Supplier Quality Engineer

Remington Arms; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 83,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day-one healthcare

Company-paid parental leave

401(k) match

Education assistance

Paid time away

Job summary

The Kinetic Group, based in Anoka, Minnesota, is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to ensure superior supplier performance across its manufacturing network. The role interfaces with Strategic Sourcing, Operations, Engineering, and Quality to drive quality enhancements and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities include leading supplier qualification, CAPA, and APQP activities, plus supporting new materials and processes. A strong background in quality systems and lean methods is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Quality, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain, or Operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading supplier corrective action and supplier development initiatives.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain supplier quality strategies aligned with sourcing objectives.
• Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and validation for new and existing suppliers.
• Drive CAPA processes with suppliers and ensure timely root cause analysis.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving tools to reduce defects and waste.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Program Management during new product launches and changes.

Skills

Supplier Quality Management

Root Cause Analysis

Project Management

Analytical Thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Pay Range: $82,800.00 - $115,900.00 The actual annual salary offered to a candidate will be based on variables including experience, geographic location, education, and skills/achievements, and will be mutually agreed upon at the time of offer.

Job Description The Kinetic Group is a world leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of small caliber ammunition under the iconic brands B&P, CCI, Federal Premium, Fiocchi, HEVI, Remington and Speer. We have domestic ammunition manufacturing facilities in Minnesota, Idaho, Arkansas, and Missouri, and service law enforcement, government agencies and sporting enthusiasts throughout the world. Today, The Kinetic Group is a part of the Ammo+ division of The Czechoslovak Group (CSG), which holds a diverse portfolio of companies in the defense, security, automotive, aerospace and rail industries. We are seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer. The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) serves as a critical link between Strategic Sourcing, Suppliers, Operations, Engineering, and Quality to ensure world-class supplier performance across The Kinetic Group's manufacturing network. This role is responsible for driving supplier quality excellence, mitigating supply chain risk, supporting new product introductions, and leading corrective and preventive actions to improve supplier capability, quality, delivery, and cost performance. The SQE will work proactively with suppliers to develop robust quality systems, resolve performance issues, and implement continuous improvement initiatives that support operational objectives and customer requirements. This position reports to the Director of Category Management and is based out of our Anoka, Minnesota office.

What you’ll do:

• Supplier Quality Management Develop, implement, and maintain supplier quality strategies aligned with strategic sourcing objectives. Partner with suppliers to improve quality performance, process capability, and manufacturing controls. Establish supplier quality metrics and monitor supplier performance through scorecards, KPIs, and performance reviews. Identify and mitigate supplier-related quality and supply risks through proactive engagement and development efforts. Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and validation activities for new and existing suppliers.
• Supplier Development & Continuous Improvement Conduct supplier audits and assessments to evaluate compliance, capability, and continuous improvement opportunities. Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes with suppliers, ensuring timely root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions. Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving tools to reduce defects, variation, and waste throughout the supply chain. Support supplier capacity planning and readiness activities to ensure alignment with business growth and customer demand.
• Advanced Quality Planning & New Product Introduction Collaborate with Engineering and Program Management teams during new product launches and engineering changes. Lead supplier Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and First Article Inspection (FAI) activities where applicable. Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes and quality plans to ensure product and process robustness. Support qualification and validation of new materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner closely with Strategic Sourcing, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to align supplier performance with organizational objectives. Support strategic sourcing initiatives through supplier evaluations, risk assessments, and technical reviews. Provide supplier quality expertise during supplier selection, contract negotiations, and business reviews. Lead cross-functional efforts to resolve critical supplier quality issues impacting production or customer satisfaction.
• Compliance & Quality Systems Ensure supplier compliance with company quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications. Maintain accurate supplier quality records, audit reports, and performance documentation. Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits as required. Promote a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and quality throughout the supplier network.

Experience you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Quality, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain, or Operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading supplier corrective action and supplier development initiatives.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems, statistical analysis, and root cause methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Experience utilizing ERP systems, supplier management tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent project management, analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.
• You might have: ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or related certification.
• Experience in defense, ammunition, sporting products, aerospace, automotive, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or equivalent quality systems.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.

Work Environment:

Employee work assignments may include tasks working with and/or exposure to potentially hazardous areas, including flammables and explosives. Safety training is provided to all employees to ensure compliance with company and federal regulations.

Benefits:

At The Kinetic Group, we believe the people who build great products deserve great support. That's why we offer day‑one healthcare coverage, company‑paid parental leave, a dollar‑for‑dollar 401(k) match up to 6%, career development opportunities, education assistance, and paid time away from work to help you thrive both professionally and personally. Our Postings are not intended for distribution to or use in any jurisdiction, country or territory where such distribution or use would violate local law or would subject us to any regulations in another jurisdiction, country or territory. We reserve the right to limit our Postings in any jurisdiction, country or territory.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veteran/Disabled International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulation (EAR) Requirements:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national; (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (a/k/a green card holder); (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157; or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158 or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Gun Control Act Requirements:

It is unlawful for these categories of persons to possess (for business or personal reasons) firearms or ammunition: (i) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year; (ii) fugitive from justice; (iii) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substance Act 21 U.S.C. 802); (iv) who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any mental institution; (v) illegal alien; (vi) discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions; (vii) who has renounced his or her United States Citizenship; (viii) who is subject to a court order restraining the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of the intimate partner; or (ix) who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Across The Kinetic Group, we rally for the customer by fostering collaboration, sharing insights and scaling competencies. We engineer our products in ways that match the drive of the people who put them to work in the field, on the course and on the battlefield. We’re not just a name on the door — we are the people developing the products that help customers the world over. The Kinetic Group is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered for employment without to regard race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and any other characteristics protected by law.

The EEO Law poster is available here: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail].