Supplier Quality Engineer

Chromalox; Cary (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Chromalox is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to ensure raw materials, components, and outsourced processes meet high standards. You will partner with Procurement, Engineering, and Manufacturing to audit suppliers, drive root-cause analysis, and maintain supply chain reliability.

Responsibilities include supplier evaluation, SCAR management, MRB disposition, KPI tracking, and collaboration on NPD to ensure supplier readiness and technical specification alignment.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of supplier quality engineering experience in a custom manufacturing or industrial machinery environment.
• Experience conducting internal or supplier quality audits (ISO 9001, AS9100, or equivalent QMS).
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and execute supplier audits (domestic and international).
• Evaluate supplier manufacturing capability, QMS, and process controls.
• Lead SCARs and ensure robust root-cause analysis and permanent corrective actions.
• Lead MRB disposition to minimize disruptions and drive supplier performance improvements.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve technical quality issues and reduce defects.
• Monitor supplier KPIs and lead supplier quality reviews.
• Assist during NPD to ensure supplier readiness and spec alignment.
• Establish incoming inspection criteria, sampling plans, and test procedures.
• Review FAIs, CoAs, and material certifications for compliance.
• Support regulatory data collection (REACH, RoHS, TSCA) and internal QMS compliance.

Skills

Structured problem-solving

Internal/Supplier audits

GD&T interpretation

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Supplier Quality Engineer

Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical Thermal Solutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating and temperature management solutions, including industrial heaters and systems, heat tracing, and a range of component technologies.
Durex Industries has over 40 years' expertise in the thermal control business. A trusted custom thermal solutions supplier and engineering design partner for customers across a range of industry sectors, it also offers engineering, manufacturing, testing and laboratory and quality assurance services.
Durex serves businesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plastics processing, food and packaging, aerospace, defense, and security. Its innovative bespoke solutions - such as retrofitting heating elements to prevent outdoor beverage dispensers from failing in low temperatures and custom-made circulation heaters to heat fuel in large ship engines.
Join us as we continue to provide solutions to our customers and the world!

The Role:

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) will be responsible for ensuring that raw materials, custom components, and outsourced processes from our supply base meet Durex's high standards of excellence. You will partner closely with Procurement, Engineering, and Manufacturing to evaluate, audit, and develop suppliers, drive root-cause analysis for quality non-conformances, and maintain overall supply chain reliability.

Your Responsibilities:

Supplier Evaluation & Auditing

• Plan, schedule, and execute technical, process, and system audits at supplier facilities (domestic and international) to qualify new suppliers and assess existing ones.
• Evaluate supplier manufacturing capability, quality management systems (QMS), and process controls.
• Maintain and track supplier metrics on the Approved Supplier List (ASL). Non-Conformance & Corrective Action (SCARs)
• Issue, track, and close Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), ensuring suppliers perform robust root-cause analysis (5-Why, 8D, Fishbone) and implement effective permanent corrective actions.
• Lead the disposition process for non-conforming material (MRB - Material Review Board) to minimize manufacturing disruptions.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve technical quality issues promptly and reduce repeat defects.

Supplier Quality Metrics & Performance

• Monitor Supplier Key Performance Indicators.
• Lead regular Supplier Quality Reviews with key strategic suppliers to drive continuous improvement.
• Develop supplier risk mitigation strategies for critical components and single-source suppliers.

Advanced Quality Planning & Incoming Inspection

• Partner with Purchasing and Engineering during new product development (NPD) to ensure supplier readiness and alignment on technical specifications.
• Establish incoming inspection criteria, sampling plans (AQL), and test procedures for critical raw materials and machined parts.
• Review supplier First Article Inspections (FAIs), Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), and material certifications for compliance.

Regulatory & Compliance Support

• Support regulatory compliance data collection (e.g., REACH, RoHS, Conflict Minerals, TSCA) by coordinating material documentation from the supply base.
• Ensure supplier compliance with internal QMS procedures.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3-5+ years of quality engineering experience with a primary focus on supplier quality management in a custom manufacturing or industrial machinery environment.
• Proven expertise in structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, DMAIC, Fishbone analysis).
• Hands-on experience conducting internal or supplier quality audits (ISO 9001, AS9100, or equivalent QMS).
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing), and technical specifications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and external supply partners.

Preferred:

• ASQ Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
• Lean / Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems for supplier quality workflows and non-conformance tracking.
• Experience with raw material compliance reporting (RoHS, REACH, Prop 65).

Working Conditions & Travel:

• Mix of professional office environment, internal manufacturing floor, and supplier facility environments.
• Up to 15-25% travel may be required for supplier audits and quality evaluations.

Pay Range: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00

At Durex Industries, we are not just an employer but a champion of equal opportunities and inclusivity. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that adheres to the highest hiring standards and is free from discrimination and harassment.

Durex Industries is an equal opportunity employer; our commitment extends to all aspects of employment, ensuring that no individual is mistreated or discriminated against based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws.