5+ years of automotive supplier quality experience.
• VDA 6.3 Auditor certification.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification.
• Experience supporting OEM or Tier 1 automotive customers.
• Experience with ERP systems and quality management software.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of automotive quality systems and customer-specific requirements.
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and AIAG Core Tools.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards.
• Strong root cause analysis and structured problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to influence suppliers, drive accountability, and achieve measurable results.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other business/quality software.

Travel

This position requires the ability to travel to supplier locations, customer facilities, and other company locations as needed. Travel may be up to 30-50%, depending on business and program requirements.

This position works in both office and manufacturing environments and requires regular interaction with suppliers, production personnel, engineering, quality, purchasing, and other cross-functional teams.

Why Join SMP Automotive Systems Alabama?

At SMP Automotive Systems Alabama, you'll have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment and play a key role in supplier performance, product quality, and customer satisfaction. We value teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and the development of our people.