Supplier Quality Engineer

Kidde-Fenwal LLC; Ashland (MA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

KiddeFenwal LLC in Ashland, MA is hiring a Supplier Quality Engineer to own supplier quality performance across mechanical and electronic components. You will qualify new suppliers, address quality issues, and drive improvements with engineering, operations, and supply chain.

The role emphasizes hands-on responsibility with supplier development (80%) and supporting incoming inspection and FAI (20%), collaborating with suppliers and internal teams to implement corrective actions and robust

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical discipline.
• 2+ years of supplier quality or related manufacturing quality experience.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience with dimensional inspection equipment.
• Experience investigating quality issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize issues, and collaborate with teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and willingness to learn ERP/quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier qualification and approval activities and coordinate quality documentation.
• Coordinate quality requirements for new components and suppliers, including FAI, PPAP, process qualification, Control Plans.
• Manage supplier quality issues identified through inspections and manufacturing.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions using 8D or equivalent methodologies.
• Evaluate nonconforming material and coordinate containment and corrective actions.
• Monitor supplier quality performance and develop supplier KPIs (DPPM, trends, corrective action).
• Identify underperforming suppliers and drive quality improvement with stakeholders.
• Support supplier development, process improvement, and risk reduction activities.
• Support qualification and transition of alternate suppliers and components.
• Perform and support First Article and incoming inspections, reviewing drawings, specs, inspection results.
• Utilize measuring equipment and ERP/drawing databases to maintain records.
• Work with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to resolve supplier quality issues.
• Maintain supplier quality records per QMS.
• Work independently to manage supplier quality activities and timely issue resolution.

Skills

Supplier quality experience

Root cause analysis

Reading drawings

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Electrical/Quality Engineering

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

CMMs

Vision systems

ERP systems

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Supplier Quality Engineer

Full Time Ashland, MA, US

Salary Range: $78,000.00 To $95,000.00 Annually

Supplier Quality Engineer

About KiddeFenwal

KiddeFenwal is a global leader in industrial and commercial fire suppression systems and safety controls. Through our trusted brands, Kidde Fire Systems, Kidde Fire Protection, and Fenwal Controls, we protect lives, property, and critical assets worldwide. Headquartered in Ashland, Massachusetts, with operations across the United States, United Kingdom, and India, we are committed to innovation, operational excellence, and delivering customer-focused solutions.

About the Role

We are seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to join our quality organization and take ownership of supplier quality performance across a range of mechanical and electronic components. This position will work closely with suppliers, Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to qualify new suppliers and components, resolve quality issues, and drive improvements in supplier performance.

The role offers significant hands-on responsibility and autonomy, with approximately 80% of the position focused on supplier quality engineering and supplier development and 20% supporting incoming inspection and First Article Inspection (FAI) activities.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work directly with suppliers and internal engineering and manufacturing teams, investigate complex quality problems, implement corrective actions, and help establish robust processes for new and existing suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead supplier qualification and approval activities, including evaluation of supplier capabilities and coordination of required quality documentation.
• Coordinate quality requirements for new components and suppliers, including First Article Inspection (FAI), PPAP, process qualification, Control Plans, and related quality documentation.
• Manage supplier quality issues identified through incoming inspection, manufacturing operations, and other internal sources.
• Lead root cause investigations and work with suppliers to implement effective corrective and preventive actions using 8D or equivalent problem-solving methodologies.
• Evaluate nonconforming material, assess potential product impact, and coordinate containment and corrective actions with suppliers and internal teams.
• Monitor supplier quality performance and develop supplier KPIs, including DPPM, nonconformance trends, corrective action performance, and supplier scorecards.
• Identify underperforming suppliers and work collaboratively with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve quality performance and reduce defect rates.
• Support supplier development and continuous improvement activities, including process improvement, defect prevention, and risk reduction.
• Support the qualification and transition of alternate suppliers and components, ensuring applicable quality requirements are established and verified.
• Perform and support First Article Inspections and incoming inspection activities, including review of engineering drawings, specifications, inspection results, and dimensional requirements.
• Utilize precision measuring equipment and inspection techniques to evaluate components, including calipers, micrometers, thread gauges, CMMs, and vision systems, as applicable.
• Utilize ERP systems, Excel, and engineering/drawing databases to review information, maintain quality records, and process transactions.
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and other internal functions to resolve supplier quality issues and establish effective quality requirements.
• Maintain appropriate supplier quality records and documentation in accordance with the company's Quality Management System.
• Work independently to manage assigned supplier quality activities and drive timely resolution of quality issues.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, process quality, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Working knowledge of dimensional inspection and precision measuring equipment, such as calipers, micrometers, thread gauges, CMMs, or vision systems.
• Experience investigating manufacturing or supplier quality issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Working knowledge of root cause analysis and structured problem‑solving methods, including 8D or equivalent methodologies.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple quality issues, and effectively collaborate with suppliers and internal teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and willingness to learn ERP and other quality management systems.

Preferred:

• Experience with supplier quality engineering or supplier development.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and Gauge R&R.
• Experience with machined, cast, forged, sheet metal, or other manufactured components.
• Experience performing or supporting First Article Inspections.
• Familiarity with ANSI, ASTM, ASME, or other applicable engineering standards.
• Experience with ERP systems and engineering/drawing management databases.
• Experience working in an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

KiddeFenwal is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.