Supplier Quality Engineer

SL Tennessee; Clinton (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SL Tennessee is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to strengthen the quality and reliability of purchased materials across the supply chain. You will lead supplier quality management, APQP/PPAP, root-cause investigations, and corrective actions while collaborating with Purchasing, Engineering, Production, and customers.

You will drive supplier development, audits, performance monitoring, and risk reduction in both domestic and international contexts, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing, supplier quality, supplier development, or quality engineering.
• Experience with supplier performance systems, quality systems, and engineering documentation.
• Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, GD&T, SPC, and MSA.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, assembly operations, and process controls.
• Strong communication and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain supplier quality processes in compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, customer requirements, and company standards.
• Evaluate, qualify, and monitor supplier performance using audits, assessments, scorecards, and performance metrics.
• Lead supplier APQP activities and review PPAP submissions.
• Support supplier sourcing, qualification, validation, and launch readiness activities.
• Conduct supplier process audits and quality system audits; lead root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Manage supplier nonconformance issues and containment activities; ensure timely verification of CAPA.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Production, Logistics, and customers to resolve supplier-related concerns.

Job description

About this position

Supplier quality Engineer

purpose of position

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of purchased materials and components throughout the supply chain. The SQE partners with suppliers, Purchasing, Engineering, Production, and customers to support supplier development, new product launches, quality improvement activities, and supplier performance management.

Supplier Quality Management

Develop and maintain supplier quality processes in compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, customer requirements, and company standards.

Evaluate, qualify, and monitor supplier performance using audits, assessments, scorecards, and performance metrics.

Establish and maintain supplier quality expectations and requirements.

Drive supplier quality improvement initiatives to achieve zero-defect performance.

New Product Development and Launch Support

Lead supplier APQP activities and review PPAP submissions.

Support supplier sourcing, qualification, validation, and launch readiness activities.

Participate in DFMEA and PFMEA reviews to identify and mitigate risks.

Support customer launches and supplier readiness reviews.

Audits and Problem Resolution

Conduct supplier process audits and quality system audits.

Lead root cause investigations and corrective action activities using structured problem-solving methodologies.

Manage supplier nonconformance issues and containment activities.

Ensure timely implementation and verification of corrective and preventive actions.

Utilize APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.

Analyze supplier performance data, process capability, warranty data, and quality trends.

Work directly with suppliers to improve capability, reduce variation, and eliminate defects.

Support risk reduction and supplier development initiatives.

Technical Leadership and Support

Serve as the subject matter expert for supplier quality requirements.

Support Incoming Quality Inspectors and cross-functional teams.

Collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Production, Logistics, and customers to resolve supplier-related concerns.

Support strategic supplier development and business objectives.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or related technical field preferred.

Three to five (3-5) years of experience in manufacturing, supplier quality, supplier development, or quality engineering.

Experience with supplier performance systems, quality systems, and engineering documentation.

Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 requirements.

Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, GD&T, SPC, and MSA.

Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.

Understanding of manufacturing processes, assembly operations, and process controls.

Strong communication and supplier relationship management skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management systems.

Physical Demands

Combination of office and manufacturing environments.

Ability to conduct supplier audits and production evaluations.

Domestic and international travel may be required.

Ability to work in supplier manufacturing facilities and customer locations.

Supervision

Received From:

Quality Manager

Given To:

Incoming Quality Inspectors

Temporary sorting and containment personnel as assigned

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