Supplier Quality Engineer

MS Companies; Canal Winchester (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MS Companies is seeking an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer to lead supplier-related quality efforts, drive corrective actions, and ensure compliance with IATF 16949 standards. You will work with internal teams and suppliers to resolve issues, perform audits, and promote continuous improvement across the supply base.

The role requires 3–5 years in automotive/manufacturing quality, proficiency in PPAP/APQP, and strong problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or equivalent related experience required.
• 3–5 years of quality experience within automotive or manufacturing environments.
• ASQ certification or equivalent quality certification/training (CQE, Lean Six Sigma Belt, etc.) preferred.
• IATF 16949 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor certification with supporting documentation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary quality contact between the manufacturing plant and suppliers for supplier-related quality concerns.
• Lead supplier issue resolution through cross-functional problem-solving and corrective action activities.
• Coordinate and conduct supplier quality audits, verification activities, and process assessments.
• Maintain supplier quality databases, tracking systems, audit schedules, and corrective action documentation.
• Analyze quality concerns using tools such as Layered Process Audits (LPA), PDCA, 8D, 5 Why, Process Flow Diagrams, and Mind Maps.
• Lead inspection, testing, and validation activities to eliminate recurring supplier quality issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on supplier performance and error-proofing.
• Ensure supplier compliance with IATF 16949, ISO standards, and internal quality requirements.
• Partner with Corporate Supplier Development to maintain consistent supplier communication and expectations.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation to support issue resolution.
• Coordinate internal and external sorting and containment activities when quality issues arise.
• Promote supplier understanding of plant supplier management systems and quality expectations
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers to improve long-term performance
• Conduct on-site supplier audits to verify corrective actions and identify improvement opportunities
• Support manufacturing operations by serving as the liaison between plant personnel and suppliers
• Address supplier-related customer quality concerns and coordinate appropriate corrective actions
• Process RMAs, supplier chargebacks, and vendor debit activities
• Review supplier PPAP documentation for production approval
• Verify implementation and effectiveness of supplier corrective actions
• Support additional quality initiatives and projects as assigned by management

Skills

PPAP & APQP

Root Cause Analysis

Supplier Quality Methodologies

Read Engineering Drawings

Cross-functional Facilitation

MS Excel

Data Analysis

Communication & Problem Solving

Travel Readiness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Quality/Manufacturing

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

About the Role

The ideal candidate will have experience in supplier quality, root cause analysis, PPAP, auditing, and continuous improvement. This individual will work cross-functionally with internal teams and suppliers to resolve quality concerns, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurring issues while supporting overall manufacturing excellence.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary quality contact between the manufacturing plant and suppliers for supplier-related quality concerns
• Lead supplier issue resolution through cross-functional problem-solving and corrective action activities
• Coordinate and conduct supplier quality audits, verification activities, and process assessments
• Maintain supplier quality databases, tracking systems, audit schedules, and corrective action documentation
• Analyze quality concerns using tools such as Layered Process Audits (LPA), PDCA, 8D, 5 Why, Process Flow Diagrams, and Mind Maps
• Lead inspection, testing, and validation activities to eliminate recurring supplier quality issues
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on supplier performance and error-proofing
• Ensure supplier compliance with IATF 16949, ISO standards, and internal quality requirements
• Partner with Corporate Supplier Development to maintain consistent supplier communication and expectations
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation to support issue resolution
• Coordinate internal and external sorting and containment activities when quality issues arise
• Promote supplier understanding of plant supplier management systems and quality expectations
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers to improve long-term performance
• Conduct on-site supplier audits to verify corrective actions and identify improvement opportunities
• Support manufacturing operations by serving as the liaison between plant personnel and suppliers
• Address supplier-related customer quality concerns and coordinate appropriate corrective actions
• Process RMAs, supplier chargebacks, and vendor debit activities
• Review supplier PPAP documentation for production approval
• Verify implementation and effectiveness of supplier corrective actions
• Support additional quality initiatives and projects as assigned by management

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or equivalent related experience required
• 3–5 years of quality experience within an automotive or manufacturing environment
• ASQ certification or equivalent quality certification/training (CQE, Lean Six Sigma Belt, etc.) preferred
• IATF 16949 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor certification with supporting documentation

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of PPAP, APQP, Root Cause Analysis, and supplier quality methodologies
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards
• Experience facilitating cross-functional teams and leading supplier quality meetings
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis tools
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to travel up to 50%, including occasional international travel

Preferred Skills

• Experience with TS 16949, IATF 16949, and ISO quality management systems
• Knowledge of Layered Process Audits (LPA), PDCA, 8D, 5 Why, Process Flow Diagrams, and error-proofing methodologies
• Experience conducting supplier quality audits and countermeasure verification
• Familiarity with supplier chargebacks, vendor debits, and RMA processes
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives within supplier quality organizations
• Strong presentation and relationship management skills with suppliers and customers